In the world of television, music plays a pivotal role in shaping the narrative, enhancing character development, and creating a unique atmosphere. The unsung heroes behind these musical choices are music supervisors, whose meticulous selection of songs and compositions contributes to the overall storytelling experience. This year’s Emmy-nominated music supervisors have demonstrated exceptional skill in curating soundtracks that elevate beloved shows like “Daisy Jones & The Six,” “Ted Lasso,” “The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel,” “Stranger Things,” and “The White Lotus.” Here’s a closer look at their creative contributions:
1. “Daisy Jones & The Six” – The Authentic Sound of the ’70s: Frankie Pine, the music supervisor for “Daisy Jones & The Six,” embarked on a journey to authentically capture the rise and fall of a ’70s rock band. She immersed herself in every aspect of music to bring a sense of authenticity to the show. Pine’s selection of songs from the era, along with live recordings during on-camera performances, transported viewers back to the vibrant musical landscape of the ’70s.
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2. “Ted Lasso” – Emotional Musical Moments: Tony Von Pervieux, the music supervisor for “Ted Lasso,” orchestrated emotional musical moments that resonate with viewers. The team’s on-camera performance of “So Long, Farewell” (from “The Sound of Music”) in the final episode was a touching farewell to coach Lasso. The collaboration between Grammy-winning producer Max Martin and Ed Sheeran for an original song exemplified how music can add depth to character development.
3. “The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel” – Surprise Musical Collaborations: Robin Urdang, known for her work on “The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel,” showcased her ability to secure surprising musical collaborations. Engaging pop duo Tegan and Sara to perform “Girls Talk” in the series finale added a contemporary twist to the show’s period setting. Urdang’s strategic use of iconic songs by legends like Bob Dylan and Barbra Streisand provided a fitting musical backdrop to the show’s conclusion.
4. “Stranger Things” – Immersive Soundtracks: Nora Felder, the music supervisor for “Stranger Things,” curated an immersive soundtrack that complemented the show’s gripping narrative. Felder’s selection of songs, including Metallica‘s “Master of Puppets,” Moby’s “When It’s Cold I’d Like to Die,” and Kate Bush‘s “Running Up That Hill,” added depth to the characters’ experiences. Metallica’s involvement in providing musical stems for their song showcased how collaboration can amplify dramatic moments.
5. “The White Lotus” – Musical Atmosphere Creation: Gabe Hilfer, the music supervisor for “The White Lotus,” focused on creating a musical atmosphere that seamlessly integrated with the show’s setting. His use of “Godfather” music, lounge piano performances, and iconic Sicilian singer Rosa Balistreri set the tone for the show’s Italian locale. By prioritizing authenticity, Hilfer transported viewers to the world of “The White Lotus.”
In a year where the power of music in storytelling shines bright, these music supervisors have proven their ability to craft soundtracks that resonate deeply with audiences. Whether through authentic time capsules, emotional musical moments, surprising collaborations, immersive soundtracks, or atmosphere creation, these professionals have demonstrated the transformative impact of music on television narratives. Their dedication to enhancing the viewer’s experience through music solidifies their role as vital contributors to the success of these beloved shows.