Stranger Things Composers Break Down the Show's Music | Vanity Fair

The composers of the hit Netflix show Stranger Things, Kyle Dixon and Michael Stein, break down the music of the show. Kyle and Michael talk about how they were approached by the Duffer Brothers to score the show, the biggest influences on their music, and the differences between the music of Stranger Things season one and season two.
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[@94abelardo]

This video is missing 20 minutes of them playing with their synths

[@widdo8354]

Yes !

[@IDOLIKIofficial]

kzbin.info/www/bejne/jJWniIaIeqmkeKc

[@johnabbottphotography]

The edit of this was the worst.

[@Nite85]

right?

[@ZozoOfficial1]

Yess exactly!! 😩

[@esmediamond]

I NEVER skip the intro of Stranger Things because the song is so modern yet nostalgic and beautiful ❤️

[@secretcombination94]

I thought I was the only one lol

[@ShawNetwork]

I kinda get mad when my little nephews always want to skip the intro after they've heard it enough times. I'm like, "C'mon man, you can't skip the intro, it's part of the show!" Lol. To each their own I guess.

[@KillerDCInstinct]

@@ShawNetwork not their fault...they're too young to appreciate the art and what goes in to making it.

[@tearbear8707]

Are you even a real fan if u skip the intro ?? Like mann I’ve never EVER skipped the intro and just last night my mom FINALLY started watching stranger things and she tried to skip the intro 😱

[@JasonTylerRicci]

I've never skipped the intro. Never

[@claudiomunoz471]

I could hear the intro for HOURS.

[@KTK44]

Sounds a lot like Wanna Fight by Cliff Martinez. They kind of ripped it off I'd go as far as to say. But who cares. It's all good.

[@anypercentdeathless]

@@KTK44 With this, I agree. Speaking of Cliff Martinez...I'm really digging "Too Old to Die Young" right now. 2/3 finished, but so far...pretty neato music.

[@kamoel4747]

It is my ringtone 😂

[@spicyseaweed5728]

😂

[@jesusmarmolejo2726]

@@javeinne was it because you fell asleep??

[@thomasgibbs2791]

Without the music, Stranger Things just wouldn't be what it is to everyone who loves the show. The music is what brings the emotion out of the scene and shoves it into the minds of the viewers. It has such an impact on storytelling and how the atmosphere of each and every intricate sequence is conveyed. I literally love it, and believe that in a way music and sound design is the real basis for greatness in all film media. I mean seriously, look at films scored by Hans Zimmer and tell me they aren't the most intense and stimulating shows of emotion and atmosphere ever.

[@dash8_music]

100% agree with this!

[@scaredface347]

Thomas Gibbs so true i sometimes think of being a music composer.

[@thomasgibbs2791]

scared face I've never considered composing but I have considered Foley and sound effects

[@scaredface347]

Thomas Gibbs yeah edit: what is foley?

[@sup9542]

John Williams is the ultimate example. He was as important to those films as Spielberg or Lucas or Harrison Ford, and they know it and acknowledge it.

[@HollyHodges]

*the music makes the show so fantastic job!*

[@dogchance100]

Holly Hodges Agreed

[@paul_bismuth]

to be honest, without the music and the vintage graphic package, the show would be just for kids...

[@dutchmasterstudios2823]

Reaaaly does

[@joelhinchliffe4119]

unfortunately, kids these days don't know how to punctuate. but, i assume: 'the music makes the show, so, fantastic job!'

[@my-dd3wc]

Holly Hodges I knooooww

[@MLWWiffleBall]

These guys are legends. Kids, Castle Byers, Lay-Z-Boy, Eleven, Friendship, The First I Love You, Eight Fifteen, Eulogy, and so many more... are unreal. They took the show to a whole new level each season.

[@sneeze4254]

Those are my favorite tracks!!! Amazing.

[@siddharthg3315]

RIGHTLY SAID!!!

[@krlos116]

Hey, what is the ñame of the song at 03:33

[@laurat9052]

@dolpshinscountry

[@laurat9052]

@dolphinscountry @mtesta6

[@waynefarrellvoiceovers]

As someone who grew up in the 80s. There is a scene where the kids are cycling over a hill at night. Their bike lamps cutting through the dust and the background music was so spot on 1980s horror, that I almost burst into tears of joy. Stranger Things is a masterpiece of nostalgia. Thank you.

