Soundtrack

Soundtrack refers to the music associated with a media work, such as a film, television program, or video game. It can include an original score, instrumental music composed to support mood, pacing, and narrative, as well as songs licensed from external artists that appear in the work. A soundtrack album may compile either the score, the licensed songs, or both for commercial release. Although the terms are often used interchangeably, score typically denotes the commissioned instrumental music, while soundtrack can also denote the collection of songs heard in the work.

Production and roles: The process commonly involves a music supervisor who selects songs and clears rights, a composer who writes the score, and, for instrumental music, orchestrators and conductors who prepare performances. Recording takes place with musicians, followed by mixing and mastering to fit the on-screen timing and overall sound of the production. Rights clearance ensures licensing for broadcast, streaming, and sale of a soundtrack album.

Release and reception: Soundtrack albums are released separately from the film or show and may chart on music rankings. Composers and performers may receive awards for the score, and some soundtracks achieve enduring cultural prominence, influencing later works and popular music.

Impact and examples: Soundtracks guide audience emotional experience, define genre aesthetics, and sometimes become iconic beyond the source material. Notable examples include large-scale film scores such as those by John Williams, or culturally significant soundtracks like the songs from Guardians of the Galaxy and Purple Rain, and video games where the score and licensed music create immersive worlds, such as The Legend of Zelda series or The Last of Us.