The Power of Sound: How Music Drives the Narrative and Evokes Emotion in Neon Films

Article Overview

Ivan Rodriguez, music supervisor for Neon, worked to bring an authentic sound to the show that is connected to the world of reggaeton and Latin culture.

Rodriguez and his team engaged in discussions with the actors and creators to understand and evoke the emotions and vigor of the characters in every scene, thus curating the music for the show.

The music in Neon effectively furthers the narrative by utilizing lyrics and sounds that draw inspiration from the show's scenes and characters. This approach underscores the experiences and aspirations of the Latin youth culture.

Santi aspires to become a renowned reggaeton artist, and he, along with his two closest friends, Vanessa and Felix, embark on a journey to pursue this dream in Neon. To increase their chances of success, they decide to relocate to Miami, where Santi can make connections in the music industry. Throughout their pursuit, Santi encounters numerous challenges, providing insights into the world of reggaeton.

Neon stars Tyler Dean Flores, Emma Ferreira, Jordan Mendoza, Courtney Taylor, Genesis Rodriguez, Jhayco, Santiago Cabrera, Alycia Pascual-Peña, and Jordana Brewster. The series also includes appearances by prominent figures in the music industry, such as Jota Rosa, Daddy Yankee, Scooter Braun, Ken-Y, and Jon Z. Neon was created by Shea Serrano and Max Searle, who also serve as executive producers alongside Daddy Yankee and Braun.

Music Supervisor Ivan Rodriguez On Neon

In an exclusive interview with music supervisor Ivan Rodriguez, we delve into his work on the highly acclaimed Netflix series, Neon. Rodriguez provides insight into the meticulous process of crafting Santi's distinct sound and collaborating with Flores. Furthermore, he enlightens us on the instrumental role that music plays in propelling the captivating narrative of Neon, as well as its ability to enhance and heighten the emotional moments throughout the series.

Tyler Dean Flores and Genesis Rodriguez in Neon

Scree Rant: Neon was absolutely amazing, dude. I binged this show like no other, watching it all in one go. The series was phenomenal. How did you come to be a part of Neon, and what were your objectives as the executive music producer for the Netflix series?

Ivan Rodriguez: I'm thrilled that you've binge-watched it. It brings me great joy to be working on this project. Our team was specifically chosen because we wanted to create an authentic and meaningful musical experience. We aimed to connect the original songs and the background music to the world in which the characters exist, as well as representing Latin culture, whether it's on a global scale or within the US. The goal was to assemble a group of creative individuals who could truly bring this vision to life and tell the story effectively. Representation holds immense significance, which is why they reached out to us.

An amazing aspect of our work is that we have the privilege of collaborating with some of the biggest artists in the industry. Through our contributions, we have been able to shape the music landscape, whether it's with artists like Bad Bunny, J Balvin, or myself and Lex, who have introduced various collaborations to the world. These ongoing collaborations have been curated over the years, showcasing the evolution of Latin music as a whole.

It served as a means for us to showcase our creativity and express our music, ensuring that anyone watching the show, regardless of their knowledge or background in Latin music, could truly connect with the reggaeton and Latin music as a whole, as well as the narrative behind the show itself.

Ivan, I'm thrilled to hear you say that because, truth be told, I was already familiar with reggaeton music. I knew about artists like Bad Bunny, J Balvin, and some of their popular hits. However, watching this show made me truly fall in love with reggaeton music. The show presents such a diverse range of intricate sounds that are deeply rooted in the culture. Can you elaborate on how you brought Santi's unique sound to life?

Ivan Rodriguez mentioned that bringing Santi to life as an artist was an intriguing experience. It was similar to curating an artist's next project or song by engaging in conversations about their life and career. These discussions influenced the music and the artist's influences. Currently, Ivan is focused on a particular type of sound or creating a danceable song.

In the studio, these conversations with the artists serve as the foundation for the music we create together. When it came to portraying Santi, we followed a similar process by having in-depth conversations with Tyler, the actor playing the character. We wanted to understand how he interpreted the character's emotions in each scene and how he brought them to life from his own perspective.

