Gavin Brivik And Andrew Bird On Pitching And Creating The First Original Song For ‘The Pitt’ – Sound & Screen TV

Why It Matters

The inclusion of an original song deepens emotional impact and signals a shift toward more integrated sound design in prestige TV, potentially influencing other series to explore music‑driven storytelling.

Key Takeaways

• Andrew Bird and Gavin Brivik secured first original song for The Pitt
• Song “Need Someone” appears in Season 2, Episode 6 during patient’s death
• Brivik pitched using a voice memo; showrunners approved after corporate review
• Track blends hospital sounds, reflecting series’ real‑time emergency‑room vibe

Pulse Analysis

The Pitt has carved a niche in premium television by dramatizing a 15‑hour emergency‑room shift in real time, a format that relies heavily on ambient sound to convey urgency. Until now, the series has used subtle, diegetic scoring that mimics the beeps of monitors and the hum of ventilators. Introducing an original song breaks that tradition, offering a lyrical anchor that can heighten the emotional stakes of a pivotal scene while preserving the show’s commitment to realism.

The song’s genesis illustrates how music creators can navigate corporate TV pipelines. Gavin Brivik drafted instrumental sketches and sent them to indie‑folk veteran Andrew Bird, who responded with a voice memo layered over the cues. By syncing that memo directly to the death scene of patient Louie, the duo created a proof‑of‑concept that convinced the showrunners and, ultimately, the HBO Max executives. Their approach underscores a growing trend: composers leveraging quick, low‑fi prototypes to win buy‑in from decision‑makers who are increasingly data‑driven and risk‑averse.

For the broader industry, this move signals that even hyper‑realistic dramas are open to strategic musical moments that can boost viewer engagement and social media buzz. Original songs can generate streaming royalties, cross‑platform promotion, and award‑season relevance, adding new revenue streams beyond traditional licensing. As audiences seek deeper emotional connections, series that blend narrative with purposeful music may gain a competitive edge, prompting more showrunners to explore similar collaborations.