Santa Fe native Todd Lovato, a longtime musician, teamed up with fellow local artists to write a new, emotionally charged score for this year’s Zozobra burning. The composition is intended to heighten the sense of tension and wonder that the fire‑spirit tradition brings to families across the city.
Creating a soundtrack that feels like a love letter to Santa Fe
“Music has the ability, with one violin string, to make your heart kind of go into your throat,” Lovato explained. He described the commission as “deeply humbling” and a “high task” to serve the community in such a meaningful way.
The score weaves together atmospheric elements—low bass drops, soft whispers, and eerie sound effects—that echo the darkness of the looming fire. Lovato’s own daughter contributed vocals and additional sound textures, while his father added guitar lines, turning the project into a true family collaboration.
Musical themes that personify Zozobra’s characters
Each character in the Zozobra narrative— the fire spirit, the gloomies, and the surrounding mythic figures—receives a distinct musical voice. “A specific instrument that goes alongside with that and personifies those characters,” Lovato said, noting that a penny whistle, fife, piccolo, and marching snare drums were used to evoke the spirit of the American Revolution and the region’s frontier heritage.
Local musicians from Santa Fe added their own flair, layering the historic sounds with modern ambient textures. The result is a soundtrack that moves listeners from “creeped out” to “touched” as the fire ignites, creating a shared emotional journey for the audience.
For families, for tradition, for Santa Fe
When the towering figure of Old Man Gloom is set alight, Lovato encourages attendees to listen closely. “It’s for families, for my family, for my tradition and for all the people of Santa Fe. It’s a love letter to Santa Fe,” he said.
This year’s Zozobra will not only be a visual spectacle but also an auditory one, allowing residents and visitors alike to feel the event on a deeper level. The music is designed to guide the crowd through moments of suspense, reflection, and celebration, reinforcing the communal bonds that have long defined the annual burning.
Community response
Early reactions from Santa Fe residents have been positive. Many say the new score adds a fresh dimension to a beloved tradition, while still honoring the historic roots of the event. Parents appreciate the family‑focused tone, noting that the music helps younger children engage with the symbolism of letting go of gloom and embracing renewal.
As the fire crackles and the music swells, the city’s residents will once again gather to watch the darkness give way to light—a ritual that continues to reinforce Santa Fe’s unique blend of art, history, and community spirit.
Original reporting: KOAT Albuquerque — read the source article.
