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Moonfam Music Analysis

This took a lot longer than expected, but I have finished a full analysis of Rayla, Runaan, and Ethari (a little bit of Tiadrin and Lain for specks of screentime they had) up till the end of season 6! Truth be told, I still need some time to begin analyzing season 7, especially since I wasn't expecting the direction they took with this narrative thread.

ENJOY!! Let me know if I missed anything, what you noticed in season 7, or what you would like me to analyze next! Thanks for your support!!! FULL ANALYSIS AT THE LINK BELOW ----------------------------------------------------------------------------

Thematic Foundations: “Heartbloom” as Rayla’s Family (popularly referred to as the Moonfam) Theme

“Heartbloom” emerges as a musical representation of Rayla’s connection to her found family (Runaan, Ethari, and by extension, herself). The theme’s tender, layered orchestration—featuring strings, piano, and flute—speaks to the deep emotional bonds within the Moonshadow elf family.

Instrumentation and Tonal Qualities: The consistent use of plucked strings in “Heartbloom” and its structural similarities to “Silvergrove” underscore its ties to Moonshadow culture and Rayla’s heritage. These instruments evoke the delicate yet resilient nature of her family, highlighting their fragility and strength amidst conflict.

Parallelism with “My Heart for Xadia”: The cello’s introduction in “My Heart for Xadia” mirrors “Heartbloom,” connecting the Moonfam’s story to larger themes of love and sacrifice. Both pieces resonate in F major, a key often associated with warmth and tenderness, grounding the emotional moments between characters.

“Because She’s Rayla”: A Personal Identity Theme

“Because She’s Rayla” is closely tied to Rayla’s individual growth and her struggle to balance familial expectations with her own sense of self. Its instrumentation (violin, cello, piano, and flute) aligns closely with “Heartbloom,” suggesting that her identity cannot be separated from her family.

In Season 6, Episode 5, as Rayla sings to Esmeray, the melody’s shifts between major and minor keys echo the interplay of hope and sorrow—a hallmark of both “Heartbloom” and “Because She’s Rayla.” This moment underscores Rayla’s emotional journey and her attempt to reconcile her familial connections.

Fast-Paced Themes: Action vs. Reflection

The fast-paced sequences in Rayla’s confrontations with Runaan highlight their strained relationship. The absence of “Heartbloom” in these moments reinforces the emotional distance and unresolved conflict between them. However:

In the moments when Runaan recalls Ethari or Rayla appeals to him directly, the music shifts—slowing and softening to reintroduce emotional intimacy. For example, in Season 6, Episode 9, Rayla’s plea (“I’m your daughter”) is underscored by “Because She’s Rayla,” signaling a breakthrough in their relationship.

Selective Use of “Heartbloom”

The sparing use of “Heartbloom” in scenes involving Tiadrin and Lain (e.g., Season 6, Episode 9) suggests that this theme is not tied to all familial bonds but specifically to Runaan, Ethari, and Rayla. This distinction highlights the lingering narrative significance of the Moonfam trio, leaving space for future exploration. Specifically, when Rayla is giving her final goodbyes to her parents in Season 6, Episode 9 the Heartbloom theme is completely absent, replaced by melodic vocals and a touch of Rayla’s personal theme.

Key Transformations: Death and Renewal

In Season 3, Episode 3, the minor key version of “Heartbloom” following the Ruthari kiss reflects themes of loss and transformation. This tonal shift parallels Runaan’s trajectory—his grief over Ethari and the Moonfam’s sacrifices. Similarly, in Season 4, Episode 8, as Rayla gifts the butterfly blades to Rex Igneous, “Because She’s Rayla” evolves subtly, mirroring her growth and the ongoing influence of her family’s legacy.

Moonshadow Elf Themes Across the Series

“Silvergrove”: The theme captures the essence of the Moonshadow elves’ homeland. Its reliance on plucked strings and sparse instrumentation reflects their stealth and detachment from the world. Yet, this detachment also signifies the loneliness and isolation that pervades Rayla’s story.

Scene Highlight – Season 3, Episode 3: The melancholy yet serene tone of “Silvergrove” mirrors the emotional weight of Rayla’s departure from her home and her sense of exile.

“My Heart for Xadia”: The opening strings of this piece resonate with “Heartbloom,” linking the broader struggle for Xadia to the personal sacrifices of the Moonshadow elves.

