When it comes to intense scenes on TV, background music makes all the difference. It can subtly play in the background, adding an element of tension that we may not consciously realize. Choosing the right piece of music can elevate scenes on TV and add a layer of depth to the storyline, making narratives more engaging for audiences.
With various music styles and genres in existence today, the collaboration between music and storytelling has become highly important. As a work of art on its own, soulful music can be a great marketing strategy for shows since tunes have the power to blend seamlessly with scenes and take up the top spot in the audience’s playlists.
Many of the popular New TV shows are incorporating different music genres in their soundtracks that are more experimental and potentially more interesting for audiences, as the history of successful sound design may teach. It sounds ironic but there are cases when the show becomes popular thanks to the viral soundtrack it contains. Let’s take a look at this in more detail and see what music in 2024 has been used in TV that you can add to your playlist. You may come across some surprising soundtracks so keep an open mind!
Electronic Music and Its Dominance in TV Shows
Electronic dance music has made a revival, being used in popular TV shows such as Stranger Things and Black Mirror. This type of music is being used to create an exciting atmosphere on the screen that wraps up viewers and draws them closer to the story.
Statistics indicate that 60 % of people who listen to electronic music stream music daily. So, it’s becoming clear that the people behind these soundtracks are allowing themselves to be more creative with electronic music and audiences seem to be enjoying it.
Fresh Tunes and Modern Vibes: Indie Music
Gone are the days when artists waited years for big record labels to give them their big break. In 2024, thanks to the numerous streaming platforms we are introduced to indie music. Indie stands for independent music which is produced by driven and creative individuals who wish to establish their originality away from the influence of commercial record labels.
With the freedom of production on many online platforms, artists have full control and ownership of their work which has made this genre of music very accessible and diverse. Indie artists share their work with fans directly and receive instant feedback, reaching audiences globally and establishing a personal connection.
Be it Mitski’s soulful lyrics complimenting her energetic live performances or the edgy charm of Arctic Monkeys with their The Car that allures its listeners, the specialty of this genre lies in its ability to convey raw emotions and its commendable versatility.
Adding Emotion and Drama: Hip-Hop and R&B
Without a doubt hip-hop and R&B music have brought so much richness in modern TV dramas as they can express many feelings and provide real drama to the particular story being told.
Empire and Insecure are perhaps the most appropriate examples of the contributions of hip-hop and R&B in a TV series. The plot of the show Empire, which is about a hip-hop music empire, is supported by new songs that express the character’s disputes and development, thus contributing to the story. Insecure on the other hand places emphasis on Issa Dee, played by Issa Rae, as she struggles both personally and professionally by incorporating hip-hop and R&B songs around certain situations. The soundtracks are also accurately placed at the right locations in the show to not just create the mood, but enhance the feeling of each scene.
Orchestral Music
We’re all pretty well accustomed to orchestral scores in films and TV. However, they are still used so often today because they are remarkably powerful. In 2024, orchestral music was used in the ‘Game of Thrones’ spin-off ‘House of Dragon’. The composer used classic orchestral themes but injected his own unique spin with modern sounds and techniques.
This type of soundtrack fits a show like that perfectly. It adds an element of gravitas that audiences have come to expect. Not to mention, it makes the storytelling on the show feel that much more engaging and exciting to be a part of.
Another case in point is the newly-released season of "The Crown" which features a new version of Handel's "Zadok the Priest", making the series feel more historically loaded.
Most of these orchestrated scores are an impressive testament that classic orchestral themes can still draw audiences; making them essential for a TV show’s soundtrack list that aims to achieve a timeless and classic vibe.
Conclusion
These are types of music that speak to different groups of people and may keep them more interested in new TV shows.
If you are looking to expand your taste in music or trying to understand the thought process behind the spot-on background music on screen, these music genres are for you to explore!
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