SYNC Radio

We're straying from our usual discussion of film and TV today to discuss the beloved franchise The Sims. Whether you play it consistently or, as I do, play it for two weeks straight and then hold off for a few months, The Sims has gone through many iterations, with each providing a unique soundscape that immerses the player in their experience. To allow every individual player to create their own world requires versatility, and through both score and Simlish music, The Sims walks a fine line between familiarity and individuality.

Today, we're chatting about the beauty of the Parks and Recreation soundtrack. With a large and eccentric ensemble, the music of Parks and Rec manages to support the unique identities of each character while bringing together the thematic heart of the show – its powerful optimism. Whether used for comedic, characterization, or tonal purposes, the soundtrack lies at the core of what makes Parks and Rec truly special in the crowded field of sitcoms.

IMPORTANT NOTE: I had my mic volume very low at the beginning, so around 4:50, it will jump up. Headphone users beware! I'm so sorry.

Welcome to the final episode of SYNC on Twitch! Today, we're talking about sitcoms: specifically Arrested Development and Curb Your Enthusiasm. These shows have VASTLY different scores and soundscapes, but each utilizes music in a similar way. How do sound effects, leitmotif, and differential scoring techniques reflect the nature of each show, and how do they add to the humor and character of them? Streamed 1/30/21 on Twitch (sorry it's taken me so long to upload!)

Welcome to a very special holiday episode of SYNC on Twitch! Today, we're talking about Hallmark films. Their debut was a serious cultural reset, and they have a specific tone that created an entire subgenre of cheesy yet heartfelt holiday movies. Many of these films have a smaller music budget, so how do they make use of what they have? How do the soundtracks of these add to their iconic reputation? Streamed 11/28/20 on Twitch (sorry it's taken me so long to upload!)

Welcome to the Soundtrack Summer series, where we explore one collection of work each episode and break down how music affects both the fictional world and the viewer experience. Spinning Out is an immaculate show on Netflix about skating, family, and mental health, and the music plays a key role in setting the soundscape of both the skating world and a person's inner demons. I talk about the soundtrack and how the use of classical composition mixed with a specific subgenre of placed songs creates a compelling piece of art. Streamed live on Twitch 9/12/20 (sorry it's taken so long to upload!)

Note: I had audio issues during the intro, so here it is: "Hello, and welcome to SYNC, a show where we talk about music in film and television, why it's important, and the music supervisors and composers who make it all happen. My name is Emma, and today I'm talking about Spinning Out."

Welcome to the Soundtrack Summer series, where we explore one collection of work each episode and break down how music affects both the fictional world and the viewer experience. The Devil Wears Prada is an absolutely ICONIC film, and so much of that is due to the show's use of music and its unbelievably diverse soundtrack. How do all of these somewhat random songs come together to create such a captivating narrative? Streamed 8/29/20 on Twitch (sorry it's taken me so long to upload!)

Welcome to the Soundtrack Summer series, where we explore one collection of work each episode and break down how music affects both the fictional world and the viewer experience. Scream Queens has an iconic soundtrack filled with '80s hits, perfectly encapsulating the show's homage to the campy horror of the era. How does the music contribute to both the show's drama and humor? Streamed live on Twitch on 8/15/20 (sorry it's taken so long to upload!)

Welcome to the Soundtrack Summer series, where we explore one collection of work each episode and break down how music affects both the fictional world and the viewer experience. Dead to Me has a unique soundtrack that blends older soft pop, soul, and modern indie to set the tone for the show's dark yet comedic narrative. How does the music support – through visual/narrative similarity or contrast – the show's unique style? Does song placement hold clues to individual characters and their motivations? This episode also raised funds for The Bail Project! Streamed 8/8/2020.

Welcome to the Soundtrack Summer series, where we explore one collection of work each episode and break down how music affects both the fictional world and the viewer experience. Gossip Girl features numerous hit songs of the late aughts and early '10s, and many have made a lasting impact on pop music and stars as we know it. But how does a catchy and immediately recognizable song fit into a fictional narrative (however realistic)? Does their iconic nature help or hinder our belief in the world of the Upper East Side teenager? This episode also raised funds for The Bail Project! Streamed 7/10/2020.

Welcome to the Soundtrack Summer series, where we explore one collection of work each episode and break down how music affects both the fictional world and the viewer experience. Juno has a unique soundtrack filled with classics, love songs, and original music by Kimya Dawson. How does the music of Juno support the film's depiction of teenage life, especially one that has been turned upside down? And how does song placement affect our perception of the film's incredibly unique characters? This episode also raised funds for The Bail Project! Streamed 6/27/2020.

NOTE: This episode appeared before Elliot Page came out, so I apologize for using his deadname and incorrect pronouns. If listeners would like me to take this episode down, please let me know.

Welcome to the Soundtrack Summer series, where we explore one collection of work each episode and break down how music affects both the fictional world and the viewer experience. Wes Anderson is known for his cohesive aesthetic, but how does he score his universe? Is there the same sonic consistency? We also have a special guest – Charlie – with incredible knowledge and passion for Anderson's body of work. This episode also raised funds for The Bail Project!

Welcome to the Soundtrack Summer series, where we explore one collection of work each episode and break down how music affects both the fictional world and the viewer experience. Stranger Things is packed with classic '80s hits, but does our own musical nostalgia help or hurt our ability to stay immersed in the universe? This episode also raised funds for The Bail Project!

Los Angeles is arguably the media capital of the world. Let's look at the music of films and shows set in Los Angeles; what does a city sound like, and how do we represent it through music? 

What makes a good biopic? In this episode, we explore biopics with original/rerecorded albums sung by the actors who portray the subject of each biopic. Every song is mashed up with its original (Billie Holiday and Diana Ross singing "Lover Man" together, etc.) so we can really look at the differences.