Peaches Composes a “Queer Thrill” Score for Dan Levy's Netflix Series “Big Mistakes”
Dan Levy, the creative force behind "Big Mistakes" and the beloved "Schitt's Creek," has brought the distinctive artistry of Peaches to his latest Netflix venture. A long-time devotee of Peaches' unconventional and spirited musical style, Levy envisioned her sound as the perfect auditory landscape for his new series. This collaboration marks a significant milestone for Peaches, as she undertakes her inaugural full series scoring project. She embraced the challenge of expressing her unique artistic identity solely through instrumentation, crafting an exhilarating sonic journey that enhances the show's narrative.
Artist Peaches Lends Unique Sound to Dan Levy's "Big Mistakes"
In a groundbreaking collaboration, renowned electroclash artist Peaches has taken on the role of composer for Dan Levy’s highly anticipated Netflix series, “Big Mistakes.” The decision, made by Levy himself, stems from his deep appreciation for Peaches’ distinctive and “lawless” musical approach, which he describes as having been the “soundtrack to the majority of his life” since his twenties. Levy, best known for his work on “Schitt’s Creek,” personally reached out to Peaches after the initial cut of the first episode, seeking her unique sonic signature for his project.
Peaches, whose illustrious three-decade career includes collaborations with diverse artists like M.I.A. and John Malkovich, embarked on this new endeavor alongside co-composer Nora Kroll Rosenbaum. This project marks her first foray into scoring an entire series, presenting a fresh challenge: to convey her characteristic voice and identity without uttering a single word. She notes, “The point of the actual Big Mistakes is about being out of your comfort zone. I think we all felt that way. We felt, ‘Let’s get out of our comfort zone and go.’ ” Levy emphasizes that Peaches was tasked with disrupting traditional scoring methods, using music as a motivator for the characters' impulsive decisions, much like the id and ego at play. The score’s emotional core, as defined by Peaches, revolves around a “thrill ride” effect, oscillating between moments of revelation and sheer terror, all while maintaining a distinctly queer musical vision. This process, an “all gut” experience for both artists, has culminated in a score that Levy proudly describes as having been “crushed” by Peaches. The first season of “Big Mistakes,” featuring Peaches’ innovative soundtrack, is now available for streaming on Netflix. The complete tracklist includes titles such as “Criminal,” “Thrill,” “Take Your Power,” and “Big Mistakes.”
The integration of Peaches' signature "queer musical vision" into the score of "Big Mistakes" provides a powerful reminder of the profound influence of queer art in shaping culture. Her assertion that "queerness always has an authenticity to it" highlights how LGBTQ+ perspectives often push boundaries and ignite innovation, only for these groundbreaking elements to be later mainstreamed and diluted. This project serves as a vibrant example of art that refuses to be watered down, instead championing its distinct personality and the inherent power of its queer essence. It encourages creators to embrace their authentic voices, fostering a more diverse and thrilling artistic landscape.
