36 – How to Score Psychological Unravelling – Chris Roe Interview

How do you score a mind slowly unravelling? In the latest episode of Sync Music Matters, I interview Chris Roe the Ivor-nominated composer, to unpack his haunting score for The Lady – the ITVX and BritBox drama based on the shocking true story of Jane Andrews, former dresser to Sarah Ferguson who murdered her boyfriend.

Chris breaks down how the music evolves alongside Jane’s psychological collapse. What begins as glossy, fairy-tale elegance gradually becomes unstable, distorted and emotionally raw.

We talk about:

Using vintage synths like the Juno-6 to give the score a 90s feel

Transforming royal, bell-like textures into something brittle and unsettling

Collaborating with award-winning Irish composer Niamh Ní Mheara on breathy vocal textures that reflect Jane’s rising panic

The difference between scoring for TV and scoring for film

Plus, in the new Cue & A segment, we break down one of Chris’s cues piece by piece so you can hear exactly how these ideas translate to screen.

If you’re interested in TV scoring, psychological storytelling through music or modern screen composition techniques, this interview with Chris Roe is packed with insight.

Chris Roe Website