It was bound to happen. Streaming shows are on our flatscreens, on our phones, in our conversations, playing on the commute home. Obviously, it's now on our music playlists too. "Audiences are paying attention to a show's background score more than ever before," says Anand Bhaskar, composer and musician on Mirzapur (2018-). Audio clips from the drama series (slow-building instrumental melodies and chimes) have been enjoying a viral afterlife on Reels."Composers writing background scores were never as famous as those writing the songs," he says.That's changing.
Part of this has to do with how dramas now unfold on screen. They're slower, moodier, more immersive than they used to be. So, composers need to match that tone. The shows themselves have a wider platform, so a score must resonate with a global audience. It's pushing composers to dream different. See what some of them are up to.
Scoring a nation
Anand Bhaskar, 42, didn't start out composing for web series. But one of his songs, Mera Safar, created under his classic rock band Anand Bhaskar Collective, was used in the 2016 comedy series Official Chukyagiri.
Creating music for a show is different, he says. "There's a situation or an idea that the song needs to cater to," he says. "There are also limitations. The song must sound a particular way, belong to a particular genre. It pushes me to explore a style I don't naturally go to."
Denne historien er fra April 06, 2024-utgaven av Brunch.
Start din 7-dagers gratis prøveperiode på Magzter GOLD for å få tilgang til tusenvis av utvalgte premiumhistorier og 9000+ magasiner og aviser.
Allerede abonnent ? Logg på
Denne historien er fra April 06, 2024-utgaven av Brunch.
Start din 7-dagers gratis prøveperiode på Magzter GOLD for å få tilgang til tusenvis av utvalgte premiumhistorier og 9000+ magasiner og aviser.
Allerede abonnent? Logg på
Rohit Chawla
Photographer, artist, @RohitChawlaPhotography_
Congratulations, it's a goal
Lakeside vows, pastel palettes, bayous, backyards and boats. These celeb weddings are what modern fairytales are made of
Rail against the machine
Valay Shende's Virar Fast depicts more than Mumbai's constant state of rush. Despite the struggle, there's empathy too
No need for soirée excuses
Not all party guests are created equal. Make sure you have an escape plan, in case you're stuck with someone dull
100 years, one epic dinner
How did the Hindustan Times celebrate its centenary in Delhi? With a lavish, ambitious dinner served by a top chef, in a magical garden. It can never be done again
Sauce and sorcery
Video projections on your plate, holograms dancing at the table, customised tunes with every course. Tech's coming to dinner. Will you reorder or reboot?
Who hates the haters now?
Online trolls used to terrify influencers. Now, hate is hardly a surprise. It's a sign of engagement, real viewers; a chance to clap back and wield power. Take a look
Are you earring this?
Don't put the heavy jewellery back in storage after the festivities. Stylists offer tips on how to wear them all year and still look chic
Clash of clans: Festive edit
Set boundaries, ask your own questions, prep for the prying moments. Here's how to survive the family gathering without going nuts
Krutika
Content creator, @TheMermaidScales