The love story between Lena Dunham and Luis Felber has taken a new turn with the debut of their Netflix series, “Too Much.” The show, which follows the journey of Jessica and Felix in London, features a soundtrack that was deeply influenced by the couple’s love for music.
From the beginning of their relationship, Dunham and Felber exchanged playlists as a way to connect when they were apart. This shared love for music became a central theme in the creation of “Too Much,” with original music from Felber’s band, Attawalpa, and a diverse selection of needle drops from artists like Fergie, Fiona Apple, Nicki Minaj, and more.
The couple’s different musical tastes, with Dunham leaning towards pop and Felber towards Americana and country, added depth to the soundtrack of the show. Their playlists were a way for them to share their feelings and backgrounds with each other, creating a unique blend of music for “Too Much.”
While the series is not entirely autobiographical, Dunham and Felber infused elements of their own lives into the story. The setting of Jess and Felix’s meet-cute at The Ivy House in Peckham, a spot significant to Felber’s music career, reflects their personal connections to London’s music scene.
To bring Felix’s character to life, Felber drew inspiration from musicians like Elliott Smith and Kurt Cobain, particularly referencing Nirvana’s “Unplugged” performance for Felix’s on-stage persona. Working with actor Will Sharpe, who plays Felix, Felber helped him learn and perform songs from Attawalpa’s album “Experience,” adding authenticity to the character’s musical journey.
Creating Felix’s band, the Feelers, was another challenge that Felber took on, enlisting actors and musicians to bring the group to life on screen. From setting up rehearsals at 3 Mills Studios to guiding the actors through their musical performances, Felber’s passion for music shines through in every aspect of “Too Much.”
Overall, “Too Much” is a testament to the power of music in storytelling and the way it can bring characters and relationships to life on screen. With Dunham and Felber’s shared love for music at its core, the series offers a heartfelt and authentic portrayal of love, loss, and the healing power of music. Felix’s performance style is truly unique, drawing inspiration from iconic musicians like Ian Curtis, Oasis, the Hives, and Julian Casablancas. However, instead of focusing on creating a signature move, his mentor Sharpe encourages him to simply play the song with passion and let his individuality shine through naturally.
One of the standout moments in Felix’s journey is the use of Kacey Musgraves’ “Butterflies” in a touching scene between Jess and Felix. The emotional impact of the song left Felber in tears, showcasing the power of music in storytelling. Additionally, Jason Molina’s “Farewell Transmission” added depth to the soundtrack, evoking a sense of nostalgia and emotion.
While Prince’s music was on the wishlist for the show, the high cost proved to be a challenge. However, Felber remains hopeful for a second season of “Too Much,” expressing a desire to explore Jess and Felix’s characters further. Although the fate of the show is uncertain, he and Dunham have ideas brewing for what the next chapter could entail.
In the meantime, the duo is busy working on Dunham’s upcoming film “Good Sex,” starring Natalie Portman. Felber is providing the music for the film, promising exciting original compositions, a captivating score, and three cover versions of a beloved song. With their creative minds constantly at work, Felber and Dunham are always seeking new projects to dive into, likening themselves to “raccoons in the trashcan of life.”
As fans eagerly await the future of “Too Much” and anticipate the release of “Good Sex,” it’s clear that Felber’s passion for music and storytelling will continue to shine through in his work. With a knack for capturing the essence of characters and scenes through music, he is sure to leave a lasting impact on audiences in the entertainment industry.
