Atli Örvarsson Infuses 'Silo' with Melancholic Soundscapes and Techno Elements
By Editor • August 28, 2026 • 2 min read
Composer Atli Örvarsson has masterfully embraced the themes of isolation and technology in his score for Apple TV's 'Silo.' Drawing from his own upbringing in a remote Icelandic town, Örvarsson feels a deep connection to the show's core emotional landscape, which mirrors the Scandinavian sense of melancholy found in his music.
In crafting the soundtrack for the first two seasons, he used a combination of piano, strings, and innovative sound design to reflect the stark, claustrophobic environment of the silos. 'It’s rather sparse, introspective music,' Örvarsson noted, emphasizing the balance between grand, epic moments and intimate character interactions.
As the series progresses into its third season, Örvarsson faces new creative challenges due to its dual timelines. One storyline revolves around Juliette Nichols, played by Rebecca Ferguson, who seeks the truth after having her memory erased, while the other delves into how the silos were constructed in present-day Washington, D.C. This required Örvarsson to adapt his musical approach, elevating technological themes within the Washington narrative.
Örvarsson’s realization that contemporary technology is more intricate than the rudimentary tools of the silo residents led him to infuse the Washington segments with a more electronic and austere sound. 'The music inside the silo tends to be weirdly organic,' he explained, contrasting it with the techno elements of the present-day storyline. He aimed to create a cohesive theme that bridged the two timelines, capturing the confusion of Juliette's amnesia.
As 'Silo' evolves, Örvarsson finds both excitement and challenge in composing for the series. 'The pleasure is that you get to keep coming up with new ideas,' he remarked, acknowledging the difficulty of maintaining continuity while expanding the musical universe. With a growing library of thematic ideas, he navigates the delicate balance of innovation and cohesion as he works on Season 4.
Source: www.indiewire.com
