From the epic soundscapes of Hollywood blockbusters like The Dark Knight and Pirates of the Caribbean to crafting the soundtrack for EPCOT’s reimagined Test Track, Zain Effendi has built a career on blending the grand tradition of the orchestra with bold, modern electronic sound design.
Having trained at The Boston Conservatory and Berklee before launching his career under the mentorship of Hans Zimmer, Effendi is now a GRAMMY® nominated composer operating entirely in his own musical universe. His latest release, the full-length score for ‘EPCOT: Test Track’, is his most ambitious and personal work to date, capturing a sound that is both futuristic and full of heart.
We sat down with Zain to discuss this massive project, the creative process behind writing a Disney theme, his evolution as an artist, and how a GRAMMY® nomination changed his world. His story is one of natural talent honed by dedication, offering a fascinating look behind the curtain of modern film and park scoring.
Thanks so much for joining us today, Zain! You’ve had an impressive career to so far, but when did you first start making music? Where did it all begin?
“I must have been three or four when I started investigating the piano. My stepdad would practise his lessons, and as soon as he left the room, I’d sneak in and copy what he played. I didn’t really understand what I was doing. I just loved sound. By the time I was five, I was basically composing without even realizing it. Later at music conservatories, I learned that the ear training exercises everyone struggled with were things I had been doing naturally as a kid. Music was just my first language.”
Can you tell us a bit about your latest release and what it means to you?
“This was the biggest project of my life. Honestly, it was massive even by Disney standards. It’s extremely rare to be asked to create a completely new musical world for a Disney attraction. Most of the time, you’re working with music tied to long-standing characters and stories. Here, I had a completely open canvas. That was exciting. To be invited into the Disney legacy, to create something that becomes part of Walt Disney World’s story, still feels surreal.”
With that Disney element in mind, were specific moments or influences that spoke to you you when writing the project?
“Walking through the parks with the Imagineers played a huge role. When you get to see how they think and the level of detail that goes into every decision, it changes you. I also fell down the rabbit hole of EPCOT’s origins and Walt’s original vision. The man was dreaming at a different frequency. Learning about that history lit a fire in me. It pushed me to think bigger and without restraint.”
What was your songwriting process for the release? How did it all come together?
“Everything started with the theme. I knew I needed a melody that felt like it could belong in a Disney park. That is not easy. You’re competing with decades of iconic music. So, I wrote and rewrote, hundreds of times, until one idea stopped me in my tracks. When the theme finally appeared, everything else came alive. Subthemes, textures, the whole architecture of the score. Even now, when that main theme enters, I still feel the same chills I felt the day I discovered it.”
How would you describe the sound through the project? How did you turn that theme-feel into something so expansive?
“This score is all about the balance between the orchestra and electronic sound design. I’ve always loved both, and I don’t see why those worlds can’t blend together in a meaningful way. There’s a sweet spot where strings and synths speak the same emotional language. That’s what I wanted to explore. I feel like I’m just scratching the surface of what’s possible there.”
Is there a central message or theme you were trying to convey in your latest release? Is there a moment that captures that idea?
“Yes, definitely. I wanted the music to feel like a mix of nostalgia and forward motion. Nostalgia for where we’ve been, and optimism for what’s ahead. Those two feelings dance with each other throughout the score. There are moments where the music lifts in a way that almost suspends time. That’s the effect I was chasing. The Imagineers were amazing at helping me fine-tune that balance.”
Looking ahead, what are your aspirations as an artist? Where do you see yourself in the next few years, both musically and personally?
“I can’t wait to jump back into film and TV scoring. I love writing for the parks, but I miss the storytelling rhythm of movies. Characters, scenes, performances, narrative arcs. There’s so much information to pull from, and in a way, that makes the job easier. I’m excited to reconnect with that world.”
What's next after this release? Do you have any new releases or shows on the horizon?
“I’m deep into my debut album right now, and I’ve never been more excited about a project. It’s turned into something huge and completely new. It’s a sound I haven’t heard before, and that’s what makes it fun. When it’s ready, I want to take it live and share it around the world.”
What sort of reception have you had to your latest release? Are there any memorable moments that stand out?
“Getting nominated for a GRAMMY® for the track ‘Opening’ has been unreal. It took me over a week to respond to everyone. The best way to put it is that there’s a before the GRAMMY® and an after the GRAMMY®. It’s one of those life moments that shifts everything.”
Is there anything you would like to say to our audience? How can they connect with you and help support you?
“I’m so honoured to be nominated for Best Instrumental Composition at the GRAMMYs®. Right now, my mission is simply to share this music with the world. If the work resonates with people, then the journey is already a success. I’m grateful to everyone who has listened, shared, and supported this project. It means more to me than I can ever say.”
From sneaking onto his stepdad’s piano as a child to earning a GRAMMY® nomination for his Disney park work, Zain Effendi’s journey is a powerful reminder that music can indeed be a first language. As he sets his sights on his debut album and a return to the world of film scoring, Zain continues to push the boundaries of what is possible when the orchestra meets the digital realm.
His infectious enthusiasm for finding that “sweet spot” where strings and synths speak the same emotional language assures us that this is only the beginning for a composer with an open canvas ahead. We’re excited to see what he creates next.
You can stream the new score above, and for more, catch up with Zain Effendi on Instagram and Facebook.