[@TMWriting]

The song "Kids" is one of my favourite tracks on a soundtrack ever. I discovered about halfway through the first season that I was more invested in the show because I might get to hear that song again than for anything happening on screen.

[@yungjansport6991]

it does, the songs called kids 2 lol

[@DJDistruxion]

My favourite track they did was “Castle Byers” beautiful

[@letterfella]

SAME! Delighted when Kids 2 showed up!

[@jacobeller3377]

Tom Morgan KIDS OMG also kids2 is good

[@ina00203]

Hi 5 mine too

[@phoenixgrove]

80s music was phenomenal... And these guys did a great job creating that 1980s thriller ambient atmosphere.

[@Abstracts3211]

Sonia Khatri true

[@zachbohemian]

the only thing missing is the electric guitar. 80s music had that

[@SPAZZOID100]

XxxMetalheadHippiexxX not all of it.

[@bartni]

it sounds very 80s, but was there any music like this at that time?

[@nsjx]

bartni yes but perhaps not entirely All based in the US ;) but actually Yes, all around the world. These synths and timbers are not new by any stretch of the modern imagination. they are rather seeing a revival and i think its a great thing. but for my taste i wish the modern “retro” sound would KEEP the emotional dynamics of the original vibe and not crush everything together for the sake of constant loudness.

[@lukeskif]

These guys are killing it with the music. Gives me goosebumps listening theoughout the episodes!!

[@spooky6763]

307 likes, 1 year ago......... *no replies*

[@lukeskif]

@@spooky6763 randomly popped up in my feed wtf. I guess your the first comment ayy

[@spooky6763]

@@lukeskif lol ayy

[@jdm473]

@@spooky6763 hola chicos buenas tardes

[@andrewnibbi]

Excuse me while I drool over this room of like $200,000 worth of classic analog synths. Big Moog fans apparently

[@datenight9342]

i think that big modular is other MU stuff so probably a comparably more affordable 20k or so :-)

[@arando4359]

Andrew Nibbi and Roland. But especially Moog, yes

[@Skraboing649]

And that sweeet ARP 2600 in the background. Drool! 🙂

[@handmadeindustrial]

Synthesizers.com and MOTM

[@Bacopa68]

It might be worth 200k now, but when all that stuff was new back in the 80s, probably over a million.

[@oline5305]

The soundtrack is what makes Stranger things stranger things. The best in television now at least. Makes the mood so creepy and cool and epic.

[@user-hk7hz9cn7v]

Oline Exactly! It really drives the 80’s vibes when the music is synth based and electronic. Big part of the 80’s

[@SirDella]

Same but with season 4

[@insideTheMirror_]

The first time I heard the soundtrack I knew I was gonna be fan of the series. For me 50% of Stranger Things success is cause of the sound but not many people realize that.

[@iMandyHere]

The score definitely brings this show to a whole new level. 💛

[@DimiKaye]

Synthwave for the win.

[@GamesExposed]

I found you my brudda

[@DimiKaye]

Vosto Vlad Ahahah we are everywhere bro!

[@samosamusic]

What is going on?

[@neonsummers3932]

Herroooo

[@TraumaAD]

chea. #KbackToMyModular

[@-PlayMaker-]

Netflix: skip intro Me: more like repeat intro, bucko

[@bingefox4056]

Or watch Tron 2.

[@mr.nobody9697]

These guys are geniuses. Their soundtracks take me right back to the 80s. ST imho is one of the best scored shows of all time. Sensational.

[@DZ-bj3yx]

Mr. Nobody facts

[@mphaddon7741]

Nope just copy cats, Phillip glass ensemble- vessels.

[@trompodearrachera1284]

Not geniuses but they recreated 80s vibe outstandingly good. We should hear more of their music

[@personguy3885]

@@mphaddon7741 You clearly don't understand the difference between inspiration and copying.

[@jebusgod]

the music adds a certain texture to the whole stranger things viewing experience that you need. amazing

[@user-hk7hz9cn7v]

jebusgod Exactly! It really drives the 80’s vibes when the music is synth based and electronic. Big part of the 80’s

[@LukasFink1]

The soundtrack is just perfect.

[@dash8_music]

without these guys the stranger things series wouldn't have been nearly as successful their scores are so unique and you can really feel the emotions that they want to you to feel. Great job guys!

