Inside the Viral Soundtrack of Prime Video’s Off Campus
Prime Video’s “Off Campus” is seeing significant online traction driven by a soundtrack that blends eclectic tastes with current hits, according to music supervisors Amanda Krieg Thomas and Anna Romanoff. The series, based on novels by Elle Kennedy, utilizes specific “needle drops” to establish the credibility of characters at the fictional Briar University.
The music strategy focused on the character of Hannah Wells, a music major played by Ella Bright. Thomas stated the goal was to ensure the character felt like a “musically knowledgeable cool girl in college” by reflecting a current vibe and eclectic taste.
Why did the “Off Campus” soundtrack go viral?
Several tracks have gained momentum on TikTok, including “Girls” by The Kid Laroi and “On the Floor” by Jennifer Lopez. Romanoff and Thomas noted that the viral success of “Girls” was largely due to the charisma of actor Belmont Cameli, who played hockey player Garrett Graham, during a striptease scene.
The recognition has extended to the artists themselves, with The Kid Laroi issuing concert invites following the show’s release. Romanoff and Thomas said they initially hoped for only one viral moment, but the series achieved several.
How were specific songs chosen for the narrative?
The music team selected tracks to bridge the gap between characters and enhance specific scenes. For example, “Dancing with Myself” by Billy Idol, along with a cover by Remi Wolf, was used to connect the classic rock vibe of Garrett Graham with the eclectic taste of Hannah Wells.
For a long montage featuring an ice rink and a lasagna scene, the team chose “Bed on Fire” by G Flip. Thomas and Romanoff sent G Flip’s entire album to showrunner Louisa Levy, and they noted that viewers are now rediscovering the album, which originally released in the fall.
The end title song “Sue Me” by Audrey Hobert was selected because the lyrics could be the primary focus for the audience when no other picture is on screen. Romanoff and Thomas stated the song fit the narrative perfectly for the characters Allie and Audrey.
What may happen next for the series’ music?
Given the current trend of TikTok virality, other tracks from the “Off Campus” soundtrack could see similar spikes in popularity. The rediscovery of G Flip’s fall album suggests that the show may continue to influence listener habits for the artists featured in its montages.
Further recognition from artists, similar to the invites from The Kid Laroi, is a possible outcome as the show reaches more viewers. The music team may continue to rely on a mix of script-mandated hits and supervisor-curated eclectic tracks to maintain the “current vibe” of the college setting.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the primary goal of the “Off Campus” music?
According to Amanda Krieg Thomas, the goal was to make the character of Hannah Wells feel credible as a musically knowledgeable college student with eclectic taste.
Which actor contributed to the virality of “Girls” by The Kid Laroi?
The music supervisors attribute the song’s viral success to the charisma of Belmont Cameli, who played Garrett Graham.
How was the song “On the Floor” by Jennifer Lopez handled?
The song was included in the script, and the music team worked with Lopez’s team to ensure the scene was not seen as derogatory.
Which song from the “Off Campus” soundtrack would you most likely add to your own playlist?