The music on the new season is notably different, but at the same time it's reminiscent of the one we heard on the first season. How/why was that decision made? Is there a plan to keep doing this musical change in the future, if there's a third (fourth...) season? Like some kind of "Way Down in the Hole" on The Wire? (I'd really love that idea and I know, I'm thinking way too far in the future... But still...)
Editor’s Note: I asked Kate to answer this one. She’s above with our executive producer Julie working on an upcoming episode. - KT
Hi, it’s Kate, the new music editor and mix engineer for Serial. I’m managing the music this season.
That’s a great observation. Music plays a huge role in the production of Serial. As we approached this season, we wanted there to be familiarity – we developed an aesthetic and an identity last season that was embraced by Serial listeners. Our music is similar to a film score, and a score is largely influenced by topics and situations.
With that in mind, the Serial team worked with Nick Thorburn to come up our new theme music which is sort of a reimagining of last season’s piece. The piano ostinato is instantly recognizable but the melody swells into an original trumpet-driven chorus, making it clear that we are introducing an entirely new story. After many rounds of potential variations, it was Ira Glass, the host of This American Life and our editorial advisor, who suggested we voice the melody with brass. That’s Matt Block on trumpet. I tracked with Matt here in New York and Nick incorporated it into his work. It was the final piece we needed to solidify the theme.
There are cues from last year’s composers Nick Thorburn and Mark Henry Philips. As Serial has grown, we’ve been able to introduce new talent. Fritz Myers composed several pieces for the first episode, creating atmospheres for scenes like the the opening rescue sequence and Sarah’s explanation of Zoom.
In many ways, the score parallels the podcast as whole. Serial Podcast has the same core but is reporting a new story and that’s voiced in the music as well. So yes, absolutely the musical choices will continue to evolve as we do!
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