The Music and Sounds of Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge

From the hum of starships to the pulse of alien beats, the Star Wars Galaxy’s Edge music and sound design immerse guests in another galaxy. At the D23 Expo Arena, the panel Music and Sounds of Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge revealed how Disney Imagineers brought the Star Wars universe to life—not just visually, but sonically.

Hosted by Matt Walker, VP of Walt Disney Imagineering Music Studio, the panel explored how sound and music shape the storytelling of Batuu, Oga’s Cantina, and beyond.

Storytelling Through Sound

“Music and sound are a natural part of storytelling,” Walker began. He introduced guests John Dennis and William Ross, who spoke about scoring Galaxy’s Edge. Ross worked closely with John Williams, whose original compositions for the land give it an epic cinematic feel. The music blends seamlessly into the experience, making every guest feel like they’re living inside a Star Wars film.

Then, John “JK” Kestler, Principal Audio Media Designer, detailed the park’s soundscape. His team created a staggering 2,979 unique sound files. From ships overhead to distant creatures, every sound supports the illusion that Batuu is alive.

The Music of Oga’s Cantina

Of course, no Star Wars outpost is complete without a cantina. So how did Disney create the sound of an alien club?

Yaron Spiwak, Senior Music Producer, explained how he and the team designed DJ Rex’s playlist. The playlist blends sci-fi funk, alien vocals, and beats that feel both familiar and otherworldly. The music needed to sound like it was from another galaxy—but still get your feet moving.

Creating the playlist involved a talented team:

• Judith Hill, a powerhouse vocalist dubbed the “Intergalactic Lady Gaga”
• Jason Mater, songwriter
• Matt Wood, Skywalker Sound veteran and voice of General Grievous
• Adam Dorn, producer and musician

Together, they asked: What would a hit song from another planet sound like? What would a pod race halftime show include? One result was “Oola Shuka,” performed live by Judith Hill during the panel. The song now plays in Oga’s Cantina and is featured on the DJ Rex soundtrack.

Sounding Out the Star Wars Universe

The success of Galaxy’s Edge’s audio experience paved the way for more. Next up? The Star Wars Galactic Starcruiser, where Imagineers ask: What does music sound like on an intergalactic luxury liner?

While we wait to hear more, it’s clear that sound design is central to how Disney builds worlds. As we’ve seen in the Music of Marvel and the Music of Moana 2, Disney doesn’t just score scenes—they score emotions. The same goes for Galaxy’s Edge.

Whether you’re ducking into Oga’s for a drink or watching ships soar overhead, remember: you’re not just seeing Star Wars. You’re hearing it, too.

Let me know if you’d like this blog tied into a full “Disney Soundtrack Series” or are jumping into your next standalone topic!

For more from Star Wars Galaxy’s Edge be sure to check out the Story Behind the Story, Opening Day interviews, a special D23 Expo look at creating the Music of Galaxy’s Edge, DJ Rex in action at Oga’s Cantina, An Overview of Batuu, a look at creating galaxy’s edge with an Imagineer, merchandise, Star Wars Comic Books, Star Wars Myths & Fables, Galaxy’s Edge Cookbook, a look behind the Galactic Starcruiser, a Galaxy Far Far Away stage show, and Star Wars Galactic Fireworks from Hollywood Studios.

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