Composer Justin Hurwitz has released “Mia & Sebastian’s Theme (10th Anniversary Version),” a new piano recording tied to the 10th anniversary of La La Land. Released via Interscope Records, the track reshapes the 2016 film theme for quieter listening, with an arrangement intended for moments of relaxation, reflection and focus. The alternate approach follows years of requests for a version that keeps the central melody while avoiding the original arrangement’s virtuosic jazz finish.
The original movie rendition builds from the central melody into a fast jazz passage before its dramatic ending. Hurwitz’s new recording instead rises through a fuller middle section, then returns to the main theme for a softer, lullaby-like close. “I’ve spent the last 10 years wishing we had recorded a version of ‘Mia & Sebastian’s Theme’ without the crazy jazz part for people who are in the mood to relax,” Hurwitz said. “It was exciting to go back into the studio and make this new version, which I hope people enjoy.” A new video also features Hurwitz performing the piece and explaining the changes in the arrangement.
The release arrives as the La La Land soundtrack and score continue to post large streaming totals. Each has generated more than three billion Spotify streams, according to the announcement, while “Mia & Sebastian’s Theme” has passed 300 million streams on the platform. Variations of the melody appear throughout Damien Chazelle’s 2016 film, where the theme accompanies the relationship between Mia and Sebastian. The anniversary campaign also includes a nationwide AMC Theatres re-release on August 16, when the film will be presented in Dolby Vision and Dolby Atmos for the first time.
La La Land In Concert remains on the road with performances scheduled into 2027, pairing screenings of the film with live orchestras and jazz bands. Hurwitz conducted a 10th-anniversary performance at the Greek Theatre in Los Angeles on August 1, with additional events set for the Venice Film Festival, London’s Royal Albert Hall, Tokyo, Mexico City and San Francisco. Across his film work, Hurwitz has won two Academy Awards, two Grammy Awards, four Golden Globes and a BAFTA, with credits including Whiplash, First Man and Babylon.
Listen to “Mia & Sebastian’s Theme (10th Anniversary Version)” here.
