Rebuilding by Jake Xerxes Fussell, James Elkington
Acclaimed songwriters Jake Xerxes Fussell and James Elkington have collaborated on their first original film score for Rebuilding, the poignant new feature film written and directed by Max Walker-Silverman. The film, which stars, among others, Josh O’Connor, Lily LaTorre, and Kali Reis, made its world premiere at the Sundance Film Festival earlier this year.
Following up new work from both artists in 2025 – Fussell released his fifth album in July, while Elkington shared a sprawling new double LP back in March – the soundtrack is a natural meeting point for the pair’s individual work, formed of textural pieces that fold beautifully into the hushed drama of the film.
Producer Dan Janvey initially recommended Fussell’s music to Walker-Silverman - who immediately saw potential. “ I could hear the cinema in it right away. His music is rooted firmly in all the folkloric traditions I love but not at all nostalgic. And that was much like the film we were making; a story in which the past is all around but firmly of the here and now. And since so much of his music has no lyrics, Jake already understood the challenge of telling a story through instrumentation alone.”
Tracklist
| 1. | Prelude | |
| 2. | Mountain Time | |
| 3. | A Cowboy Without Cows | |
| 4. | Glow in the Dark | 2:47 |
| 5. | The Magic Boots | |
| 6. | Riding To The Ranch | |
| 7. | Callie Rose | |
| 8. | Brother Theo | |
| 9. | Daybreakers | |
| 10. | Rebuilding | |
| 11. | Chili Roast Waltz | |
| 12. | Contemplating The Moon | 2:13 |
| 13. | Don't Steal My Heart Away | |
| 14. | Things We Lost | |
| 15. | County Z | |
| 16. | Night Library | |
| 17. | Begin Again | |
Credits
Music by Jake Xerxes Fussell and James Elkington
with Nick Macri (upright bass) and Anna Jacobson (brass and strings)
Produced & Recorded by James Elkington (Nada Studio, Chicago, IL)
Additional Recording by Jason Richmond (The River House, Hillsborough, NC)
Mixed by Mark Greenberg (The Loft, Chicago, IL)
Mastered by Greg Reirson (Rare Form Mastering, Minneapolis, MN)
Artwork by Julienne Alexander (Durham, NC)
"Don't Steal My Heart Away" written by Kathy Rose
Performed by Kathy Rose and Nancy Morlan
All other music written by Jake Xerxes Fussell and James Elkington
License
All rights reserved.
"Fussell is creating his own legacy within the long lineage of traditional folk musicians and storytellers that have come before him."
– NY Times
"So elegant … relaxing in the way that pondering a Zen koan is relaxing, and sweet in the way that the wounded, honey-voiced blues of Miss. John Hurt are sweet."
– Pitchfork
"Music that resides at the seams of Appalachia and the cosmos."
– NPR