Noah Cyrus Debuts Bluegrass-Inspired Track 'Light Over the Hill' for Colleen Hoover's 'Reminders of Him,' Her First Song for a Movie (EXCLUSIVE)

Ta-Nehisi Coates

Author and journalist whose work on culture, race, and history includes writing for Marvel's "Black Panther."

Noah Cyrus is making her debut in the film soundtrack world with her new single, "Light Over the Hill," written for the movie "Reminders of Him." This exclusive release marks Cyrus's first cinematic contribution, a bluegrass-infused track crafted in collaboration with PJ Harding. The song reflects the themes of renewal and fresh starts present in Colleen Hoover's best-selling novel, which inspired the film. Cyrus expressed immense enthusiasm for the project, emphasizing her personal connection to the narrative's message of transformation and hope. The movie, featuring Maika Monroe and Tyriq Withers, explores a young woman's journey to reconnect with her estranged daughter after a period of incarceration, a story that deeply resonated with Cyrus during her creative process.

For years, Noah Cyrus harbored a dream of contributing her musical talents to a film. She views music as intrinsically linked with cinema and fashion, making this opportunity particularly significant. When Vanessa Caswill, the director of "Reminders of Him," approached Cyrus about composing an end credits song, the artist was overjoyed. Despite not having read Colleen Hoover's novel beforehand, Cyrus experienced a private screening of the film with Caswill, allowing her to absorb the story's emotional depth and plot twists organically. This unfiltered experience proved crucial for her songwriting.

The narrative of "Reminders of Him" centers on Kenna, portrayed by Maika Monroe, who returns to her Wyoming hometown after a five-year prison sentence. Her primary goal is to re-establish a connection with her daughter, Diem, whom she has never known. Facing societal resistance, Kenna finds an unexpected bond with Ledger (Tyriq Withers), a local bar owner who has become a significant figure in Diem's life. The ensemble cast also includes Rudy Pankow, Lauren Graham, Bradley Whitford, Nicholas Duvernay, and Lainey Wilson, enriching the film's emotional tapestry. Cyrus's mother, a devoted fan of Colleen Hoover, expressed a playful envy over her daughter's early access to the movie's adaptation, which is set to premiere in theaters on March 13.

Cyrus meticulously took notes during her viewing of the film, finding a profound resonance with its themes of rebirth and the opportunity for new beginnings. These concepts closely aligned with her own recent explorations in her song "New Country" from her second album. She described an overwhelming feeling of liberation associated with making a fresh start and the potential to evolve into a better version of oneself for loved ones. This powerful emotional connection served as the primary wellspring of inspiration for "Light Over the Hill."

Following her discussions with Caswill and armed with her reflections, Cyrus entered the recording studio with PJ Harding. Their collaborative effort aimed to translate the emotional impact of the movie into music. The resulting track features a folksy-bluegrass sound, characterized by organic, light, and airy instrumentation. Cyrus explained that this musical style was deliberately chosen to mirror the emotional journey she experienced while watching the film, striving to create a sonic landscape that felt authentic to the story's environment and characters.

The title "Light Over the Hill" holds multiple layers of meaning for Cyrus. She interprets the "light" as symbolizing Scotty, hope, love, and the act of moving forward. For her, it embodies the daily blessing of waking up to a new day, much like the sun rising each morning. Working with director Vanessa Caswill was a seamless and rewarding experience. Caswill granted Cyrus considerable artistic freedom, offering focal points and evocative words rather than restrictive instructions. Cyrus's intention was to craft a song that not only complemented the film's narrative but also immersed listeners in its setting and community, creating music that the characters themselves might appreciate.

The process of composing music for another artist's work differed from her usual creative endeavors. Cyrus acknowledged that while "Light Over the Hill" was her creation, her ultimate goal was for it to serve as a cohesive element within the film. She was prepared to write alternative songs if her initial offering didn't perfectly align with the filmmakers' vision. Fortunately, the team was thrilled with her submission, affirming that it exceeded their expectations. This positive reception has ignited Cyrus's passion for further involvement in film and television projects. Interestingly, her elder sister, Miley Cyrus, also recently contributed an end credits song to "Avatar: Fire and Ash." However, the sisters discovered this coincidence independently, highlighting their individual creative processes rather than shared endeavors. Noah Cyrus views this parallel as a blessed alignment, celebrating her sister's achievements while confidently navigating her own artistic path.

Noah Cyrus is eagerly awaiting the Los Angeles premiere of "Reminders of Him," where she will experience the final cut of the film with her song integrated into its conclusion. This will be a special moment, especially as she intends to share it with her mother. A recent encounter with Tyriq Withers, one of the film's stars, further underscored the excitement surrounding the soundtrack. Withers expressed his desire to hear the song for the first time within the context of the movie itself, creating a collective anticipation for the premiere. Cyrus looks forward to this shared experience, honored and delighted to have played a part in the film's artistic journey.

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