Scene Highlight – Season 6, Episode 9: Subtle echoes of “My Heart for Xadia” can be felt in the mystical glockenspiel tones during Rayla’s reunion with her parents, tying their personal sacrifices to the greater fight for Xadia.

Moon Nexus Motifs: The Moon Nexus themes feature gentle, cyclical melodies on flute and strings, symbolizing the perpetual cycles of the moon and the elves’ adherence to duty and time. These motifs subtly appear in moments of reflection or decision, such as Runaan’s imprisonment and Rayla’s moments of doubt.

Musical Motifs Across Episodes... link below :D

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Moonfam and their Music!!!

Hey yallll, so I'm working on a TDP music analysis, since this show has an incredible soundtrack. ANYWAY I'm planning on focusing on how music illustrates Rayla and her relationship with the Silvergrove (and the people in it cough cough moonfam). So, do you guys have any favorite/emotional Rayla or moonfam moments?? I've been particularly focusing on S3 since that's when we meet Ethari, but I defintely want to explore more of S6 Ep9 when Runaan is freed.

I've been noticing so far the musical similarities have been lying moreso between Runaan, Ethari, and Rayla but less so on Tiadrin and Lain. ANYWAY THATS A SNEAK PEAK BUT KEEP AND EYE OUT FOR MORE :DD

For a little self promo check out my blog with previous posts if you want to know what direction I'll probably be taking this into. AND if you hav any other characters, conflicts, events, etc. that you'd want me to analyze let me know (i'm also hoping to analyze other shows so)!! TY FOR YOUR SUPPORT!!!

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Steven Universe Music Analysis!!!!!!

Hey guys!! I wanted to take a moment to recognize the incredible storytelling in Steven Universe and how key its music is in carrying that story. You can find my full article at this link, and let me know if you'd like me to go more in depth on a specific character, song, or Steven Universe in general. I also take requests for other shows so let me know! Thanks for your support <33333

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TDP Music Analysis??

HEY GUYS!!! I'm writing a blog where I analyze music from TV shows and video games, and I've LOVED TDP for SO LONG. Would yall be interested in a music analysis from all the past seasons?? It would probably be in the style of some of my past posts so feel free to take a look and lmk!!

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Iconic would be an understatement. The Lion King not only revolutionized the world of animation, but told an incredible and unforgettable story. If I were to fully analyze the magnificence of this film we would be here for hours talking about the beauty of its writing, songs, characters, world building, and especially its animation. I mean the movie itself looks like live action! 

However, today I will be discussing two main points that are unique to The Lion King: its voice acting and its use of music. These two aspects give the movie a certain charm that no other movie has. Because of the way it uses brilliant voice acting, a compelling story and cast, and beautiful music to articulate themes of loss and hope, Walt Disney’s movie The Lion King should be considered a classic.

Its voice acting resonates with the watchers and brings the story and characters to life. The entire cast portrays their roles with raw emotions that encompass their characters’ personalities, ambitions, and relationships with others. An example of this is Mufasa’s death scene, which is probably one of the saddest deaths in Disney history. This scene is one of the most impactful from the entire movie. It shows the betrayal in Mufasa when he discovers that his brother would really kill him for the throne, and the pain in Simba’s voice when he sees his father fall to his death into the stampede. Most of all this sets the stage for what a bitter and jealous villain Simba will need to later face. This scene showcases terrific performances from Scar, Simba, and Mufasa, and this is only one of multiple... Read more at revalution.net :DDDD

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Hades, the god-like, roguelike video game, has captivated players with its stunning visuals, sharp writing, and complex character dynamics. Set in the depths of Tarturus, the game’s objective is to escape the Underworld, all while interacting with a plethora of gods, villains, and characters from Greek mythology. But one of its most underrated strengths? The soundtrack. Darren Korb’s compositions for Hades blend everything from rock to folk to electronic influences, creating a musical atmosphere that feels as alive and immersive as the underworld itself.

Today, I’m taking a deep dive into The Lament of Orpheus, one of the standout tracks and one of my personal favorites in Hades. 

