6 Times Scene Artists Were Featured on Movie Soundtracks
Several elements go into producing a great movie. Writing, acting, and cinematography are all at the front of a producer’s mind. Soundtracks can also play a huge part in how a movie sticks in the audience's head. From Panic! At the Disco to Paramore, some of the biggest scene bands made movies even better with their original contributions. Here are six times scene artists contributed songs to soundtracks.
Halsey’s “Experiment On Me” - Birds Of Prey
The most recent example on this list, Halsey’s collab with Bring Me the Horizon landed on the female-centric soundtrack for Harley Quinn’s breakout story. Halsey pulls in industrial and nu-metal elements that we’ve seen her previously play with and goes balls to the wall. She pays tribute to Harley Quinn as she decries expectations of quiet and polite women. Her fury bubbles over at the song’s climax with her voice rising to a scream.
Panic! At the Disco’s “New Perspective” - Jennifer’s Body
Panic’s poppy, sexualized “New Perspective” fits right in with the gory, black comedy of cult classic Jennifer’s Body. “New Perspective” can relate to either of the film’s leads; Jennifer is living life from quite a new perspective as an undead cheerleader, while Needy is realizing her attraction to Jennifer, giving her a new perspective on her own sexuality. Hayley Williams, All Time Low and Cute Is What We Aim For also made appearances on the soundtrack, making it one of the strongest showings of scene music in a major motion picture.
Paramore’s “Decode” - Twilight
Paramore earned a Grammy nomination for their contribution to the Twilight soundtrack. Hayley Williams wrote “Decode” about the tension between vampire Edward and human Bella. Their fictional romance would go on to create one of the biggest fandoms of the 2010s. “Decode” became a classic in its own right due to its dramatic emo style and Williams’ powerhouse vocals.
Nine Inch Nails’ “Dead Souls” - The Crow
Trent Reznor is no stranger to movie soundtracks and scores. Starting with the Lost Highway soundtrack, Reznor would go on to score The Social Network and Gone Girl, among other successful films. Before all that, though, Nine Inch Nails covered Joy Division for The Crow soundtrack. Reznor slowed down “Dead Souls” and made it somehow more brooding. “Dead Souls” serves as an anthem for the undead, tragic superhero set on vengeance.
Twenty One Pilots’ “Heathens” - Suicide Squad
Twenty One Pilots are known for their cryptic messages to fans. “Heathens” depicts the gang of supervillains at the center of Suicide Squad and the seedy company they keep. Or at least it seems that way on the surface. Frontman Tyler Joseph said while the movie inspired his writing in the beginning, as he wrote the song’s lyrics he realized they related to his band and fanbase. With its focus on misfits and references to mental health issues, the song’s grown into an anthem for Twenty One Pilots’ loyal Clique.
Marilyn Manson’s “I Put A Spell On You” - Lost Highway
There are several versions of “I Put A Spell On You,” from Bette Midler’s version for Hocus Pocus and Nina Simone’s haunting take on the blues classic. Marilyn Manson undoubtedly took inspiration from the song’s originator, shock rock grandfather Screamin’ Jay Hawkins, for his cover. Manson adds his snarl and a headbang-worthy bassline to put his own sleazy twist on the classic. Manson’s take appeared on the Lost Highway soundtrack, where his unsettling version fits in among the excess violence and sexuality depicted throughout the film.