Engaging in conversations with Max, James, and Kyle, as well as the team's Kyle, and delving into the art of storytelling. Exploring questions like, "What emotions do you want to convey? How should the energy feel in each scene?" We had a multitude of discussions, gathering all these different perspectives, and bringing them back to the studio. We formed a small creative team and presented our progress, sharing our feelings about specific scenes and songs. We encouraged their immense talent and boundless imagination to create and curate the music for the show.

It's truly remarkable. It reminds me of that scene where Santi discusses creating a song with Holta Rosa, and they listen to the various songs Santi has already composed. It parallels that scene from the show. Tyler Dean Flores has done an exceptional job portraying Santi, considering his relatively recent venture into professional music and reggaeton. Can you talk about collaborating with him to ensure Santi's flow and the overall sound are perfect for each scene and performance he's involved in?

Ivan Rodriguez praised Tyler's performance and contribution to the project. Not only did he excel in storytelling and acting, but he also proved to be a valuable asset in the studio. Rodriguez appreciated the opportunity to collaborate with a creator who shares his love for music and Puerto Rican heritage. During their discussions, Tyler expressed admiration for the work Rodriguez and his team did with the character Alejandro. Taking this feedback into consideration, they decided to incorporate similar elements into the first song of the project, titled "Exagerao." This allowed them to tap into authentic influences and maintain the project's integrity. Tyler's passion for reggaeton also played a significant role as he brought his knowledge of the genre to the table, infusing the melodies and deliveries with genuine Latin flavor. Rodriguez commended Tyler for his dedication and transformation into an artist during this period.

Absolutely. Speaking of Tyler, his portrayal of Santi is truly exceptional. Not only does he excel in bringing the character to life, but his portrayal also captures the irresistible charm of Santi. What aspect of his performance stood out to you the most, making him so believable and endearing in the role of Santi?

Ivan Rodriguez: It's hard to pinpoint exactly. Perhaps it's because of his Puerto Rican background. I think part of his acting involved fully immersing himself in the character, while another part was simply him being true to himself. He embraced his heritage wholeheartedly, displaying his love for Puerto Rico and his connection with its people. This genuine emotional link to his roots and the music enabled him to breathe life into the character, embodying the spirit of Latin youth culture rather than merely pretending to be someone else entirely.

Absolutely. Another reason I adore this show is the relatability of everyone's individual hustle. That's what makes this show so captivating. It embodies the "started from the bottom, now we're here" energy. Music plays a crucial role in the storytelling of Neon. Can you explain how the music enhances the narrative?

Ivan Rodriguez: Certainly. The music is intricately woven into the fabric of the show. We didn't just create songs out of thin air, but rather drew inspiration from the show itself. Many of the lyrics are derived directly from the storylines. For instance, when we composed "Corillo," it delved into the protagonist's journey alongside his loyal squad, capturing their collective experiences. Transforming these ideas into songs was an immensely gratifying aspect of working on this show. Our intention was to authentically portray Latinos as creative individuals.

We wanted to represent reggaeton because it truly defines our work and takes up most of our time. We have been personally acquainted with Lex from One Six for 15 years, and we have worked tirelessly together every single day. We have been collaborating with Honey for about six to seven years, helping him achieve his dreams. The human story behind this show resonates with us deeply, as it echoes the struggles of trying to make it in the music industry and pursue our dreams. When you have friends with certain skills, like a manager or a creative director, you embark on a journey together to make your dreams come true. Having experienced this journey ourselves, we find this show truly captivating and relatable. It beautifully portrays the belief in oneself and the pursuit of one's desires, connecting with every individual, regardless of their profession.

I completely agree with you. I believe that each character has a moment of inspiration, or at least a moment that can be inspiring. You anticipated my next question perfectly, where I wanted to ask you about how this show relates to you and your journey, which you basically already answered. Can you discuss with me how you approach blending contemporary reggaeton sounds with unique elements to create a distinctive musical identity for Neon?

