The Lion King: Rhythms of the Pride Lands will be released on CD on October 23, 2020.

The Lion King: Rhythms of the Pride Lands will be released on CD on October 23, 2020. On the occasion of the highly anticipated CD and Spotify release of The Lion King: Rhythms of the Pride Lands soundtrack, we met with Robert Fienga, Senior Manager Music.

How did the adaptation of the show to CD go?

The musical quality of the show is such that the idea of a CD was born very quickly. Steve Sidwell’s arrangements and the talent of the London musicians who performed them during the recordings had a lot to do with it. Also, as soon as the show was launched, the co-producer of the music, Yaron Spiwak, went back across the Channel to work with Steve on a specific mix for this medium. They then sent it to the United States for mastering. This is a crucial step in the process, which requires state-of-the-art equipment and highly talented engineers. The goal is to both magnify this superb music and make it sound as natural as possible. I have heard the result, and I can tell you that it is remarkable!

The Lion King: Rhythms of the Pride Lands is a live show with live singers. How did you proceed for the CD?

To create the CD for a show like this, we started with demos of the songs, recorded at the beginning of 2019 with studio singers. We also re-recorded a few songs. So they are not the singers of the show.  In live, there is a spontaneous side. That’s what makes it so valuable. Something furtive, impromptu, a moment of truth at a T moment. For a CD, every detail is engraved in marble. It is therefore a completely different work, extremely precise, until it reaches perfection. Studio singer and stage singer, these are two different jobs.

It’s a beautiful way to extend the experience of the live show.

Indeed. We are reviving this beautiful tradition of Disneyland Paris CDs produced around our shows. I particularly remember the singles of parade songs like “Dancin’ (a catchy rhythm)” and “It’s Halloween-Lo-Ween” written by Vasile Sirli, or the record The Legend of the Lion King, released in 2004, which immortalized the music of the Videopolis Theater show, which were all very successful. I’m the first to be thrilled!

The album will be available exclusively at Disneyland Paris from October 23rd in Indiana Jones Adventure Outpost, La Girafe Curieuse and Disney Store for €18. Also available on Spotify, Apple Music and YouTube Music.