Before we begin, here’s a rundown of who Orpheus is in Greek Mythology: Orpheus, a legendary musician and poet, falls in love with Eurydice, a beautiful nymph, but she dies from a snake bite shortly after their wedding. Devastated, Orpheus travels to the Underworld to retrieve her, enchanting Hades and Persephone with his music, who grant him permission to bring her back on the condition that he must not look back at her until they reach the surface. However, overcome by doubt, he turns to look at Eurydice just before exiting, causing her to vanish back into the Underworld forever. 

In the game, Orpheus acts as a musician bound in the court of Hades, split from his lover, even in death. 

Depressing right? Exactly! That’s why he sings a lament in the game.

Coming back on track, let’s finally break down The Lament of Orpheus; listen along at the top to get a feel for all the musical aspects being described...

Read More at revalution.net :)

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HEY GUYS!!! I would really appreciate any support on my up and coming blog. Please repost, comment, like or even just simply reading and clicking through my website. Thank you all for your support and reach out if you would like me to cover any shows or other types of media :)

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I dare you to ask anyone what was one of the most heartstopping, breathtaking, and invigorating scene in Into the Spiderverse. I guarantee you they will describe you the following Scene: Miles leaping off a skyscraper, initially falling but then gaining control, swinging through the night time lights of New York City. 

A lot of things make this scene incredible the spectacular animation being one, but I argue that the music is the key. As “What’s Up Danger” by Blackway and Black Caviar plays in the background, we as the audience can’t help but feel an amplifying sense of triumph and excitement. 

The album created for Into the Spider Verse utilizes both modern day hip-hop and trap beats. Alongside the album is the movie’s incredible scores created by Daniel Pemberton. This score uses a lot clever moments to add depth to their characters. For example, when we meet the many different spider people (from different universes) each character is accompanied by a distinct sound. 

Gwen Stacey is heard with hard rock – alluding to the fact that she herself plays the drums in a rock band

Spider-Noir is heard with that classic film-noir jazz sound 

Penny Parker is heard with upbeat-electro beats that sound like they came straight out of an anime (like her!)

Spider-Pig is heard with some looney toons esque music 

And finally whenever the Prowler is on scene, we hear this distorted elephant noise (that carries into the plot twist in Across the Spider Verse; if you know, you know)

All these little moments exemplify the diversity and differences between each spider hero. But let’s come back to “What’s Up Danger”. The key here is that no other superhero has been integrated so deeply with hip hop. Although it is not uncommon for superhero movies to utilize rap in their music scores, when was the last time you heard the huge, climactic moment use hip hop? 

Spiderverse uses hip hop in such a way to show (not tell) the viewer how integral it is to Mile’s identity. They do this in the beginning of the film as well, when Miles is singing along to “Sunflower” by Swae Lee and Post Malone. Then moving on to “Familia” by Nicki Minaj, Anuel AA, and Bantu, to illustrate Miles’ half Puerto Rican heritage. 

We can do this with almost every song on the albums released, and link it back to Miles’ character, identity, or heritage. However, in this scene Pemberton layered “What’s Up Danger” with the original score. The score contains the motifs used to represent Miles’ independent journey as a character, alongside the one representing the identity of a Spider Hero. Both integration of these three musical structures, in this one scene is ultimately what gives us such a climactic moment. 

But theres one final layer to this all. We only ever hear the hip hop music (from the albums) whenever Miles’ is in his known world of Brooklyn, or his home. Examples include:

The public’s reaction to Peter Parker’s death when we hear “Scared of the Dark” by Lil Wayne, Ty Dolla $ign, and XXXTENTACION

When Miles is stressed out he hums the “Sunflower” tune

When Miles is at his lowest, and is trying to return home we get “Hide” by Juice WRLD and Seezyn

And finally at the end of the film we tie it off with “Sunflower” once more

On the other hand, whenever Miles is acting as Spiderman (a role that is alien to him for a large portion of the film), we hear mostly the original movie score. Thus, the hip hop we hear in the film represents the real world, or Miles’ old life, while the instrumental score represents his duty as Spiderman. 

So, when Miles leaps off that skyscraper, we are literally seeing both his known and unknown worlds merge. There was so much depth and thought put into just this one scene, but it was most definitely worth it. This is just one of the many incredible insights of the film, but we can all say for certain that Spiderverse and its story telling is brought to life by its music. 

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check out my personal blog on music and memory! thanks for all your support <3