The Role of Music in Setting The Tone For ‘Peaky Blinders’
In the gritty aftermath of World War I in Birmingham, where style meets sharp blades and sophistication intertwines with crime, one aspect significantly contributes to defining the unique atmosphere of the popular TV series ‘Peaky Blinders’ — its outstanding soundtrack.
The fusion of musical flair and visual storytelling in ‘Peaky Blinders’ is truly cinematic brilliance, with music playing a crucial role in establishing the mood, enriching character complexity, and drawing viewers into the captivating world of the Shelby crime family.
The characters in ‘Peaky Blinders’ are as varied as the soundtrack itself. Whether it’s the haunting melodies during Tommy Shelby’s reflective moments, the rebellious beats mirroring Arthur Shelby’s untamed spirit, or the ethereal tunes accompanying Ada Shelby’s defiance — the soundtrack seamlessly extends the essence of the characters.
‘Peaky Blinders’ is filled with memorable scenes enhanced by equally unforgettable music. The eerie performance of ‘Red Right Hand’ by Nick Cave and the Bad Seeds, the intense energy of Arctic Monkeys’ ‘R U Mine?’ in a high-energy sequence, and the soul-stirring rendition of David Bowie’s ‘I’m Deranged’ — these instances are ingrained in the show’s history. The soundtrack not only enhances the storytelling but also becomes a vital element in viewers’ emotional connection to Peaky Blinders.
Hartley, the Head of Music at the production company Endemol, has served as the music supervisor for ‘Peaky Blinders’ since its debut on BBC Two. In collaboration with directors, producers, and creators, she meticulously curates the distinctive soundtrack for each series. Additionally, Hartley is the music supervisor for ‘Black Mirror’, Charlie Brooker’s dystopian drama.
The show’s opening sequence features Nick Cave’s haunting track, ‘Red Right Hand,’ chosen by Otto Bathurst, the director of the initial episodes, to establish the series’ musical tone. Hartley explains that in the first series, they experimented with various Nick Cave songs to define the show’s musical direction.
As the series gained success and evolved, the musical identity became clearer, providing both a defined palette and challenges in selecting artists within those parameters.
Describing the musical identity, Hartley notes a preference for music with heavy guitars, almost bluesy in a Johnny Cash or Tom Waits style. This choice aims to capture the complexity of characters like Tommy, who, despite appearing as a successful, violent gangster, harbours a complicated story involving war trauma and internal conflict.
The same approach is applied to characters like Polly, Tommy’s aunt, played by Helen McRory, who has also experienced trauma, shaping her character. The music chosen reflects the darker aspects of the characters and the inner turmoil they carry.
Hartley emphasizes the careful consideration of the artists, describing the music as complex and of high quality, aligning with the show’s preference. The selection of music in Peaky Blinders is also influenced by each director’s style, with some favouring long, panning shots and others opting for quick cuts. This directorial influence affects the choice of tracks and the overall impact of music in each episode.
– Farheen Ali