[@svenvideos]

The music is a huge part of the show.

[@OfficialRoses]

it truly is, it’s really nostalgic for some reason 😭 makes me really happy but sad at the same time

[@VolatileSupernova]

I own the music on Vinyl and it sounds soooo smooth and good.

[@tylerlizotte]

Volatile Supernova no u dont

[@tylerevans1700]

Tyler Lizotte but his mom does...

[@Comment0997]

Lol love how you're listening to most electronic, non-acoustic score on vinyl

[@tylerlizotte]

Comment0997 analog is analog

[@Comment0997]

But like 100 times over in the chain that analog signal become digital. Once it becomes digital once can you say it's analog after that?

[@anskiusz]

They're doing an amazing job, the music really makes a difference in the viewing experience. Love the show.

[@CrossEyedLion85]

The Eleven Theme talked about at 3:10 and the start of the credits in S2E8 at 3:45 was one of the most intense moments in Stranger Things. The entire soundtrack is so perfect. I never skip the intro or credits, cause the music is like sucking you deep into the emotions that have just been transferred visually. So good! I never watched Stranger Things, till I heard the soundtrack and just absorbed the 2 seasons in a couple of days.

[@JHANKSMEDIA]

Same! Although I’d always loved the title sequence song, I didn’t think I’d really be into the show so I just never gave it a chance. But after hearing Kids in a TikTok or something, that was enough to make me wanna give it a shot, and I flew through all 4 seasons in about 4-5 days 🤣 and now I’m bummed I have to wait another 2 years or so for the series finale.

[@deirdremorris9234]

@@JHANKSMEDIA A friend of mine had watched it. I thought, Ill give it a whirl. Then 4 days past and hubby and I had binged the first three seasons. My kids thought I was silly, but then they gave it a chance and got hooked. There is nothing like 80s music! ST will be a cult film for years to come.

[@patriciapedrotti5350]

Their music gives so much more to the scenes, when Eleven is hiding under that tree in the woods, when Hopper gets in the tunnels for the first time or when Eleven returns it makes it so iconic

[@CharlesFerraro]

The synth that makes the main arp is an Oberheim Two Voice.

[@doublereso]

The only comment I was searching for, thanks dude!

[@alexalcazar3604]

"Lazy-Z-Boy", "Biking to School" and "A Kiss" Soundtrack are one of my favorites you guys made.

[@_what._.]

It took me 5 YEARS to discover that this video exist?? Glad I'm finally here. These two are absolute geniuses and the Stranger Things soundtrack is absolutely one of the greatest soundtracks in history. And definitely my favorite one.

[@elijerrr]

These guys are seriously soooooooo underappreciated, and that setup??? Omg... I just finally went back to college to finish getting my degree in this stuff, electronic music, music production and recording arts, and to actually know how intense and immaculate their rigs are and how creating film scores works... my hats off to these two. I hope someday to do something just like this for a big production. So sick.

[@gia3219]

"I'm Kyle Dixon. And I'm Micheal Stein." aka two geniuses

[@mql17]

Really cool interview, the way the editor fit in little clips of music every time they referenced something was great!

[@anti_MATT_er]

Soldiers is probably my favorite track.

[@Emilypwilson]

Matt Nguyen same!

[@tristensnyder4071]

The music is honestly my favorite part of Stranger Things. It really makes the show, and I can't imagine what it would be like with a different score. These guys are true artists.

[@jackj147]

They guys are so down to earth. You can really tell they're just two super good friends who legitimately love working together and making awesome music haha.

[@justinekenjidelacruz1671]

who else is clicking all the videos with "stranger things" in the title until season 3 comes out

[@fangamergirl3439]

russ glover oh my gosh me

[@abhishekboby3257]

Ya...wow....i thought i was the only one doing it

[@jeremiahsalvadorjuarez553]

russ glover me!

[@reganlynn9872]

✋✋✋✋

[@lilianagarza5711]

russ glover omg I thought I was the only one, LOLOLOLOLOLOLOLOLOLOL

[@holllyrhode]

yess that “she’ll kill you” and “soldiers” song, the one that gets reused alot is 100% the best one/s

[@Ingsoc75]

I like how they referenced Tangerine Dream's scores in the 1983 move "The Keep", a very under rated movie.

