The second season of Landman, created by Taylor Sheridan, has captured the attention of audiences and critics alike, particularly with its focus on the character Cami Miller, portrayed by Demi Moore. As Cami deals with the emotional and financial aftermath of her oil tycoon husband’s death, a pivotal moment occurs when she collapses on the patio of her mansion, holding a photograph of her late spouse. This scene is accompanied by the haunting song “Touch and Go,” performed by Drayton Farley, Sunny Sweeney, and Dani Rose, marking a significant milestone not only in the series but also in the careers of these artists.
The song, co-written during a 2023 writing camp led by music supervisor Andrea von Foerster, resonates deeply with the themes of loss and emotional struggle depicted in the show. Farley reflects, “We all talked about watching our parents growing older and how hard those emotions can hit you.” The poignant lyric, “Wish I could stop the age in my daddy’s eyes,” highlights the song’s emotional depth. Von Foerster had carefully curated this piece for over a year before its inclusion, ensuring it aligned perfectly with Cami’s breakdown.
The impact of “Touch and Go” has been immediate and profound. Within a week of its feature in Landman, the song soared to the top of Shazam’s Top 200 U.S. chart across all genres. Following its debut, it garnered over half a million streams on Spotify, showcasing the power of Sheridan’s storytelling and von Foerster’s musical selections in elevating lesser-known artists in the country music scene.
Shaping the Sound of “The Taylorverse”
This collaboration has created what von Foerster refers to as “The Taylorverse,” a space where independent country artists gain visibility through Sheridan’s projects. The success of artists like Zach Bryan, Whiskey Myers, and Shane Smith and the Saints can be attributed in part to their feature in these series. Von Foerster emphasizes the role of music in enhancing character development, stating, “When you work on a hit, you get to help launch and further artists’ careers.”
As Landman approaches its conclusion on January 18, 2025, it will have featured over 100 songs, blending established names such as George Strait and Chris Stapleton with emerging talents like Farley, Noeline Hofmann, and Danno Simpson. This approach not only enriches the narrative but also sets a benchmark for how music can support storytelling in television.
Before her collaboration with Sheridan, von Foerster had already made a name for herself as a leading music supervisor, having worked on films like 500 Days of Summer and Air. Her partnership with Sheridan began with numerous discussions about their shared musical vision, allowing her to align the soundtrack closely with the emotional arcs of the characters.
The Emotional Connection of Music in Storytelling
The selection process for songs is often instinctive, as von Foerster explains, “When you love something, you don’t try, you just do.” She actively seeks out new artists and participates in songwriting camps to discover music that resonates with specific moments in the script. The recent success of “Touch and Go” exemplifies how a well-placed song can deeply connect with audiences, as Sweeney noted, “The show is solely responsible for introducing this song to a wider audience.”
Ryan Bingham, a musician and actor who appeared in Yellowstone, acknowledged the dual-edged nature of the show’s musical direction. While he recognized the potential for both success and failure in the choice of music, he ultimately trusted von Foerster’s vision. Her commitment to showcasing authentic, lesser-known talent over mainstream selections enriches the viewing experience and aligns with the thematic elements of Sheridan’s storytelling.
Von Foerster emphasizes that the goal is not to create a playlist but to match songs to the show’s narrative. This approach ensures a cohesive musical identity that enhances the storytelling without overshadowing it. “We’re not matching the show to songs. We’re matching songs to the show,” she states, highlighting the deliberate nature of their selections.
As Landman continues to unfold, it serves as a platform for independent artists, illustrating how powerful storytelling can elevate music and provide emerging talents with opportunities to connect with new audiences. Through the combined efforts of Sheridan and von Foerster, the series not only entertains but also fosters a deeper appreciation for the diverse sounds within the country music genre.
