Chances are, you binge-watched the incredible new Netflix original series Stranger Things over the weekend. And we suggest that because, well, a lot of people did.
And if you’re like us, you not only fell in love with the pitch-perfect ’80s soundtrack (New Order, the Bangles, the Clash, and countless others), but also the razor-sharp synth score by Survive’s Kyle Dixon and Michael Stein, which augmented to the vibe of the eight-episode series in the same way that Cliff Martinez’s score enhanced 2011 cult-classic film Drive. Though adequately described as a science fiction love letter to the ’80s, with an uncanny ability to tap into our own childhood nostalgia of the time, Stranger Things brilliantly utilizes music in a way to not only further the plot, but to convey the emotion, distress, and decision-making of key members of the cast.
Music, and the suggestion it delivers, is so prevalent throughout Stranger Things, that once we stopped thinking about just how they secured the rights to all these classic songs, we started to wonder about the actors and actresses relationship to music off the set.
Needless to say, we weren’t disappointed. From boyfriend Steve’s Chicago-based psych-pop band Post Animal to Dustin singing anthems before sporting events in Philly to instant fan-favorite Eleven covering Amy Winehouse, here are five musical projects and efforts from what will go down as one of the most impressive ensemble casts ever assembled.