Article by FMT / 6-minute read
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When Prime Video’s adaptation of Robinne Lee’s novel “The Idea of You” premiered in May 2024, audiences were captivated not only by the chemistry between Anne Hathaway and Nicholas Galitzine, but also by the film’s remarkable soundtrack. Directed by Michael Showalter, this age-gap romance between 40-year-old divorced art gallery owner Solène Marchand and 24-year-old Hayes Campbell, the frontman of boy band August Moon, uses music not merely as background embellishment but as a vital storytelling element.
The soundtrack, curated by music supervisor Season Kent and featuring original songs created specifically for the fictional band, weaves seamlessly between contemporary pop hits, original compositions, and carefully selected classics. Each musical choice serves the narrative, whether highlighting the electric atmosphere of August Moon’s performances, underscoring intimate moments between the protagonists, or emphasizing Solène’s journey of self-rediscovery.
This thoughtful musical approach transforms “The Idea of You” from a simple romance into a multisensory experience that explores fame, privacy, self-worth, and the courage to pursue happiness regardless of societal expectations.
Creating August Moon: The Sound of Fictional Fame
One of the most impressive aspects of “The Idea of You” is how convincingly it portrays August Moon, the fictional boy band at the center of the story. Rather than relying on musical shorthand or parody, the filmmakers invested considerable resources in creating a band that feels authentic within the contemporary pop landscape.
Nicholas Galitzine: Actor and Vocalist
A crucial element in creating August Moon’s authentic sound was Nicholas Galitzine’s vocal performance. Unlike many actors portraying musicians, Galitzine didn’t rely entirely on vocal doubles or heavy production. Having previously showcased his singing abilities in films like Purple Hearts and Cinderella, Galitzine performed his own vocals for August Moon’s songs.
“Nicholas worked with vocal coaches for months before filming began,” director Michael Showalter revealed to Variety. “We needed Hayes to feel like someone who could plausibly front a globally successful pop act, not just an actor pretending to be a singer. The authenticity of his performance was essential to the love story working.”
This dedication extended to the film’s concert sequences, where Galitzine and the actors portraying the other band members—Jaiden Anthony, Raymond Cham Jr., Dakota Adan, and Perry Mattfeld—rehearsed extensively with choreographer Marty Kudelka, who has worked with Justin Timberlake and Janet Jackson.
The Original Soundtrack: Balancing Authenticity and Storytelling
The “Idea of You” soundtrack features an impressive collection of original songs created specifically for the film, alongside carefully curated existing tracks that enhance key moments in Solène and Hayes’ story.
Original Compositions: The Sound of August Moon
The film features several original compositions performed by August Moon, each designed to serve multiple narrative functions: they needed to be credible as chart-topping hits while also revealing aspects of Hayes’ character and commenting on the unfolding romance.
The standout original track “Dance Before We Walk,” written by Justin Tranter, Sarah Aarons, and Ian Kirkpatrick, serves as August Moon’s signature hit. With its infectious chorus and contemporary production, the song establishes the band’s musical identity while its lyrics about taking chances foreshadow Hayes and Solène’s relationship.
Other original songs, including “Taste” and “Higher,” were crafted to evoke specific emotions during key scenes. “We wanted each song to feel like it could exist on its own as a hit single, but also function as an emotional anchor within the film,” explained music supervisor Season Kent in a Billboard interview.
“Dance Before We Walk” by August Moon
In the film: This original composition serves as August Moon’s signature hit and appears multiple times throughout the film. It first plays during the Coachella performance where Solène initially sees Hayes on stage. The song returns most significantly during the Paris concert sequence, where Hayes performs it while making eye contact with Solène in the audience, transforming a public performance into an intimate moment between them. The upbeat tempo and optimistic lyrics about taking chances foreshadow their relationship while establishing August Moon’s musical identity.
Trivia: “Dance Before We Walk” was written by Justin Tranter, Sarah Aarons, and Ian Kirkpatrick specifically for the film. Nicholas Galitzine performed all his own vocals for the track, working with vocal coach Eric Vetro (who has trained artists like Ariana Grande and Shawn Mendes) to develop Hayes Campbell’s distinctive vocal style. The song underwent seven different production versions before the filmmakers settled on the final arrangement, wanting to ensure it sounded authentic to contemporary pop while remaining distinctive enough to stand out.
“Taste” by August Moon
In the film: This original song appears during August Moon’s backstage rehearsal that Solène witnesses during her first encounter with Hayes. The sultry mid-tempo track with suggestive lyrics serves as a musical introduction to Hayes’ artistic persona while creating tension in the initial meeting between the protagonists. The intimate rehearsal setting allows viewers to experience the song’s development process, suggesting Hayes’ musical authenticity beyond the polished concert performances.
Trivia: “Taste” was one of the first songs written specifically for the film, with Justin Tranter and Amy Allen composing it before much of the script was finalized. The songwriters used the novel’s description of Hayes’ musical style as a starting point, aiming to create something that balanced boy band appeal with singer-songwriter credibility. To capture an authentic rehearsal quality for the scene, Galitzine and the other actors performed multiple versions with varying levels of polish, allowing the director to select the take that best suited the narrative moment.
Closer
As the title suggests, “Closer” reflects the emotional proximity developing between the main characters. The track’s harmonious blend of vocals and instrumentation underscores moments of vulnerability and intimacy. In the film, “Closer” plays during a quiet evening scene, where Solène and Hayes share personal stories, allowing the audience to witness their growing bond.
I Got You
This track embodies themes of support and unwavering companionship, resonating with the film’s narrative arc. “I Got You” is showcased during a scene where the band members rally around Hayes amidst personal challenges, reinforcing the camaraderie that defines August Moon. The song’s uplifting tempo and reassuring lyrics provide a sense of hope and solidarity.
Integration of Score and Soundtrack
Beyond the original songs performed by August Moon, the film’s score, composed by Siddhartha Khosla, seamlessly integrates with the soundtrack to enhance the storytelling. Khosla’s compositions provide an emotional undercurrent that complements the lyrical content of the songs, creating a cohesive auditory experience. This synergy between score and soundtrack ensures that the music not only supports but also elevates the narrative, guiding the audience through the film’s emotional landscape.
This post was brought to you in collaboration with our partner site Behind the Score. Discover the Harmony Secrets of Modern Film and Video Games.
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