In the world of Apple TV+ comedy series "Shrinking", music supervisors Christa Miller and Tony Von Pervieux have a unique approach to song selection. They isolate specific songs for certain scenes, banking as many as possible in a shared playlist while also having a few names in mind for each season, especially new artists. This process leads to some unexpected "steals" and perfect song placements.

Discover the Musical Journey of "Shrinking" Season 2

Isolating Songs for Specific Scenes

Shrinking music supervisors approach song selection by isolating specific songs for certain scenes. They bank a large number of songs in a shared playlist and have specific artists in mind for each season. This method ensures that the right song is in the right place at the right time. For example, in Season 2 Episode 2, both "Never Been Better" by Ben Abraham and "cope" by AKA lisa got "stolen" or moved up based on how good they were. This shows the importance of having a diverse playlist and being open to changing placements based on the quality of the song.In Episode Seven, they used "Somebody Else" by The 1975 and "Me" from Season 1. They are not shy about using the same band twice, as long as it's a different song. The song "Somebody Else" just happened to work perfectly in that moment, adding to the overall magic of the show.

Finding the Right Tone and Messaging

When selecting songs, they go through a lot of music they love first and then narrow it down based on how it resonates within the show and with people. The messaging and tone of the song are crucial factors in determining which ones work best. For instance, in the serious moments of the show, they choose songs that are not too heavy to enhance the emotional impact.In the scene where Jimmy sees three people meeting up behind his back, the song "Into the Ether" by Leif Vollebekk was the perfect choice. It stuck out for them as the one that would nail the tone and messaging, taking them out into the end credits.

Group Efforts and Serendipity

The process of selecting songs is a group effort. For example, in the song at the end of episode one when Brett shows up in the office, it was a true group effort between Tony, Bill, and Christa. They pitched all sorts of things and finally landed on the Fink song. There were also moments of serendipity, like finding a newer version of a song that worked perfectly in a particular scene.In Season 3, they are just starting to build their playlist and are excited to find more great music. They get their music from various sources and share a love for music with each other.

Connecting with Artists

Christa Miller loves getting to know the artists she uses in the show. She plays a lot of music for Bill and has a master list with Tony. She also gets to meet some of the artists, like Leif Vollebekk, which adds to the community aspect of the show.In one instance, she was texting with Leif before seeing him perform at The Troubadour. These connections with the artists make the show even more special.

Enhancing the Show with Music

The music supervisors understand the importance of enhancing the show with the right music. They work closely with the editors to find the perfect spots for the songs. Even when a song is "stolen" by Bill, it shows the collaborative effort to make the show better.In the final half of Season 2, Episode 12 is a heavy music episode with a lot of different things. It leaves the viewers in a certain moment until the next episode.In the end, the music in "Shrinking" Season 2 adds a whole new layer to the show, making it a truly magical experience.