Who Sings the True Detective Theme Song?
True Detective is a critically acclaimed anthology crime drama series that premiered in 2014 on HBO. The show’s theme song, also known as the opening credits music, has become synonymous with the series’ dark and haunting atmosphere. But who sings the True Detective theme song?
The Answer: Lorne Balfe
The answer to this question is Lorne Balfe, a Canadian composer, and music producer. Balfe is best known for his work on various film and television soundtracks, including the music for True Detective.
A Brief Background on Lorne Balfe
Lorne Balfe was born in 1976 in Inverness, Scotland. He began his music career as a composer for video games, working on titles such as Command & Conquer: Red Alert 2 and Harry Potter: Quidditch World Cup. He later transitioned to film and television, scoring music for movies like Mission: Impossible – Ghost Protocol and The Martian.
The True Detective Theme Song
The True Detective theme song, titled "Nevermind", was composed by Lorne Balfe specifically for the show’s first season. The song is a haunting and atmospheric piece that sets the tone for the series’ dark and complex storylines.
The Making of the Theme Song
In an interview with The Hollywood Reporter, Lorne Balfe revealed that he was approached by True Detective’s showrunner, Nic Pizzolatto, to compose the theme song. Pizzolatto gave Balfe a brief outline of the show’s themes and tone, and Balfe set out to create a piece that would capture the essence of the series.
Key Features of the Theme Song
Here are some key features of the True Detective theme song that make it so effective:
- Haunting atmosphere: The song features a combination of eerie sound effects, atmospheric synths, and a pulsing drumbeat to create a sense of tension and foreboding.
- Simple yet effective melody: The theme song’s melody is simple, yet incredibly effective in setting the tone for the series. The melody is repeated throughout the song, building up to a climax that is both haunting and unsettling.
- Atmospheric instrumentation: The song features a range of atmospheric instrumentation, including theremin, piano, and strings, to create a sense of depth and texture.
The Evolution of the Theme Song
For the show’s second season, the theme song was reworked and re-recorded to reflect the new tone and direction of the series. The new theme song, titled "Woe is Me", was composed by Gustavo Santaolalla, an Argentine musician and composer. Santaolalla is known for his work on films like Brokeback Mountain and Million Dollar Baby.
Comparison of the Two Theme Songs
Here is a comparison of the two True Detective theme songs:
| Season 1: "Nevermind" | Season 2: "Woe is Me" | |
|---|---|---|
| Composer | Lorne Balfe | Gustavo Santaolalla |
| Style | Atmospheric and haunting | More minimalist and introspective |
| Instruments | Theremin, piano, strings | Piano, guitar, and cello |
| Mood | Tense and foreboding | Contemplative and introspective |
Conclusion
In conclusion, the True Detective theme song is a masterclass in atmospheric and haunting music. Composed by Lorne Balfe, the song sets the tone for the series’ dark and complex storylines, and its simple yet effective melody has become synonymous with the show. Whether you’re a fan of True Detective or just a lover of great music, the theme song is definitely worth a listen.
