Channel Surfing 11-20-09

      Why bother owning a radio anymore? Music can be found more prominently on television shows than anything else, and the use of tunes fits neatly into four categories.
1) We hired an actor who also sings ...
    We might as well use them! When the casting director hires an actor who can sing, the actor’s abilities suddenly appear on the show whether they are relevant to the plot or not.
    On The CW’s “One Tree Hill,” Haley (played by Bethany Joy Galeotti) started as a talkative and awkward tutor. She was book-smart, but after the show’s creator realized Galeotti had a four-octave range, Haley became music-smart, too. Eventually, Haley gave up dreams of being a teacher in favor of being a rock star.
    It didn’t make a lot of sense, but the fans don’t seem to mind. After all, they get new music by an artist they otherwise wouldn’t know ­– and it’s great music.
2) The real band masquerades as a fake
    Seth Green’s Oz on “Buffy the Vampire Slayer” played in a band. Green, however, did not actually perform. Instead, Four Star Mary was the real Dingoes Ate My Baby.
    On “One Tree Hill,” Tyler Hilton came on as Chris Keller. He played his own material, appeared on the show’s soundtracks as himself and went on tour as himself.
    Once he was gone, the show launched Kate Voegele’s career by calling her Mia Catalano and featuring more than 15 of her songs in a two-season run.
    This is different than simply “the fake band,” which includes Zack Attack of “Saved By The Bell” and The Crucifolks from “Moral Orel.”
3) We built the music venue set ...
    Again, we might as well use it. On “Buffy,” the aforementioned Dingoes Ate My Baby played at the Bronze. Other guests included Sprung Monkey and Michelle Branch.
    In season two of “The O.C.,” the California gang started hanging out at The Bait Shop, enjoying the tunes of Rooney and The Walkmen.
    Even “Full House” had The Smash Club so Jessie and the Rippers always had a place to play.
4) TV is the new radio
    Sometimes, music playing in the background can really enhance a scene. The use of “Don’t Fear the Reaper” during season one of “Supernatural” comes to mind. Other times, the scene simply promotes bands the audience has never heard, but that’s okay, too.
    With TV, less well-known bands can gain a following and make a few bucks. The show, meanwhile, can get it cheaper by pimping them out with a “this episode featured music by” card.
    It’s a win-win.
    Contact Kyle at charlotte.kyle@murraystate.edu.