The Musical Journey Behind the Iconic better Call Saul Theme
Television plays a pivotal role in shaping contemporary pop culture, and crafting memorable theme songs for popular series can substantially influence a musician’s career trajectory. The intricate process of composing these tunes is frequently enough far from straightforward.
Barrie Cadogan, the english guitarist and co-founder of Little Barrie, has etched his name into the annals of pop culture with his captivating theme for the acclaimed Better Call saul, a spin-off of the legendary series Breaking Bad. Cadogan, who has lent his talents to artists like Liam Gallagher, Primal Scream, and Morrissey, faced a challenging task in creating a theme that would resonate with audiences.
The Creative Process: A Symphony of Ideas
Initially, Cadogan had to produce a variety of themes before the show’s creators found one that truly captured their vision. “The music director,Thomas Golubić,was inspired by our 2006 track Why Don’t You Do It and requested somthing in a similar style,featuring that distinctive guitar sound and tempo,” he shared in an interview with Premier Guitar. “It was during this period that I began experimenting with the Bigsby guitar.”
The brief was clear: “We need a piece of music that can seamlessly cut off at the 20-second mark to kick off each episode.” While this may sound simple, the reality was quite different.
A Challenge of Creativity
Initially tasked with creating 17 different themes, cadogan and drummer Virgil Howe recorded and mixed each one. However, the showrunners returned with a request for an additional 12 themes, seeking to capture the right vibe for the series.
“It was amazing to learn that thomas was a fan of Little Barrie, especially since we aren’t widely recognized in the U.S.,” cadogan reflected. “He had listened to our albums and was familiar with our music, but there were no guarantees we would be selected, as they were considering other composers as well.”
The Final Selection
Ultimately, it was submission number seven that won over the creators, resulting in a brief yet powerful 20-second musical legacy that Cadogan is frequently asked about. “When someone inquires if it bothers me that people focus on this piece, I say it doesn’t bother me at all. I cherish it. Its been the most rewarding 20 seconds of music for us!”
Cadogan is well aware of the impact that television scoring can have on a musician’s career. As an example, Nick Cave’s Red Right Hand became synonymous with Peaky Blinders, introducing him to a new audience, while Neil Hefti’s Batman theme has inspired countless riffs, including those by Metallica. Cadogan may experience similar waves of recognition in the future.
Lessons in Songwriting
Exploring the most suspenseful chords in television can offer valuable insights into songwriting and narrative advancement for aspiring guitarists. The art of crafting a theme song is not just about melody; it’s about encapsulating the essence of a story in a few short notes.
