Showtime's eerie series "Yellowjackets" has captivated audiences, and this season, the music is a standout feature. The show, which alternates between a group of teenage soccer players stranded in the 1990s Canadian wilderness and their adult selves in the present, taps into '90s nostalgia with tracks from artists like Tori Amos, Smashing Pumpkins, Massive Attack, and Veruca Salt.
In a recent episode, Alanis Morissette introduced her rendition of the theme song "No Return," which is also available as a single. A memorable musical moment from the first episode of Season 2 featured Warren Kole's character, Jeff, jamming to Papa Roach's "Last Resort" after a heated encounter with his wife Shauna, played by Melanie Lynskey. Although the song was released in 2000, it still carries a nostalgic vibe.
Nora Felder, the show's music supervisor, explained that the choice of Papa Roach was scripted and perfectly captured Jeff's heightened emotions. Felder enjoys the creative freedom to select period-appropriate songs for other scenes, immersing herself in the era to build playlists that stay true to the story.
For example, Tori Amos's "Cornflake Girl" was chosen for a pivotal scene involving young Shauna, played by Sophie Nélisse, as it reflected both her mindset and the broader themes of the show. Felder's task is challenging, as the ideal song choice can change during production due to various factors, including actor performances.
The team strives to find the perfect song to enhance the narrative, often asking themselves if they can improve on their initial choice. Felder believes there isn't a strict formula for matching songs to scenes, instead letting the visuals guide her decisions.
Another striking musical moment was the "last supper" scene in the second episode, featuring Radiohead's "Climbing Up the Walls," which complemented the characters' collective hallucinations during a cannibalistic event.
The importance of music in "Yellowjackets" is evident in the Season 2 trailer, which includes Florence + The Machine's haunting cover of No Doubt's "Just A Girl." Florence Welch expressed her excitement about reinterpreting the song to fit the show's unsettling tone, drawing on her love for '90s pop punk and Gwen Stefani.
Alanis Morissette also found inspiration in the show, noting its intensity and the complex portrayal of female characters. She feels privileged to contribute to "Yellowjackets," which aligns with her career-long commitment to empowering women and exploring the world from a female perspective.