This week saw the 2024 Hollywood Music in Media Awards (HMMA) take centre stage, celebrating the often overlooked yet absolutely essential role music plays in how we connect with visual stories. From blockbuster films to hit TV shows, video games, and even commercials, music is at the very core of how we experience storytelling.

But what makes music in media so impactful? Let’s dive in and explore the soundtrack of storytelling in a way that’s insightful, engaging, and fun!

Music: The Emotional Anchor

Ever felt your heart race during an action-packed chase or found tears rolling down your cheeks during a poignant moment? That’s music doing what it does best – drawing you in and heightening the emotional stakes. It’s not just background noise; it’s an integral part of the storytelling process.

Think of the sweeping strings in Titanic during Jack and Rose’s farewell (still not over it), or the thumping beats in Stranger Things that instantly transport you back to the 1980s. Without music, these moments wouldn’t have the same impact.

Diegetic vs. Non-Diegetic—Say What Now?

Let’s break down these fancy terms:

• Diegetic Music is what the characters hear in their world. Think of a jazz band playing in a bar scene or someone blasting a favourite song on the car stereo.
• Non-Diegetic Music is music just for us, the audience. It’s the sweeping orchestral score that builds suspense or the triumphant theme when the hero saves the day.

Need a fun example? In Baby Driver, the protagonist plays music through his earbuds – diegetic. But when the same song syncs perfectly with the action of a car chase, it blends with the film’s score, pulling you into the scene in a way that feels seamless and electric.

The Soundtrack of Storytelling

Music is the silent narrator of a story, guiding us through emotions and moments with finesse. Composers use recurring musical themes, known as leitmotifs (pronounced lite·mow·teefs), to connect us to characters and ideas – like the ominous march that signals Darth Vader’s arrival in Star Wars or the uplifting strains of The Lion King’s “Circle of Life.”

Even without lyrics, music speaks volumes, telling us when to hold our breath, when to laugh, and when to reach for the tissues. (Thanks, Pixar.)

A Cultural Phenomenon

Some soundtracks are so iconic they transcend their original context. Who hasn’t sung along to Frozen’s “Let It Go” or been swept up in the nostalgic vibes of Guardians of the Galaxy’s retro hits? These musical moments don’t just accompany a story—they become cultural touchstones, shaping trends and connecting generations.

The Future Sounds Exciting

The way music and media interact is constantly evolving. Video game soundtracks now adapt dynamically to gameplay, creating fully immersive experiences, while VR and AR bring us into entirely new soundscapes. Platforms like TikTok are reshaping how we discover and share music, turning short clips into viral sensations that reach millions.

The Heartbeat of Hollywood

Music in media may not always be in the spotlight, but its impact is undeniable. The Hollywood Music in Media Awards celebrate the composers, songwriters, and performers who elevate storytelling through sound, transforming moments into memories.

So, next time you’re watching a movie, playing a game, or binging your favourite series, take a moment to appreciate the melodies and rhythms that bring the story to life. Music isn’t just a part of the story—it’s what makes it unforgettable.