When it comes to crafting a series that truly hits different, Dan Levy, the mastermind behind ‘Schitt’s Creek’, clearly knows how to pick his collaborators. His latest Netflix venture, ‘Big Mistakes’, is no exception, dropping with a soundtrack so ‘dope’ it’s already got fans buzzing. Levy’s choice for the show’s score wasn’t some mainstream pick, but the iconic queer electroclash artist Peaches, whose raw, ‘lawless’ sound perfectly captures the series’ vibe. This isn’t just a casual collaboration; Peaches’ music has been the literal soundtrack to Levy’s life since his twenties, an inspiration that’s now manifested directly into the crucial ‘Big Mistakes’ score.
Peaches, an artist celebrated for her fearless expression and pioneering work in the electroclash scene, brings a whole new layer of authenticity to ‘Big Mistakes’. Her decades-long career has consistently challenged norms, and it’s this very spirit of disruption that Levy sought for his new show. Unlike a typical composer, Peaches’ contribution goes beyond mere background music; her sonic world is imbued with a distinct sense of humor and self-awareness, qualities that Levy explicitly wanted the series to embody. This isn’t just about setting a mood; it’s about infusing the show with a character that only an artist of Peaches’ caliber could deliver.
A significant challenge and a new frontier for Peaches was scoring the series without her signature vocals. This forced her to innovate, finding fresh ways to inject her unmistakable identity and energy purely through instrumentation. Working alongside co-composer Nora Kroll Rosenbaum, their collaboration, which Peaches described as a ‘blind date’, proved to be a powerhouse partnership. Together, they navigated the complexities of translating Peaches’ often confrontational and always authentic artistic voice into instrumental narratives, pushing both artists out of their comfort zones in a way that truly served the show’s central theme of embracing errors.
Levy specifically tasked Peaches with being a ‘disruptor’ through the music, treating the score as the ‘id and ego’ that propels the characters into their ‘big mistakes’. This vision meant eschewing traditional scoring techniques like gentle fade-outs, opting instead for sharp, abrupt cuts that jolt the viewer and actively engage them in the characters’ often chaotic decisions. The music isn’t there to simply echo the emotion with a violin; it’s meant to provoke, to push, and to maintain an unyielding ‘thrill ride’ intensity that mirrors the unpredictable journeys of the protagonists. It’s straight-up unconventional, and it totally works.
The creative duo defined this ‘thrill ride’ through three distinct emotional auras: moments of revelation, the discomfort of stepping outside one’s comfort zone, and sheer terror. Peaches’ deep understanding of queer authenticity played a crucial role here, shaping a sound that avoids the ‘watered down’ mainstream often seen in music that started from queer origins. She intentionally crafted a score that retains the raw power and personality of queerness, making sure it never telegraphs anything less than its true, unfiltered essence. This commitment ensures the music remains powerful, unique, and genuinely impactful, making it truly slay.
Peaches’ work on ‘Big Mistakes’ signifies more than just a soundtrack; it’s a testament to her artistic evolution and a bold statement about authentic representation in media. By intentionally avoiding a sound that might veer into a ‘mainstreamed’ version of her unique style, she ensured the score for Levy’s series maintained its edge and cultural significance. This collaboration has not only amplified the show’s narrative but has also delivered a genuinely innovative and ‘on point’ musical experience that is already garnering widespread acclaim, proving that stepping out of your comfort zone can lead to something truly epic. If you’re into fresh sounds and killer storytelling, this is for real.
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Livia Dorne covers film, television, music, and pop culture with a keen editorial perspective. She delivers engaging commentary, reviews, and behind-the-scenes insights that keep readers connected to the entertainment world. Her style blends critique with storytelling.
