How Music Supervisor Kier Lehman Made ‘Forever’ Soundtrack A Love Letter to L.A.

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The Netflix show “Forever” effectively captures the intense feelings of a young romance. By juxtaposing the different lifestyles and family backgrounds of characters Justin and Keisha, the teenage love story provides viewers with a relatable experience that resonates deeply, according to music supervisor Kier Lehman, who reflects on the enthusiastic responses to Season 1.

He explained to EbMaster that young individuals can identify with and empathize with Justin and Keisha’s experiences as kids, given their portrayal of relationships and home life. The diverse family settings depicted in the story provide a relatable or inspiring experience for viewers, encouraging them to delve deeper into the narrative by creating a strong emotional bond.

Lehman’s impact on creating the show’s soundtrack was comparable to the force of gravity. His choices in music, such as playing Daniel Caesar’s “Blessed” during Justin and Keisha’s heartwarming reunion at Martha’s Vineyard, served as significant highlights. This moment, according to Lehman, was a deeply emotional point for the characters after they had experienced one of their breakups or reunions. The use of Frank Ocean’s “Moon River” in the final episode as the couple parted ways following their breakup generated even more excitement.

The show, located in Los Angeles during 2018, draws inspiration from Judy Blume’s timeless novel. It provides Lehman an opportunity to take viewers on a musical journey back to a period when LA-based artists such as SZA, Tyler, the Creator, Nipsey Hussle, Victoria Monét, among others, ruled the charts with their hip-hop and R&B hits.

Lehman stated that those artists have evolved significantly since they were young, free-spirited creators in the urban environment. Now, they’ve struck a chord with the city, crafting a unique sound that resonates with people raised in Los Angeles and brings them together in an innovative manner.

Working on “Forever” provided him a chance to delve into new territories and explore fresh ideas, all the while re-exploring his old “Insecure” playlist to reacquaint himself with famous musicians and tunes from that era.

He clarified that this new production is distinct from the previous one. It features unique characters and sounds, allowing him to explore fresh avenues. The audio elements of the original show, ‘Insecure’, were exceptional because they presented opportunities he hadn’t had before, collaborating with artists he admired greatly at that time.

Lehman noted that assembling the acclaimed “Forever” soundtrack was a joint endeavor with creator and producer Mara Brock Akil, who aimed to stir nostalgia and underscore the most significant musical influences from L.A. at that time. Essentially, we ensured that we honored artists from L.A., ranging from South L.A. to the Hollywood Hills, which resonated with the characters of Justin and Keisha.

According to Lehman, Justin and Keisha’s music selections were subtly shaped by their respective parents. While Justin’s parents were fond of jazz and early ’90s R&B, Keisha’s mother leaned more towards contemporary and female empowerment genres. “It’s crucial,” says Lehman, “that we acknowledge the impact of parental musical preferences, even if they only serve as a backdrop, in shaping the music that children eventually create.

During the entire season, there was a lingering sense of nostalgia that persisted, as Masego, H.E.R., Migos, Trippie Redd, Travis Scott, and Jhene Aiko played their tunes. The dance floor came alive with a well-coordinated routine to Saweetie’s “My Type” at Justin and Keisha’s high school prom as seniors.

Lehman shared, “Being raised in L.A., I feel a profound bond with the music and city of Los Angeles. As a passionate music enthusiast, I immersed myself in the city’s vibrant music culture and its various venues. It’s been a privilege for me to showcase the exceptional talent that has emerged from Los Angeles, particularly in hip hop and R&B genres, contributing significantly to the city’s distinctive sound.

https://open.spotify.com/watch?v=album/6ZC2vgRvXStvkhuwgi6heh

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2025-06-02 23:18