Experimental guitarist Emily Robb is venturing into new artistic territory with her upcoming album, “Soundtrack to The Space Between Attack and Decay.” The album, set to release on January 23, 2024, features Robb’s innovative sound paired with the surreal vision of Philadelphia filmmaker Jessica Kourkounis. This project marks Robb’s first experience composing music specifically for a film.
Kourkounis, who collaborated with screenwriter Richie Fravel to develop the short film, recognized Robb’s unique musical style and approached her several years ago to create the soundtrack. Robb embraced the challenge, finding the process of working with a new medium exciting. “I just thought: OK, I’m just going to come up with … different things and see if any of these vibes stick with them,” she stated. “The task of creating something that served someone else’s creative vision was fun.”
Robb has been a prominent figure in Philadelphia’s underground music scene since her debut solo record, “How to Moonwalk,” was released in 2021. Over the past few years, she has focused on solo guitar projects, earning a reputation for her emotive and raw performance style. Her music, characterized by monolithic drone and sustained sound cycles, often aims to create a trance-like experience for listeners.
In her collaboration with Kourkounis, Robb faced immediate challenges. The first scene that required music had not yet been filmed, leaving her to imagine the actors’ movements based solely on the script. The resulting composition, “Dance Music,” starts with an acoustic guitar and evolves into a deconstructed rock framework, reflecting her signature style. Another track, “Shiny Sister Theme,” conjures images of a desolate landscape, akin to classic spaghetti western soundtracks by Ennio Morricone, while “Hell Music” conveys a sense of existential dread through its droning feedback.
Robb also incorporated various Foley sounds into the album, adding texture with environmental noises like bubbling water and clangs. This aspect of the project allowed her to contribute to the film’s post-apocalyptic atmosphere. “It was a really cool learning experience, and it was really fun to see how it all kind of came together,” Robb explained. She expressed interest in pursuing more soundtrack work, suggesting that it offers an opportunity to break free from the confines of her established identity as an artist.
“The Space Between Attack and Decay” has been screened at various festivals, receiving accolades including the Philadelphia Independent Film Festival’s Best Experimental Film award and the Roswell Shorts Indie Film Festival’s Best Short Film honor. The film features performances by Boris McGiver and is narrated by James McAvoy.
Robb’s artistic philosophy is deeply rooted in the DIY ethos. She encourages aspiring musicians to focus on creating rather than getting bogged down by formalities. “If you want to play guitar, just pick up a guitar and play. Find someone else that wants to make noise, and do it with them,” she advised.
A familiar presence in Philadelphia’s music community, Robb often collaborates with other artists and participates in various performances. Although she recorded the new album using digital equipment at Suddenly Studio, she prefers the warmth of analog recording methods.
Improvisation is central to Robb’s creative process. She believes that music emerges from attentive engagement with one’s surroundings and experiences. “Everything shows up when you play,” she noted. When performing live, she utilizes guitar loops to create a rhythmic pulse, enhancing the overall experience for her audience.
As a lifelong music enthusiast, Robb connects deeply with the records she collects. She views great albums as soundtracks for life’s moments, whether for motivation or relaxation.
Robb will celebrate the release of her new album with a performance at Solar Myth in South Philadelphia on January 31, 2024. She will be joined on stage by fellow musicians from the Philadelphia underground scene, including her bandmates from Astute Palate and the newly formed ER Band. The evening will also feature a screening of Kourkounis’ film, adding an exciting visual element to the event.
Emily Robb’s transition into film scoring not only showcases her versatility as an artist but also emphasizes her commitment to exploring new creative avenues. As she prepares for this new chapter, her innovative spirit continues to inspire audiences and fellow musicians alike.
