With Sinners, directed by Ryan Coogler, being fueled by its musical blues element, the music from the film became a character of its own in the supernatural horror movie. Ludwig Göransson, who composed the soundtrack to Sinners, also executively produced the picture, and he began writing songs for the film in early development. While on set in New Orleans, Göransson’s wife Serena was quoted as emphasizing how much music had a role in the story of Sinners as follows,

“There were 29 individual music moments that we had to account for, and we didn’t want it to feel like a musical. We wanted it to feel as lived in, just organic and natural, and a part of everyday life. There was a lot of pressure to have it all in a month.”

During the production of the film, Göransson and his wife moved to New Orleans on the set of Sinners to teach the actors how to play their musical instruments needed for the aesthetic. He also heavily studied the blues, even visiting Memphis to educate himself. His wife, Serena, discussed how much of her husband’s musical score was his most personal due to a reflection of his own musical journey.

Most of the soundtrack to Sinners was recorded on a 1932 Debro Cyclops resonator to become more authentic, as the character Sammie in the film plays the same guitar. When asked by Variety what he wanted audiences to take away from Sinners, Göransson said:

“I want the kids to go home and want to play guitar. Seeing someone like Miles, this 19-year-old guy playing the guitar, is something they can identify with. I think a lot of kids are going to be inspired by this.”