What's Happening?
The popular Netflix series 'Stranger Things' concluded its final season with a significant musical achievement by incorporating two iconic songs by Prince, 'Purple Rain' and 'When Doves Cry,' into its series finale.
The Duffer Brothers, creators of the show, managed to secure the rights to these songs, which are part of Prince's Grammy Award-winning 1984 album. This marks a notable event as these songs had never been licensed for a television series before. The inclusion of these tracks played a pivotal role in the emotional and dramatic climax of the series. 'When Doves Cry' was used during a critical scene where characters Hopper and Murray trigger a bomb's remote, while 'Purple Rain' underscored a moment of apparent sacrifice by the character Eleven. The Duffer Brothers expressed that obtaining the rights was a challenging process, made possible partly due to the resurgence of interest in classic tracks following the use of Kate Bush's 'Running Up That Hill' in a previous season.
Why It's Important?
The use of Prince's music in 'Stranger Things' highlights the growing trend of integrating iconic music into television to enhance storytelling and emotional depth. This move not only enriches the viewing experience but also introduces classic music to a new generation, potentially boosting interest and sales for the artist's catalog. For the entertainment industry, it underscores the importance of music rights in creating memorable media moments. The successful negotiation with Prince's estate, known for its stringent licensing policies, sets a precedent for future collaborations between television producers and music estates. This could lead to more creative uses of music in media, benefiting both the music and television industries by expanding their audiences and revenue streams.
What's Next?
Following the successful integration of Prince's music, other television and film producers may be inspired to pursue similar high-profile music licensing deals to enhance their projects. This could lead to increased competition for rights to iconic songs, potentially driving up costs and complexity in negotiations. Additionally, the positive reception of 'Stranger Things' finale may encourage other shows to invest more in their soundtracks, recognizing the value of music in storytelling. For Prince's estate, this collaboration could open doors to more selective licensing opportunities, balancing commercial interests with the artist's legacy.
