Someone always gets snubbed. Despite launching the careers of many musicians, the Academy of Television Arts and Sciences doesn’t hand out Emmys for music supervision. If the songs featured on a show were previously recorded or created without the show in mind, they don’t count. No original score? No dice.
Music purists side with the Academy, and for reasons fair enough. But even if music supervision is the red-headed step child of the Nielsen family, there’s no denying the lucrative exchange between music and television.
So which shows score high with music fans? “Treme” leads the way for showcasing New Orleans jazz and cajun music–as well as musicians–naturally weaving them into the storyline. Steve Earle (Justin Townes Earle‘s dad) was nominated this year for “This City,” a song written for his character, though the show was otherwise ineligible for an Emmy.
“Gossip Girl,” “Weeds” and “True Blood” are also favorites for introducing indie acts like the Mountain Goats, Grizzly Bear, Beach House and White Rabbits to the mainstream. And “Glee,” well, you’ve heard about “Glee.”
From the artist’s perspective, no one talks about selling out anymore. Licensing is arguably the best way to make a living these days, and several talented bands from our roster have licensed their music to television shows. Hear Jace Everett, Fanfarlo and The Pierces explain the impact of television on their careers, and we’ve also included a blooper from Mugison on showcasing your talents the way Dolly Parton does.
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