[@filmstuff2593]

The First Lie, Kids 2 and First Kiss are probably my favourites

[@MineCraftBoy1337]

Film Stuff Especially "A kiss"

[@awtsgege3200]

Every time I hear the intro, I always feel a very nostalgic and deep feeling in my chest. The song really touches my heart

[@RJMH]

every bit of music in stranger things is incredible. They completely understand the emotions in every scene. these guys are amazing!

[@user-hk7hz9cn7v]

xRobotNinja Exactly! It really drives the 80’s vibes when the music is synth based and electronic. Big part of the 80’s

[@vLouise]

The intro, Eulogy, Kids are AMAZING soundtracks. Kyle Dixon and Michael Stein have made such a good job, Stranger Things' score is really something.

[@tfire8040]

"The first lie" and The first I love you" are also amazing

[@dominickjannconcon776]

For me, Probably one of the biggest factor why I am very attached with Stranger Things it is because of the musics/sounds behind of it. 👏👏👏 Bravo! 💖

[@lindseyjames7618]

Thank you for that bit of advice/ motivation at the end. Heartwarming and encouraging, thank you C: 💚

[@jjqhhsndndkdb135]

Amazing and very quality interview

[@travis_redfern6771]

Eulogy, and Lazyboy are my faves, and Lazyboy actually sounds somewhat like the song the aliens play at the end of Close encounters of the Third Kind. Makes me love it even more.

[@TenThumbsProductions]

Analog baby yeah!

[@mobydix6022]

The soundtrack for Stranger Things is without a doubt one of the most unique and beautiful music I have ever heard. I've always been a soundtrack nerd, and what these guys have created is definitely one of my favorites ever. It's pretty cool to hear how they created all this amazing music.

[@macdaddybender]

Well done. Don't underestimate how important the score of Stranger Things is to the success of the show. The minute I heard the title theme I knew I was going to stick around and watch it, and I'm pretty glad that I did!

[@VARTEHOOD]

the people who make our soundtrack especially the theme... i'm proud of u..... i'm in love with every soundtracks❤

[@CB0915]

The upside down music came on in my house recently while listening to my alexa.... i am obsessed

[@ritchxmusic]

So inspired by these guys, their music and their story. Love that show.

[@epsech]

That last bit of advice is a great way to end this. Thanks for the amazing music and inspiration!

[@holllyrhode]

i really love eulogy too

[@findsometime8921]

Eduardo Hostert i never want to forget that song, and it makes me sad because i know i’ll forget it eventually and i will one time hear it for the last time without even knowing. it’s so beautiful. cry every time.

[@deboneahvradenburg8049]

I love stranger things..I click on anything with stranger things

[@nedfo72]

I come back to this video almost weekly, specifically for the last words said. So inspiring

[@jelleclaw]

I'm not really into sci-fi , but the thing that got me hooked was the use of music and visuals.. Couldn't stop watching after the intro. Great job dudes..

[@gregorykotoch5045]

Stranger Things is so nostalgic even though it's happening now.

[@OfficialRoses]

literally

[@libbylaur]

Gave me chills

[@SBF96]

Thank you for this music. The intro theme alone gives me goosebumps every time I watch the show.

[@johnnyapostal]

Such an amazing production... Absolutely love it... it's so inspirational... Thank you for showing us the making of it & the instruments used... Good to see Analogue synths still leading the way! 👌👌👌

[@hamzahassaballa5050]

Just before I saw this I was listening to a stranger things score playlist 😂🔥

[@gojoPart2]

Do do do dooo doo doo

[@elcidabiera9751]

loser with a cell phone Studios & Knuckles thanks for thr lyrics 😂

[@steveguy3]

So mass effect

[@heyitsme3586]

Thank you for these inspirational lyrics 😂

[@meghanxox]

So cool! I'm in love with this kind of old school music, really makes the scenes!

[@juanc.aguilar2029]

So glad these guys are getting credit! The music got me hooked for sure!! Good job!!

[@menickperez]

"The Return" is such an amazing piece of music

[@holllyrhode]

they’re geniuses

[@jakubcrowe4036]

babyhols666 the plural of genius is genii

[@SPAZZOID100]

babyhols666 really??

[@christiaantinga]

These lads were liquid in the era these instruments were used. That's why I admire them even more. I've been synthmaniac all my life and could never do the job like you guys. Thanks for being an inspiration.

