Finneas O'Connell used synthesizer sounds resembling a swarm of bees to score the second season [1] of the Netflix series "Beef."
This unconventional approach to sound design highlights the intersection of music and psychological tension, illustrating how specific auditory textures can evoke visceral emotional responses in a viewing audience.
O'Connell said these techniques while closing Deadline’s Sound & Screen Television awards-season event [1]. He said the goal of using the bee-like synth textures was to sonically represent the inherent tension and stress found within the drama of the show [1]. By layering these specific sounds, the composer aimed to create an atmosphere that mirrors the internal anxiety of the characters.
As an Oscar-winning musician and composer, O'Connell has increasingly moved into the realm of television scoring [1]. The use of non-traditional sounds, such as the synthetic swarm, marks a departure from standard orchestral or electronic scores, opting instead for a more experimental palette to drive the narrative's mood.
The series "Beef" is known for its exploration of anger and escalating conflict. O'Connell said the synth choices were intended to capture that specific stressful tone [1]. The sonic environment serves as a constant, underlying pressure that supports the visual storytelling of the second season [1].
This discussion took place during the Sound & Screen event, where industry professionals examine the technical execution of audio and visual elements in modern television [1]. The integration of such specific, textured sounds suggests a growing trend in television production toward highly curated, psychologically driven soundscapes.
“Finneas O'Connell used synthesizer sounds resembling a swarm of bees”
The use of specific, biomimetic sounds like a 'swarm of bees' indicates a shift toward using psychological sound design to augment storytelling. By prioritizing emotional texture over traditional melody, composers can trigger subconscious stress responses in viewers, deepening the immersive quality of high-tension dramas.
