More Than Just Mood Music
The most basic function of a background score is to set the mood. A melancholic piano melody can signal sadness, while fast-paced electronic beats can amplify action. However, in today's sophisticated web series, music does far more than just underline
the obvious. It acts as a powerful storytelling tool, capable of conveying character, foreshadowing events, and building entire worlds. Composers for episodic content have the unique task of creating a cohesive musical identity that works across multiple episodes, supporting both the grand narrative and the emotional arcs within each instalment. An original score gives a show a unique sonic fingerprint, making it instantly recognisable, a feat rarely achieved with generic library music. The iconic theme for 'Scam 1992', for instance, became a viral sensation, its slick, suspenseful vibe perfectly encapsulating the show's high-stakes world.
The Unseen Character: Leitmotifs
One of the most effective techniques in a composer's toolkit is the leitmotif—a short, recurring musical phrase associated with a specific character, place, or idea. Think of it as a musical signature. When you hear Darth Vader's 'Imperial March' in 'Star Wars', you know the villain is near, even if he isn't on screen. In web series, this technique helps the audience track characters and themes across many hours of content. A heroic character might have an uplifting theme that soars during their triumphs, while a villain might be accompanied by a low, dissonant melody. These musical cues can also evolve with the characters. A hero's optimistic theme might shift to a minor key or a slower tempo if they face a tragic setback, subtly communicating their internal struggle to the audience.
Building Worlds: Diegetic vs. Non-Diegetic Sound
Sound in a series falls into two main categories. Diegetic sound is anything that exists within the world of the story, which the characters can hear—like a song playing from a car radio or a band performing at a party. This is also called 'source music'. In contrast, non-diegetic sound is the score that only the audience hears, added to heighten emotion and drama. The best sound design seamlessly blends these two. For instance, a character might put on a record (diegetic), and as the scene transitions to a montage of their memories, the same song swells into a full orchestral score (non-diegetic), pulling the viewer deeper into their emotional state. Shows like 'Bandish Bandits' masterfully weave diegetic performances of Indian classical music into the plot, making the music itself a central part of the narrative.
The Strategic Power of Silence
Sometimes, the most dramatic sound is no sound at all. In thrillers and horror, the sudden absence of music can create immense tension, putting the audience on high alert. After being conditioned by a persistent, unnerving score, a moment of stark silence can be deeply unsettling, forcing the viewer to lean in and anticipate the next shock. This technique makes the eventual return of sound, often a loud jump scare, even more impactful. But silence isn't just for horror. In a dramatic confrontation, cutting the music can draw all the focus to the actors' performances and the weight of their words. It creates a feeling of raw, unfiltered reality, making the moment feel more intimate and significant. This deliberate quiet is a calculated choice, proving that what you don't hear can be just as powerful as what you do.
The Sound of Suspense and Action
In crime dramas and action thrillers, the score is a primary engine of suspense. The theme for 'Mirzapur', for example, uses industrial and percussive sounds to create a gritty, menacing atmosphere that reflects the show's violent world. Composers often use low-frequency drones and infrasound—sounds below the range of human hearing that are felt as a vibration—to create a physical sense of unease and anxiety in the audience without them even realizing it. A repetitive, pulsing beat that mimics a ticking clock or a racing heartbeat can dramatically increase the pace and tension of a scene. By skillfully manipulating tempo, volume, and instrumentation, a composer guides the audience's physiological response, making their palms sweat and their heart race right along with the characters on screen.
