DHL x Sigrid

This campaign for DHL centred around Norwegian artist Sigrid and her tour across Japan and Norway. The objective was to compose an original electronic score that could incorporate musical elements from her song ‘Two Years’.

The composition needed to complement Sigrid’s sound authentically while reinforcing DHL’s themes of global movement, connection, and momentum.

Client: DHL & Sigrid

Production company: DOSED

Director: Sam Mulvey

Music by Tom Jarmey

Sound Design by Tom Jarmey

Mix by Tom Jarmey

Original electronic composition integrating thematic elements from Sigrid’s track “Two Years.”

THE CHALLENGE

This project required balancing two creative priorities:

  • Respecting and integrating elements of Two Years

  • Creating an original electronic composition that functioned independently

The score needed to:

  • Sit cohesively alongside the original track

  • Avoid overshadowing Sigrid’s identity

  • Support narrative pacing within the film

  • Reflect DHL’s brand values of reliability and global reach

Incorporating motifs from an existing song requires careful restraint. The goal was not to replicate, but to reinterpret and expand the sonic language in a way that felt natural.

Creative Approach

1. Analysing the Source Material

The first stage involved breaking down Two Years:

  • Harmonic structure

  • Tonal palette

  • Rhythmic characteristics

  • Emotional progression

Understanding the DNA of the track allowed the new composition to reference its energy without becoming derivative.

2. Translating Motifs into an Electronic Framework

Subtle elements inspired by the song were recontextualised through:

  • Textural synthesis

  • Tonal layers

  • Rhythmic pulses reflecting movement and travel

  • Atmospheric builds to support cinematic pacing

Rather than directly quoting melodies, the approach focused on capturing emotional tone and momentum.

3. Aligning With Brand Narrative

DHL’s campaign centred on themes of connection, international flow, and support behind the scenes.

The electronic score introduced:

  • Forward-driving rhythmic elements to mirror logistics and motion

  • Expansive synth textures to reflect global scale

  • Controlled dynamic shifts to emphasise key narrative moments

The result was a cohesive blend of artist identity and brand storytelling.

The Result

The final composition:

  • Integrated seamlessly with Two Years

  • Maintained Sigrid’s sonic identity

  • Elevated the emotional narrative of the film

  • Reinforced DHL’s themes of global movement and support

The film has since surpassed 10 million views on YouTube, extending the reach of the campaign and demonstrating the effectiveness of integrating electronic composition with artist-led storytelling.

Creative Reflection

Working with existing musical material presents a unique compositional challenge. It requires sensitivity, restraint, and a clear understanding of both artist identity and brand objectives.

For brand campaigns centred around musicians, electronic composition provides the flexibility needed to bridge commercial storytelling and authentic artist expression.

For a deeper look at how electronic music shapes modern brand campaigns, see my article Why Electronic Music Is Shaping Modern Brand Campaigns.