FEATURE:
Exit Music (for a T.V. Series)
The Importance of Music on the Small Screen
_________
I think a lot of people…
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think music and evocative tracks are probably reserved for cinema. The big screen. I think it is hard for any creator to get music featured on the screen. It can cost a lot of money getting rights and clearance. Labels and estates can charge a lot of money for even a few seconds of a song being used. As such, there does seem to be this divide between what smaller productions can afford compared to multi-million-dollar/pound films. It is a real struggle to get music integrated and a big part of a film. I think that eyes should be more on television. Few people talk about drama and comedy-drama series in terms of the music used. I know that dialogue and direction is important. Creating an atmosphere and bringing viewers into the story. I raise this point and feature because the third season of The Bear recently premiered on Disney+. Even though the critical reviews were less positive than the first two seasons – many saying they were repeating themselves and character arcs and stories were not played out and given room to breathe -, there was plenty to recommend. Perhaps the most striking and impactful aspect of the season, in my view, was the music. How it elevated some of the scenes. How, in place of dialogue, music said so much. It summoned up silent dialogue. Even though the first episode was mainly reserved for classical music and composition, there were more songs deployed as we moved through the ten episodes. Radiohead, Taylor Swift, Beastie Boys, Carole King, Refused and Talking Heads were among the artists who featured. To me, it was the use of Kate Bush that really struck a chord. Her song, The Morning Fog, was especially powerful in its full glory during episode six.
I had not thought about it too much before. I have written features about film scores and incredible soundtracks. How films can be defined and made epic by the right choice of music. How, at a time when it is so expensive using music in film, those who can achieve it should do so wisely. The music makes such a difference. For a T.V. series, the effect can be even greater. I was watching The Bear and really noticing the music. How there was this sense of movement, evolution and different colours being projected by the songs. As the scenery changed and stories developed, there were these distinct tracks playing. There are huge advantages when it comes to picking amazing and varied tracks to use in T.V. series. For a start, you are able to discover a new artist. Or a legendary and established one you may not have known about. Even one you did but a song you had not heard. We have seen series where a single song can get chart success and a new lease of life because of its placement. Artists can enjoy this resurgence and new life. Maybe it is the luxury of a successful T.V. series who can afford quite a few tracks in their episodes. The final episode of The Bear’s third season included everyone from Susannah Hoffs, James, David Bowie, and Weezer. Not just showing off or flexing financial muscles, each track played its part. It made me reflect on other T.V. series and how the soundtrack of an episode can really define it. A perfect or appropriate song can do as much work and as brilliant dialogue and anything you will get in a script. The power of music definitely can be seen on the small screen.
There are articles that discuss the power of music on the screen. More people should discuss why, in a streaming age, music can play such a big part on T.V. shows. As a storytelling device. It can substitute or heighten emotions. Rather than it being producers dropping in songs to be cool or popular, there is this consideration matching musical mood to what is happening on the screen. It is the case that, now, shows might struggle for attention. Even if you are on a channel like Disney+, Netflix or Paramount+, there is a lot of money being injected into the show. This sense of expectation. Shows have to compete against others. Maybe people less invested in streaming sites than there used to be. One acclaimed series losing momentum and maybe shedding fans. It really is a hard challenge getting noticed and gaining traction. Not that music is the saving grace. It can make a big difference in regards a show’s impact and memorability. The Bear has finished its third season. It is back for a fourth season fairly soon. Such evocative and brilliant music choices throughout. And not just this series. There are so many examples of music playing a huge part in so many situations. Whether a more comedically-toned series, something dramatic, thrilling, historic or modern-day, we need to talk about how vital music is on the small screen. How it can really turn good scenes into something great. A series like The Bear proved that. In terms of music discovery, of artists both new and older, T.V. series can be hugely important. The role of music on the small screen is…
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SO very important.