The Power of Music in Yellowjackets

Music is a big deal in the TV show Yellowjackets. The people behind the show, Ashley Lyle and Bart Nickerson, love music a lot. They grew up listening to the same tunes on the Jersey Shore. They even have a local radio station to thank for shaping their music tastes. The show's soundtrack is packed with alt-rock hits from the '90s, which was their favorite era. The show follows a high school soccer team that crashes in the wilderness in 1996 and the survivors' struggles 25 years later. The music from their youth helps bring back memories and emotions. It's like a time machine for them. They even started to like songs they didn't care for back in the day. Sometimes, a song's popularity or their own music snobbery phases made them overlook good tunes. The music supervisor, Nora Felder, has worked on many popular shows. She felt the pressure when she joined Yellowjackets for Season Two. But she turned that nervous energy into hard work. Picking the right songs is a detailed process. The team might listen to up to 20 songs for a single scene. They have a "gong method" where anyone can veto a song if it doesn't fit. This keeps the process efficient. The show's success has boosted their budget a bit, allowing them to use songs they originally wanted but couldn't afford. Sometimes, they even write letters to artists to get permission to use their songs. They had success with Enya but not with Laurie Anderson. The show's music is a big part of what makes it special. It's not just background noise; it's a character in itself. It sets the mood and brings back memories for both the characters and the viewers. The creators put a lot of thought into each song choice. They want the music to enhance the story and the emotions. It's clear that music is more than just a soundtrack to them; it's a vital part of the show's identity. It's also a way to connect with the audience on a deeper level. The music choices can spark nostalgia and bring back personal memories for viewers. It's a powerful tool that the creators use to make the show more engaging and emotional. The show's popularity has also increased their budget, but not as much as one might expect. They were finally able to use two songs in the new season that they originally wanted in the pilot: Cat Stevens' "Morning Has Broken" and Aerosmith's "Livin' on the Edge. " They have found that artists are more willing to let them use their songs now that the show is popular. They even wrote a letter to Enya to use "Only Time" in the Season One finale, and she changed her mind. They tried the same with Laurie Anderson for "O Superman, " but weren't as lucky. They respect her decision and admire her integrity.