[@abbystubbs4062]

I love the soundtrack to Stranger Things, the score really sets the mood and honestly I could probably listen to it on a regular basis. I feel so many emotions just listing to the music its amazing.

[@nateblack972]

Awesome music and show. Totally gripping music. That monster theme is sick.

[@muffinman5741]

"Soldiers" is the best song

[@happytoes8318]

Yes i agree!

[@supereffectivegamer6063]

The upside-down song is one of my favorite tracks in the show, it's so eerie. I remember having chills seeing that scene. Stranger Things overall is an amazing combination of great writing, perfect casting and amazing music that ties it all in. Can't wait for the new season next summer, doesn't feel like a Halloween season without a new season of Stranger Things though :(

[@ranzee]

These guys are amazing. Right attitude to music composition. Aweseome gear. RESPECT!

[@billymac72]

The music is great. It adds so much to the vibe. Definitely reminiscent of John Carpenter, Tangerine Dream, Wendy Carlos and Goblin.

[@crusaderinacrewnecksweater]

Those are some nice kicks you got there Dixon!

[@ecco-]

Went to see these guys live at the Barbican. Unbelievably good! Love the music, can’t wait for season 3 wooo

[@johnnyapostal]

U guys smashed it outta the park! The theme itself is so addictive... i play it on repeat for hours & hours!!!!

[@aaronramirez6828]

This segment could easily be a Portlandia or Documentary Now episode.

[@JoeKataldo]

Aaron Ramirez Wait this is not Portlandia?

[@madisonriley9133]

thanks i read this halfway through the video and the entire second half all i saw was fred armisen

[@aaronramirez6828]

@@madisonriley9133 LOL

[@bbenny91]

Anyone else just excited to see a guy that helped compose this amazing music rocking a Whataburger hat?!

[@BWG05]

This music just bring out the essence of a particular scene. It's just so good

[@cobrakairobloxenthusiast4291]

Stranger Things intro is so good I just love how the letters go together and how the music is and how a number appears like without the intro it wouldn’t be good.

[@dir.george5458]

Legends 👏🏾💛

[@2030games]

How to make the intro in one step: *C MAJOR 7 ARPEGGIO BOIS*

[@rickeyc208]

2030games “it’s not an arpeggio”

[@bad-bros.com-multigamingco8323]

how to sound like an idiot in the comment section because you did not watch the video 101

[@brettdolphin9168]

It’s still an arpeggio played by hand it’s just not sequenced with an arpeggiator per say

[@struggler8532]

@@vegetaismydad5382 Thank you, my AP score wasn't for naught then.

[@ChopinDolphy]

listen to @@vegetaismydad5382

[@s.factor9508]

I love there sounds that they make it’s just so awesome!!

[@-PlayMaker-]

The music has a different type of vibe. I can't explain it. It's so unique and nostalgic. Ahhh I just love it so much.

[@castSergio]

i can also feel some tangerine dream on their sound

[@user-hk7hz9cn7v]

Sergio Herrasti For sure!

[@jordan.newsom]

Dope story. Dope music!

[@sohlyr]

I swear I love their musics im listening to it everytime

[@maxx1mus1041]

The intro music is ICONIC great job fellas👏🏽👏🏽👏🏽👏🏽👏🏽

[@valarya]

You can definitely hear Aphex Twin & Autechre in their influences. Love love love that!!!!! Also BTILC is one of the best films of all time. ♥

[@KTK44]

And a lot of Cliff Martinez. Some of it seems like almost a rip off of Martinez scoring sound. Not a bad thing, but still.

[@onreload]

whoa i did NOT expect to hear someone name Autechre and Bogdan Raczynski today

[@chasith4498]

Always needed to see how it’s done♥️😍

[@lumbum_]

these guys are so great. really makes me happy to see humble and smart artist.

[@capyliker]

*reads Stranger Things in title *click video

[@leomessi7058]

Bois, your song has been my ringtone for like... 2 years. 🔥

[@FrydaWolff]

Thanks VF this is great for audio people.

[@dancollins8876]

that bit of advice at the end is so important, under rated , and even revolutionary

[@michalmazurewicz7240]

Great soundtrack to the amazing show👌

[@guyjuan]

Now they are making the music for season 4...

[@Polo-rp9hk]

“Kids” just captures such powerful feelings. I could never thank these guys enough

[@bbssimpson]

Soo stoked on this. Many thanks to those that made this. Truly insightful.