Lela Amparo of Amparø soundtracked Troll Hunter for our latest Flix Mix!
Combining our love of gluing our eyeballs to the continuous stream of content on Netflix and swell tunes, we’ve created a new feature where music people we love make their own soundtrack to their favorite Netflix selection. Much like our friend Steven, Lela is the champion of new things. A creative and dedicated member of many different music, travel and tech communities, Lela has a knack for curation and combining serene music with the world around her and beyond. Her latest EP Cloud Wrangler is the perfect example. It’s no surprise she chose the Icelandic backdrop of Troll Hunter to blanket with ambient music. Here’s how she would use calming sounds to keep the trolls at bay:
Several years ago when I was a single twenty-something year-old, working at the local record store, I would make every person I went on dates with watch Troll Hunter. It started off as a joke, but as time went on and I continued to go on more dates, I noticed that anyone who could enjoy this film was worth hanging onto. And it turns out, my wife was the only one to truly enjoy Troll Hunter as much as I did.
The film is a mockumentary (despite my desire of wishing trolls were real) and is based in the forests of Norway. A local film crew tries to track down a man for one story when they suddenly realize they’re in for an entirely different treat.
I’ve always been into the paranormal, crypto creatures, unexplainable myths and urban legends that surround our every day lives. Having an interest in such things has allowed my imagination to run wild, which seems to carry a parallel theme in the music I create. From the lush nature scenes to the iconic Land Rover turned Troll Hunting truck, this film captures a lot of the weird and beautiful things I love.
The movie left such an impact on me that I’m renting the same Land Rover to go troll hunting with friends in Iceland next month.
1. Jose Gonzalez – “This Is How We Walk On The Moon”
The quiet intro and eventual build up in this song tends to mirror the feelings and emotions I go through when on the edge of a new adventure. It echoes patiently waiting for the excitement of what lies ahead to the eventual feeling of being free and in the moment.
2. Emancipator – “Minor Cause”
The feeling of fresh air on your face and the scent of pine trees in the fall is one of my favorite moments to ever exist. Whenever this song plays, it brings me straight to that feeling and it’s the same type of scenery shown through out the film: Lush forests, fresh air and snow… and the occasional troll.
3. Alicks – “This Thing Was Not Living, But Seeking To Live”
Throughout this song, the percussion has similar textures and sounds to that of tree branches breaking. Might sound weird but seriously, give it a listen. The organic warmth created by this sound pairs well with the textured snapshots and the hopeless feeling of chasing a dream (or monster) that might not exist to begin with.
4. bvdub – “If I Had Been A Better Man”
Opening slowly with layered synths, this thirteen minute track goes from haunting notes to a melancholy lead. Just like the movie, you’re presented with a small theory that expands into a larger realization. Anything can manifest itself if you’re willing to search for it.
5. Trentemoller – “Miss you”
Certain times in the film, things don’t look so pretty for the cast. They’re stranded, accepting the reality of trolls and whether or not to continue with the documentary. The feeling of being alone, stuck in isolation, and stranded in the middle of nowhere isn’t a pleasant experience. “Miss You” by Trentemoller manages to bring out those emotions in a beautiful and minimal way.
6. Sina. – “Remembrance”
Take a moment and remember all the obstacles you’ve overcome. Just like the cast and the troll under bridge they were able to defeat – thanks to their friend. What I’m trying to say is, don’t forget the people in your life who were there to help you through hard times in your life.
7. Christian Loffler – “Blind”
According to Troll Hunter and Norwegian folklore, one can kill a troll by exposing it to day light and/or blinding it with UV lights. “Blind” by Christian Loffler won’t help in defeating any trolls, but the song features well-crafted vocal samples fading into the minimal beat he’s constructed.
8. Maribou State – “Natural Fools”
We all spend time making foolish decisions and wondering what could have been done differently. The echoes of the guitar and soulful bass line in “Natural Fools” is a gentle reminder of those mistakes. I don’t think I have to point out what a mistake it is to chase a giant Troll in the wilderness is.
9. Royksopp – “What Else Is There?”
Once, I was stuck in the middle of the Sahara desert and the only song my iPod would play was this track. Instead of being terrified of total isolation and fear, the lyrics and vast melodies served as a helpful reminder that nothing else mattered, just that experience. I imagine the crew of Troll Hunter felt a similar sensation when they realized it couldn’t get any worse.
10. Nadja – “Skin Turns To Glass”
If the Milky Way and cold winters ever had a theme song, it’d be this tune. The 17-minute track fills all the empty cracks and nooks left over from the outdoors. The final scene of where the crew are out running a snow Troll in the mountains should of had this song playing. It’s gorgeous, dark, gloomy and showcases the horror of never escaping the grips of a Troll.
