Mastering Musical Narratives: An Interview with Sonya Belousova and Giona Ostinelli
Composers Sonya Belousova and Giona Ostinelli are renowned for their bold approach to scoring beloved franchises. Their recent work includes the live-action adaptation of the highly popular anime One Piece on Netflix, along with contributions to its successful adaptations of The Witcher and the upcoming film Red Sonja.
Belousova and Ostinelli achieved remarkable success with The Witcher, where their breakout song, “Toss a Coin to Your Witcher,” resonated with audiences, climbing to the top of Billboard‘s rock sales chart and making waves on the Billboard 200.
Their extensive work on One Piece—which boasts a remarkable 79 tracks in its soundtrack—garnered them the Children’s and Family Emmy Award for the original song “My Sails Are Set,” featuring the celebrated Norwegian pop star Aurora.
In a statement following their Emmy win, the duo highlighted, “My Sails Are Set is the driving emotional force of season one, evolving throughout to its powerful and lyrical finale, serving as the culmination of the journey we set out on.” They reflected on how the Emmy honors this creative journey and audience connection.
Belousova and Ostinelli provided insights into the unexpected success of “Toss a Coin to Your Witcher,” their award-winning collaboration on One Piece, and the progress of season two.
Embracing Creativity and Respecting the Source Material
BELOUSOVA: We fearlessly dive into these projects with enthusiasm.
OSTINELLI: As fans of One Piece, our prior knowledge was beneficial.
BELOUSOVA: It’s crucial to respect the established universe while embarking on such expansive projects. We thrive on creating intricate musical landscapes, as we’ve done with other adaptations like The Witcher and now Red Sonja. These opportunities allow us unprecedented creative freedom, unrestricted by geographic boundaries, guiding us to make impactful artistic choices.
OSTINELLI: That freedom enables our imaginations to explore limitless ideas. It’s akin to reading a book and envisioning your own unique world.
BELOUSOVA: With One Piece, recognizing the existing universe and fan expectations was vital. We had to honor the work of creator Eiichiro Oda while also crafting a distinctive musical environment for the live action.
OSTINELLI: The adaptation draws from both the manga and anime, each with its unique sonic characteristics. We aimed to create an original soundscape for the live-action series.
BELOUSOVA: Oda’s initial instruction was clear: we needed to establish our own identity, which was our guiding principle throughout the process.
OSTINELLI: However, we were mindful not to disregard the rich musical heritage established in the anime over the past 25 years. Like the iconic James Bond theme, certain elements must be retained, leading us to thoughtfully and elegantly incorporate familiar tones.
Casey Crafford/Netflix © 2023
Highlights from One Piece’s Musical Journey
INTERVIEWER: With such an expansive score for One Piece, is there a particular piece that you hold nearest?
BELOUSOVA: Choosing a favorite is akin to selecting a favorite child—our music spans a variety of genres. From grand orchestral swashbuckling sounds to fiery flamenco rhythms featuring guitar maestro Marcin, plus an array of styles including hip hop, jazz funk fusion, folk, and circus elements.
OSTINELLI: Each episode presents a fresh blend, ensuring we never tire of our creative sandbox. With eight episodes totaling nearly eight hours of music, the rapid shifts in genre keep the process engaging and exhilarating.
BELOUSOVA: The project maintains a high-energy level throughout, encouraged by Oda’s vision of consistent excitement and dynamism. We blend diverse musical styles tailored to the unique characters, which makes every day a new adventure in creativity.
The Phenomenon of Toss a Coin to Your Witcher
INTERVIEWER: Regarding The Witcher, could you have predicted the song’s explosive success?
BELOUSOVA: We anticipated some attention due to its placement in the climax of episode two, but the overwhelming response was unexpected. The virality of “Toss a Coin to Your Witcher” took us by surprise.
OSTINELLI: I recall relaxing in yoga, battling with my mind to clear it while the tune lingered—it’s possible that was a hint of its potential!
BELOUSOVA: The chart success was staggering; we found ourselves at the pinnacle of the rock charts, outranking major artists at that time. With over 100 million streams on Spotify alone, the entire The Witcher soundtrack surpassed half a billion streams, underlining the extraordinary fan dedication.
OSTINELLI: An unexpected joy came when a childhood friend sent me a European dance remix of “Toss a Coin.” Collaborating on such impactful properties provides a unique platform for creativity, allowing us to forge connections with audiences in a meaningful way.
Looking Ahead with Exciting New Projects
BELOUSOVA: We are currently immersed in the creation of season two of One Piece, and it’s shaping up to be a thrilling experience for fans. Additionally, our work on Red Sonja is set for a summer release—I can’t wait for audiences to see this beautiful film that strikes a balance between fast-paced action and an emotionally layered story.
BELOUSOVA: Crafting both score and songs allows us to deepen our connection to the narrative. Sometimes, a dramatic score elevates a scene, while at other moments, a song with poignant lyrics can amplify emotional depth—these creative choices enhance the overall storytelling.
BELOUSOVA: The workflow is exhilarating; watching rough cuts while envisioning how the music will underpin a scene reinforces the thematic elements. We are excited to build yet another captivating musical universe from the ground up.