The composition of Trash's soundtrack took place during the animation phase and evolved in parallel with the film. It emerged through ongoing discussions with the directors about the film’s artistic direction, mood, tone, and our shared musical inspirations.
To build this soundtrack, I drew from a range of musical styles—rock, urban music (hip-hop, electronic), orchestral music, and noise music. By playing with contrasting timbres, my goal was to craft a sonic landscape that would highlight the brutality and strangeness of the visuals, rather than merely accompany them.
Percussive elements, which are particularly prominent, and rhythmic variations played a crucial role in shaping the musical structure and the emotional intent I wanted to convey. For instance, in the chase sequence between the rat and the pigeon, the music is driven by a tense, relentless pulse, creating a sense of urgency and even panic. I aimed to use rhythm as a physical force—something that shakes the viewer and maintains tension as the film unfolds.
By incorporating noise textures—such as industrial sounds and distorted voices—I sought to blur the line between music and sound design. This deliberate sonic confusion was meant to evoke discomfort, in keeping with the world of Trash.
For the final sequence, which carried strong emotional weight, the directors wanted the music to take center stage. I presented them with a draft that resonated with their vision, and I refined it over time. Once the composition was complete, the editing was done in sync with its rhythm, enhancing the synergy between image and sound.
Ultimately, I aimed to heighten the impact of the visuals through a blend of varied rhythms and contrasting textures. My intention was to create a powerful sensory experience by merging the visual identity of Trash with its musical universe.
Quentin Chauvineau, Composer