By: Chloe Griffor
Our artists here at Olivia Management have pushed the bounds of the musical industry, and their genres, while also managing to capture thousands of hearts in the process (some for more than thirty years!). But amidst the many successes they have accumulated over this time, their talents reach outside of this industry, and right into the film and television business! A handful of our artists’ music has been represented in different TV shows and movies, transcending them into a new realm of recognizability and popularity. Stay tuned to find out who these artists are, and a few notable examples of their lyrics that have gained traction in the cinematic realm of entertainment.
Derek Webb
While Derek has had a few of his lyrics mentioned in the film industry, his most memorable was on the hit show, Grey’s Anatomy. In the opening of episode 7, season 4, Derek’s song, “Name” is featured from his album The Ringing Bell. Amidst a few passionate scenes from some of the show’s favorite and most followed characters, the song highlights the essence of their journeys while also hinting at the tension that begins to rise as they question these paths. The track’s gritty, introductory chords bring any audience member right back into the richness of the early 2000s, with lyrics such as “blindfold your heart / and feel for a clue / baby don’t let ‘em / don’t let ‘em put a name on you” foreshadowing some of the season’s most crucial themes.
Derek and Meredith, the show’s prominent characters, are caught in the whirlwind of their relationship, as they discuss the possibility of giving a “name” to their intimate circumstances. Izzy and George, equally loved by the audience, attempt to rekindle the spark they once had, pondering the stability of their romantic connection. Callie, a popular member of the cast and an important surgeon in the series jeopardizes her role as chief resident when she is unable to handle the workload. Evidence of these circumstances lies within this track, as it explores themes of identity, personal reflection, and the significance of labels. Offering introspection into how titles can define our perception of ourselves and others, the song further showcases how these perceptions can shape and alter our relationships and experiences. And though the opening scenes are displayed as lighthearted and undaunting, when paired with Derek’s words, they reveal much more and beg the audience to question whether this is truly the case.
Ruthie Collins
Ruthie Collins makes her cinematic debut through Netflix’s original series, The Ranch, a sitcom about a rancher’s son returning to run the family business after a semi-pro football career. In season 7, episode 4, Ruthie’s track “Dang, Dallas” is played after a moment of confrontation, as antagonist, Mary discovers that protagonist, Colt poorly invested in a pipeline deal and hid the fact that he had lost all of the money that was supposed to aid her and her families financial crisis.
Ruthie’s lyrics, in this instance, underscore the emotional weight of the moment, as unspoken complexities preside amidst their relationship. Representing the psychological turmoil that comes from lost love, and ultimately the courage it takes to move on from it, “Dang Dallas” captures in this scene the struggle associated with letting go, and the messiness that can come from unsolved conflicts. This is mainly represented through Ruthie’s words as she sings, “Why you so far from me? / I guess I couldn’t keep you warm” and “All I wanted was to be your gal / I guess I never told you and that hurts like hell / Now the only place I can hold you is in these songs we sing.” All of this comes together to evoke an atmosphere of melancholy, highlighting the challenges of overcoming continuous disparity in a relationship and aligning with some of the show’s central narratives of disappointment and regret.
Along with “Dang Dallas”, Ruthie’s talents are showcased furthermore in the EASports videogame, Madden NFL 19 as a part of their story mode, titled “Longshot: Homecoming”. This 4-5 hour, 18-part game series was originally introduced in Madden NFL 18 and presents the next chapters for Colt Cruise and Devin Wade, former high school teammates, as they reach for their goals of playing in the NFL. “Finally Here” is a song Ruthie wrote personally for the series.
Juggling the ideas of perseverance, joy, and the hope of reaching a long-awaited and desired goal, this song’s prominent lyrics include “And I’m finally here / I’m finally here / The sun is shining on my face” and “All the blood, sweat, and tears / It was worth it just to be standing here.” Though this is not a title track, Ruthie’s words enhance this story as listeners can feel the determination and dedication she carries through her voice. Overall, this soulful melody conveys a sense of relief and accomplishment that any audience member can relate to.
Mary Gauthier
An influential figure in the music industry since 1990, Mary Gauthier has become widely renowned for her deeply emotional and raw songwriting, blending folk, Americana, and country into her sound. And it wasn’t until the Golden Globe Nominee show, Yellowstone, was released that Mary was finally given the opportunity to debut her music through film. During the season one finale, in the height of figuring out true alliances and facing outward threats amongst the biggest ranch in the United States, the main character John seeks to protect his family’s legacy and ownership over his generationally-owned property while also keeping his secrets and past decisions at bay.
Amidst the closing scene, Mary’s most famous track, "Mercy Now” lingers in the final moments between John and his daughter, Beth as they brace themselves for his fight against his recent diagnosis of colon cancer. The light strumming of Mary’s guitar, simple and easy among the challanges they have faced in the episode, grasps the audience with her lyrics, “My father could use a little mercy now / The fruits of his labor fall and rot slowly on the ground / His work is almost over it won’t be long, he won’t be around / I love my father, he could use some mercy now". Pulling us in with the weight of her words, watchers can understand the relationship between Beth and her father, and the undying bond that lies between them because of Mary’s touching verses in this song.
In the popular action series, Banshee, Mary made her second debut in the world of movies and television. Airing from 2013-2016, this action thriller focuses on an ex-con, Lucas Hood, who assumes the identity of a murdered sheriff in small-town Banshee, Pennsylvania to find his lost lover, Anastasia, now living as Carrie Hopewell. At the end of the 4th episode in season one, Mary’s voice clothes the credits as Hood attempts to pull off his secret. Her lyrics leave a murky feeling for the viewers as she sings, “In the darkness it finds me / The terrible fire / It don’t matter how much I pray / The flames leap and burn me” and “You are the lover / Who loved me right down to my bones / Now I walk through the fire alone”. Her lyrics are a perfect match for the context of the episode, and not only tighten the tension at the bottom of every viewer’s stomach after such a suspenseful watch but leave them hanging onto the final notes, beseeching for more.
Here at Olivia Management, we are always looking forward to what’s next for our artists. Stay on the lookout for fresh sounds, lyrics, and authentic artistry in every industry!