Creating an emotional connection through film has always been a complex, multi-layered process. Dialogue, cinematography, and plot carry much of the weight, but music remains one of the most powerful elements for guiding viewer perception and enhancing storytelling. Music executive and visionary Benjy Grinberg has spent years studying the intersection of sound and emotion, particularly in how music can shape narrative in filmmaking. His insights reveal just how vital sonic elements are when building immersive visual stories.
The Power of Sound in Storytelling
Music in film is more than just background noise. It establishes tone, evokes emotion, and often serves as an invisible narrator that guides the viewer through each scene. From subtle strings underscoring a romantic moment to the pounding bass in an action sequence, every musical choice helps to build a narrative arc. Music can foreshadow, reflect inner thoughts, or underscore silence with dramatic weight.
Directors like Quentin Tarantino, Christopher Nolan, and Sofia Coppola have long understood this, often treating the soundtrack as a character in its own right. However, it takes a nuanced understanding of sound design and emotional storytelling to make it truly work. That’s where producers like Grinberg shine.
The Producer’s Perspective on Music and Film
Benjy Grinberg, the founder of Rostrum Records and a major player in launching the careers of artists like Mac Miller and Wiz Khalifa, has always believed in the storytelling potential of music. His work in the independent music scene has given him a unique lens through which to view the synergy between audio and visual art. He sees music as a tool that doesn’t just accompany a film—it transforms it.
In recent years, Grinberg has turned his attention to projects that blur the lines between music production and film scoring. According to him, scoring a film requires more than just musical talent—it demands a deep understanding of narrative structure, character development, and pacing. Music can cue emotions and ideas before they’re spoken or shown on screen, and when used effectively, it enhances every beat of the storyline.
Emotional Layering Through Sound
The ability of music to evoke emotion is well-documented in psychological studies. According to Harvard Medical School, music activates several brain regions linked to emotion and memory, which explains why a song or score can stir feelings more effectively than dialogue alone. In cinema, this translates into emotional layering—an essential technique for adding depth and nuance to visual storytelling.
Grinberg emphasizes how music can subtly shift the emotional weight of a scene. “Sometimes,” he explains, “what the characters aren’t saying is more important than what they are. That’s where the music speaks.” Whether it’s a moment of loss, joy, suspense, or revelation, the right musical cue can make the difference between a forgettable scene and a profoundly moving one.
Crafting a Sonic Identity
One of the most overlooked aspects of music in filmmaking is the creation of a sonic identity—essentially, a unique sound palette that defines the film’s world. Just as a film’s visual style contributes to its personality, so too does its soundscape. Think of the haunting minimalism in The Social Network or the retro synths in Stranger Things—each builds a distinct, memorable audio universe.
Grinberg suggests that building this sonic world begins long before post-production. It starts with an understanding of the film’s themes and the director’s vision. “You have to treat the score like another layer of the screenplay,” he notes. “It’s about helping the audience feel what the story wants them to feel, often before they even realize it.”
The Collaborative Process
Creating a compelling film score or soundtrack is rarely a solo effort. It involves a team of composers, editors, music supervisors, and often the artists themselves. Grinberg is a strong advocate of collaboration, emphasizing that the most effective musical storytelling occurs when musicians are engaged early in the creative process.
This aligns with industry trends, as more filmmakers are beginning to involve music professionals during the script phase. According to Variety, early integration of music into film production not only improves the quality of the final product but also helps streamline the editing process by establishing emotional cues from the beginning.
Challenges and Innovations
Despite its influential role, music in film is often underappreciated until it’s done wrong. The wrong score can feel distracting or manipulative, breaking immersion instead of enhancing it. Grinberg acknowledges these challenges and advocates for innovation in both the creative and technical aspects of sound design.
Recent advances in AI and music software are making it easier for indie creators to experiment with sound. Still, Grinberg warns that technology should serve the story, not replace human emotion. “Tech is a tool, not a substitute for intuition,” he says. “A great score comes from understanding people, not just algorithms.”
Final Thoughts
As film continues to evolve as a medium, the role of music within it becomes ever more critical. With leaders like Benjy Grinberg pushing boundaries and promoting collaboration between visual and musical artists, the future of cinematic storytelling looks not only more dynamic but also more emotionally resonant. Music isn’t just background—it’s the heartbeat of the story, and in the right hands, it can transform a film from good to unforgettable.
