Jake Xerxes Fussell and James Elkington Score Max Walker-Silverman’s Rebuilding

Singer and guitarist Jake Xerxes Fussell, a North Carolina native, and Chicago musician James Elkington have teamed up to compose their first original film score. Their collaboration soundtracks Rebuilding, the upcoming drama from filmmaker Max Walker-Silverman. The music will be released on November 14 via Fat Possum Records, aligning with the film’s New York premiere. Two tracks from the score—“Contemplating the Moon” and “Glow in the Dark”—are now available to stream.

Producer Dan Janvey praised Fussell’s approach in a statement, noting that his folk-rooted style felt cinematic without relying on nostalgia. “The past is all around in his music, but it feels grounded in the present,” Janvey said, comparing that balance to the film itself. Because much of Fussell’s work is instrumental, Janvey added, he was uniquely suited to storytelling without words.

Elkington, who produced Fussell’s last two records (Good and Green Again in 2022 and When I’m Called in 2024), explained that some of the score’s best moments came from spontaneous improvisation while watching scenes play out. He himself released a solo album, Pastel de Nada, earlier this year.

Rebuilding marks Walker-Silverman’s return to directing after A Love Song (2022). The film stars Josh O’Connor as a cowboy struggling to rebuild his life after his southern Colorado ranch is destroyed in a wildfire. The cast also includes Lily LaToree, Meghann Fahy, Kali Reis, and Amy Madigan.

Rebuilding:

01 Jake Xerxes Fussell / James Elkington: “Prelude”
02 Jake Xerxes Fussell / James Elkington: “Mountain Time”
03 Jake Xerxes Fussell / James Elkington: “A Cowboy Without Cows”
04 Jake Xerxes Fussell / James Elkington: “Glow in the Dark”
05 Jake Xerxes Fussell / James Elkington: “The Magic Boots”
06 Jake Xerxes Fussell / James Elkington: “Riding to the Ranch”
07 Jake Xerxes Fussell / James Elkington: “Callie Rose”
08 Jake Xerxes Fussell / James Elkington: “Brother Theo”
09 Jake Xerxes Fussell / James Elkington: “Daybreakers”
10 Jake Xerxes Fussell / James Elkington: “Rebuilding”
11 Jake Xerxes Fussell / James Elkington: “Chile Roast Waltz”
12 Jake Xerxes Fussell / James Elkington: “Contemplating the Moon”
13 Kathy Rose / Nancy Morlan: “Don’t Steal My Heart Away”
14 Jake Xerxes Fussell / James Elkington: “Things We Lost”
15 Jake Xerxes Fussell / James Elkington: “County Z”
16 Jake Xerxes Fussell / James Elkington: “Night Library”
17 Jake Xerxes Fussell / James Elkington: “Begin Again”