Ivan Rodriguez: That's actually an excellent question because it's something we focused on a lot. We wanted to go beyond the traditional definition of reggaeton, as it has become a broad term with different interpretations. When creating the reggaeton versions showcased in the show, we drew inspiration from various genres, not just reggaeton. It's really a fusion of global music, tapping into different influences. We also brought certain elements to life that contained specific information, which worked out well.

When he enters the supermarket and is given the task of remixing the jingle, it was unexpected for us at the start of the show. However, as we wrote the script and listened to it, we thought it would be fun to approach it playfully. We decided to incorporate a little bit of Dominican dembow into the production in order to capture the energy of the people and make the scene more authentic to Latin music. It was a matter of making creative choices that embraced the authenticity of the moments and reflected the current state of Latin music.

Certainly! I wanted to ask you about the Eduardo's Supermarket sound. Could you elaborate on the challenges faced while working on that episode? It seems like it would be quite difficult to create a music jingle and then transform it into a full-fledged song.

Ivan Rodriguez: No, this challenge is far from easy. It may have been the most difficult, but I am fortunate to collaborate with extremely talented creators. Tainy, Lex, Rmand, they all contributed significantly to the lyrics of these songs and truly became the driving force behind the artist. In one particular song, we partnered with our new producers, Retro & Kash, who possess a refreshingly open-minded perspective. Coming from the internet era, they understand that anything can become a sample, even a meme can be transformed into a song.

Although the process presented its challenges, the focus was on having fun. It reminded me of when we worked on J Balvin's song "Agua" for SpongeBob, where we sampled the iconic theme song. Initially, there was the question of how to blend SpongeBob, reggaeton, and J Balvin, but to this day, it remains a hugely popular record loved by many. It highlights the power of creative collaboration and open-mindedness when people sit together in a room.

We discussed the idea of sampling the jingle and how to infuse playfulness into it. Our main focus was on capturing Santi's confident bravado and his swagger. This scene became one of my personal favorites because it's not just a song, but a song that perfectly resonates with that particular moment and scene. I genuinely feel proud of how it came together.

Definitely. This entire show is incredibly organic, which is why I enjoyed watching it so much. With Neon, we have the opportunity to introduce reggaeton to a wider audience. Through the music that accompanies the show, we aim to convey specific messages and evoke certain emotions.

Ivan Rodriguez: That's an excellent question. I believe that great storytelling can create a strong connection among people, where individuals can truly relate to the deep human emotions portrayed. For instance, witnessing someone's relentless pursuit of their dreams, accompanied by their loyal friends, starting from humble beginnings, really inspires us to root for them. This approach to storytelling is truly beautiful. In terms of the music, our aim was to bring these moments to life through the power of sound.

Regarding Latin music and reggaeton, it is crucial to emphasize that it represents a significant aspect of our identity. Whether people understand the lyrics or are simply moved by the music's energy, it is important for them to realize that reggaeton is an authentic expression of the Latino culture. It serves as a medium to convey our experiences, origins, dance styles, and love stories. This is the essence of reggaeton and its sound, and I hope you will grasp that concept when experiencing it.

About Neon

An aspiring reggaeton star and his closest companions relocate to Miami with a shared mission, overcoming obstacles and facing the harsh realities together as they strive for success.

Discover our exclusive Neon interview with Oz Rodriguez.

Neon is available on Netflix now.

Editor's P/S

As a Gen Z fan, I was immediately drawn to the vibrant and captivating music in Neon. The reggaeton and Latin music featured in the show perfectly captured the energy and spirit of the characters and their journey. I loved how the music was used to drive the narrative and evoke emotions, and I found myself completely immersed in the world of Neon.

I also appreciated the authenticity of the music in Neon. It was clear that the music supervisors had put a lot of thought and effort into curating a soundtrack that was true to the characters and their experiences. The music felt organic and natural, and it helped to create a realistic and believable world for the characters to inhabit.

Overall, I think the music in Neon was one of the strongest aspects of the show. It was an integral part of the storytelling, and it helped to create a truly immersive and engaging experience for the viewer. I can't wait to see what the music supervisors do next, and I'm excited to continue exploring the world of Neon through its music.