A few weeks ago, directors Cambria Matlow and Morgan Robinson asked me to compose an original score for their upcoming feature documentary Burning in the Sun.

The film follows a young man who launches a business to assemble and install solar panels in his native Mali. In some cases, he brings solar power to rural villages that have never seen electricity in any form before. The film navigates the intersection of African development projects and environmental entrepreneurship-- a truly remarkable story.

The score has turned out to be quite a joy so far, mixing elements of West African music with something of a Spaghetti Western vibe. In a couple weeks I'll be recording the compositions with a string trio, percussionist Rich Stein, and Malian kora virtuoso Yacouba Sissoko. The score should be completed by the middle of January, and I'm excited to share it with you then!