The power of a single human voice singing wordlessly can evoke a range of emotions, from humanity to inhumanity, depending on the context in which it is heard. This was exemplified in two popular streaming series, “Adolescence” and “Monsters: The Lyle and Erik Menendez Story,” both of which utilized music in unique ways to enhance the storytelling.
In “Adolescence,” a documentary-style series following the story of a 13-year-old boy charged with murder, composers Aaron May and David Ridley approached the score with sensitivity and specificity. They made the creative choice to incorporate the voice of Emilia Holliday, the actress who played the victim, Katie Leonard. Emilia’s hauntingly vulnerable voice added a layer of emotional depth to the music, capturing the essence of the character even without actual dialogue. The use of a children’s choir and unconventional instruments like a bass recorder and Victorian pump organ further enhanced the overall atmosphere of the series.
On the other hand, “Monsters” took a more disturbing approach to using voices in its score. In a pivotal scene where the Menendez brothers commit a gruesome act, a female vocalist sings a repetitive “hum” over eerie piano and synth sounds. This choice, made by composer Julia Newman, tapped into the deep emotional subtext behind the murders, creating a sense of emotional intensity and psychological depth.
Both series’ composers aimed to avoid bias in their music, allowing the audience to interpret the characters’ actions and emotions without being influenced by the score. In “Monsters,” the use of vocal textures like “haha” and “shhh” added a layer of complexity to the music, reflecting the multifaceted nature of the characters.
Overall, the use of voices in these series’ scores added a unique and impactful element to the storytelling, enhancing the viewer’s experience and creating a deeper connection to the characters and their emotions. Whether haunting or disturbing, the power of a single voice in music is undeniable in shaping the narrative of a story.
