Envelope Screening: Less is more with music for ‘American Crime’

“American Crime,” ABC’s drama about the racial and cultural impact of a brutal home invasion of a suburban white couple, is surprisingly quiet. Creator and executive producer John Ridley wanted to convey his story without a lot of music.

That doesn’t mean the music wasn’t a key factor. The show’s composer, Mark Isham, said the series presented a unique challenge in terms of conveying emotion through music.

“I’ve always said the most important thing a composer can do is start and stop,” said Isham, who has composed scores for more than 100 films. “That entrance can be the most impactful thing a piece of music can do.”

Isham said Ridley had a “pretty rigorous aesthetic” about when to use music. “Consequently, we really milk it when we use it.”