As anticipation builds for the nationwide theatrical release of DreamWorks Animation’s latest feature, Forgotten Island, the studio has pulled back the curtain on a crucial element of the film’s identity: its sprawling, culturally rich soundtrack. With a release date set for September 25 via Universal Pictures, the film—a vibrant exploration of Filipino folklore and the bittersweet transition into adulthood—is already generating significant buzz, not only for its animation but for its meticulously curated musical landscape.
The soundtrack, scheduled for a digital release this Friday, September 18, via Back Lot Music, serves as a bridge between the film’s modern coming-of-age narrative and the ancient, mythical world it inhabits. Featuring an original score by prolific composer Nathan Matthew David and a lineup of powerhouse performers including BINI, H.E.R., Liza Soberano, and SB19, the album promises to be as much an auditory experience as the film is a visual one.
A Synthesis of Modernity and Myth: The Core Facts
Forgotten Island is helmed by the creative duo Joel Crawford and Januel Mercado, known for their ability to blend high-stakes adventure with poignant character arcs. The story centers on two high school best friends standing on the precipice of their divergent futures. Their lives are upended when a mysterious portal deposits them into a fantastical realm—a hidden island teeming with the very creatures, spirits, and mythological entities that populated their childhood stories, passed down by their Filipino families.
The soundtrack is designed to mirror this duality. Nathan Matthew David, whose resume includes eclectic works like Joy Ride, Deadly Class, and The Brothers Sun, was tasked with grounding the magical chaos of the island in emotional authenticity. His score is bolstered by a collection of original songs that infuse the film with the energy of contemporary OPM (Original Pilipino Music) and international pop.
For physical media enthusiasts, the release strategy is notably robust. While the digital album drops on September 18, the record label Mutant is spearheading a comprehensive physical rollout. Collectors can pre-order the album in three distinct formats: a standard CD, a nostalgic audio cassette, and a premium vinyl edition, all of which are currently available via Amazon.
Chronology of Production and Musical Integration
The journey of the Forgotten Island soundtrack began long before the final animation was rendered. For directors Crawford and Mercado, the music was never an afterthought; it was a foundational storytelling tool.
The Development Phase
During the early storyboarding sessions, the production team identified that the "Filipino heritage" aspect of the film required authentic musical representation. This led to the recruitment of composer Nathan Matthew David, who began experimenting with traditional Filipino instrumentation fused with modern orchestral arrangements. The goal was to create a "sonic bridge" that felt both timeless and urgent.
The Casting of Voices
The casting of the film reads like a who’s-who of contemporary talent. With stars like H.E.R., Liza Soberano, Dave Franco, Dolly de Leon, Jenny Slate, Jo Koy, Ronny Chieng, Manny Jacinto, and the legendary Lea Salonga, the film boasts a vocal ensemble that carries significant musical weight. The integration of performers like BINI and SB19—who represent the explosion of P-pop on the global stage—highlights DreamWorks’ commitment to cultural specificity.
The September Rollout
The promotional timeline kicked into high gear in early September, when the first singles, including the collaboration between H.E.R. and Liza Soberano titled "BRB," were released to critical acclaim. The release of the full tracklist this week confirms that the album is a 37-track odyssey, ranging from high-energy pop anthems to intimate, character-driven suites.
Supporting Data: An Anatomy of the Soundtrack
The sheer scale of the soundtrack is evident in its 37-track structure. The album is meticulously sequenced to guide the listener through the narrative arc of the film.
Musical Highlights and Suites
The tracklist reveals a heavy emphasis on atmospheric world-building. Tracks such as "Sarimanok," "Kapre," and "Ang Manananggal Suite" suggest that the score dives deep into the specific entities of Philippine mythology. These tracks, particularly the suites, are expected to provide the epic, sweeping moments that define the "DreamWorks Animation" sound.
The inclusion of Lea Salonga on multiple tracks—including "Ninakaw Sa Akin," "Magnanakaw," and "Bahagi Mo"—serves as the emotional anchor of the film. Salonga’s involvement is a clear nod to her status as a cultural icon, and her participation suggests that the film’s themes of family, sacrifice, and memory are handled with a high degree of gravity.
The "A Parallel World" Phenomenon
The standout pop track, "A Parallel World" by BINI, serves as the film’s central musical thesis. The inclusion of an "Amping Mix" featuring Lea Salonga as the final track of the album suggests that the film’s musical themes come full circle, bridging the gap between the youth-oriented energy of the protagonists and the wisdom of their elders.
Official Perspectives: The Vision for ‘Forgotten Island’
The directors and the creative team behind Forgotten Island have been vocal about the importance of the music in grounding the film’s fantastical elements.
"We didn’t just want to tell a story about a magical island," said Joel Crawford in a recent studio briefing. "We wanted to tell a story about how the stories we inherit from our parents shape who we become. Nathan Matthew David’s score captures the wonder of that discovery, while the songs bring in the heartbeat of the culture that the characters are trying to reconnect with."
Composer Nathan Matthew David noted the complexity of the assignment: "It was about finding the intersection between the ‘mythical’—the Kapre, the Manananggal, the Sarimanok—and the very human emotions of two kids who are scared to leave each other. The music had to be big enough to handle the adventure but quiet enough to handle the heartbreak."
The involvement of the vocal cast, particularly the younger generation of stars, has been hailed as a strategic success by industry analysts. By integrating P-pop stars into a mainstream Western animated feature, the film is poised to capture a massive demographic, reinforcing the global appeal of Filipino artistry.
Implications: The Cultural and Commercial Impact
The release of Forgotten Island arrives at a pivotal moment for both the animation industry and the visibility of Southeast Asian culture in Hollywood.
Expanding the Animation Landscape
Historically, major animated features have leaned heavily on Western folklore or generic fantasy tropes. Forgotten Island signals a shift. By focusing on Filipino mythology, the film provides a platform for stories that have long been underrepresented in mainstream media. The success of this soundtrack could pave the way for more culturally specific musical scores in animation.
The Commercial Strategy of Physical Media
In an era dominated by streaming, the decision to release a high-end vinyl, CD, and cassette package for Forgotten Island is a bold commercial move. It taps into the growing trend of "aesthetic consumption," where fans treat movie soundtracks as tangible artifacts of their fandom. The partnership with Mutant—a company known for high-quality, art-forward physical releases—suggests that this is a product designed to be kept and cherished.
Long-term Legacy
As the film heads to theaters on September 25, the music will be its most enduring legacy. Tracks like "BRB" and "A Parallel World" are already finding traction on streaming platforms, suggesting that the film’s reach will extend far beyond the cinema screen. By synthesizing the voices of established icons like Lea Salonga with the modern pulse of BINI and SB19, Forgotten Island is positioning itself to be a cultural touchstone for a new generation.
The soundtrack is not merely a collection of songs to accompany the movie; it is a vital, breathing component of the world-building that makes Forgotten Island one of the most anticipated films of the year. Whether one is listening for the intricate mythological suites or the high-octane pop collaborations, the album promises a journey that is as profound as the film itself.
