Podcast Summary: The Bobby Bones Show - Episode: Behind the Music of Yellowstone: Andrea von Foerster & Dani Rose

Release Date: February 13, 2025

Introduction

In the fourth episode of The Bobby Bones Show, host Bobby Bones delves into the intricate world of music within the hit TV series Yellowstone. This episode features an in-depth conversation with Andrea Forster, the show's esteemed music supervisor, followed by an engaging interview with Dani Rose, a rising country music artist whose work has been prominently featured on the series. The discussion uncovers the pivotal role music plays in shaping the narrative and emotional landscape of Yellowstone, as well as the profound impact the show has had on emerging artists.

Andrea Forster: Mastermind Behind Yellowstone's Soundtrack

Joining the Yellowstone Team

Andrea Forster introduces herself as the music supervisor for Yellowstone, noting her extensive background in the industry, including her work on acclaimed projects like 500 Days of Summer and Lioness. Bones highlights her influence, saying, “So many artists that I know, even friends of mine that got their first look from you” [00:52].

Collaborating with Taylor Sheridan

Andrea recounts her initial meeting with Taylor Sheridan, the creator of Yellowstone:
“We talked and we kind of got along right away. I mean, we both started talking about how Unforgiven is one of our favorite movies immediately. And we just kind of clicked” [01:42]. This organic connection facilitated a seamless integration of music that authentically complements the show's storytelling.

Music Selection Process

Bones inquires about how Andrea selects music, to which she explains her method of reading scripts and identifying key scenes that require musical enhancement:
“I’ll get the scripts and I’ll read all of them, and then before we shoot and then sort of flag anything if there's an on camera... we start shooting” [02:37]. Andrea emphasizes a collaborative approach, ensuring that Taylor’s vision aligns with the musical choices without imposing rigid directives.

Defining Yellowstone’s Musical Style

Andrea describes Yellowstone's unique sound as “quietly epic” and “introspective,” aligning with the show’s red dirt country aesthetic:
“We have a very narrow lane of music that we use on Yellowstone because it's red dirt country... everything is very introspective” [04:01]. This distinctive musical direction helps to deepen character development and enhance the viewer's emotional connection to the narrative.

Discovering and Promoting New Artists

Discussing the discovery of emerging talent, Andrea shares her experience with artist Laney:
“She has that perfect blend of kind of it's... traditional country music, but still super contemporary... like the next Miranda Lambert” [04:23]. Her keen ear for talent ensures that Yellowstone remains a platform for both established and up-and-coming musicians, fostering a diverse and dynamic soundtrack.

Impact of Yellowstone on Artists’ Careers

Bones remarks on the significant influence Yellowstone has on featured artists, likening it to Grey’s Anatomy’s impact on soft rock singer-songwriters. Andrea acknowledges this cultural shift:
“And with trusted sources as far as managers and agents and publishers and labels... people learned our sound” [09:35]. She highlights the show's role in propelling artists to higher visibility and success.

Success Stories: Whiskey Myers

A standout moment in the episode is the discussion of Whiskey Myers, a band that gained immense popularity after being featured on Yellowstone:
“They requested them, and we had him on camera. And that entire explosion is because of him writing it in and knowing that he wanted them” [11:23]. Andrea reflects on the joy of witnessing artists' growth and the challenges that come with their newfound fame.

Personal Insights and Reflections

Andrea shares her career journey, from her beginnings at Disney to establishing her own company in 2006:
“I worked on soundtracks for Gone in 60 Seconds, High Fidelity, Coyote Ugly, Armageddon... I just started my own company with absolutely nothing” [05:38]. Her dedication and passion for music supervision shine through, showcasing her pivotal role in shaping Yellowstone’s auditory experience.

Dani Rose: Rising Star Amplified by Yellowstone

Introduction to Dani Rose

Following Andrea's segment, Bobby Bones introduces Dani Rose, a talented country music artist whose songs have been featured throughout Yellowstone’s seasons. Bones highlights her extensive involvement:
“You've been on every season musically except for season one... how in the world did you get hooked up with the people that cast Music from Yellowstone?” [20:13].

Serendipitous Connection with Andrea Forster

Dani narrates her fortuitous meeting with Andrea Forster at a Los Angeles birthday party:
“We were just hanging... I said, send it to her. And then I didn't hear anything from her for a couple years. And then randomly... she said, hey, I love your music. I'd love to put it on Yellowstone” [21:23]. This chance encounter set the stage for her burgeoning music career.

Impact of Yellowstone on Her Career

Dani elaborates on the transformative effect Yellowstone has had on her visibility and opportunities:
“People started to book me for shows, people started to ask me about music for other TV shows... it just kind of was this tumbleweed of energy and momentum” [23:12]. The show acted as a catalyst, elevating her presence in the country music scene.

Engagement with the Yellowstone Community

Dani describes the supportive and familial environment fostered by Yellowstone’s cast and crew:
“It’s such a community there. It’s so family oriented... I get to do this awesome stuff and I'm just so grateful to have music in the show” [24:35]. This camaraderie has not only boosted her career but also provided her with meaningful connections within the industry.

Featuring Unreleased Music

Bones and Dani discuss the unique experience of having unreleased songs featured on the show:
“They did play an unreleased song of yours... I wrote a song with Brent Cobb and Jesse Alexander and that hasn't been released yet” [25:39]. This highlights the show's commitment to promoting authentic and fresh musical content.

Balancing Fan and Creator Perspectives

Dani addresses the challenge of observing her work both as a fan and a contributor:
“It’s like a two part thing. I'm watching because I want to hear my music, but then I'm also watching because I want to know what's happening” [25:54]. Her dual perspective enriches her appreciation for the show's integration of music.

Creative Process and Authenticity

When asked about selecting songs for the show, Dani emphasizes authenticity and personal connection:
“They are always the songs that are about truth and are about meaning to me... I won’t push any music. But I'll wait for one of the supervisors to ask me” [26:34]. This approach ensures that her contributions resonate genuinely within the show's narrative.

Personal Background and Musical Aspirations

Dani shares her upbringing and passion for music, tracing her journey from Virginia to Tokyo and back:
“I was very much energy oriented... In second grade, I loved to sing... I want to be in front of the camera doing music, being on stage” [27:03-28:37]. Her diverse experiences have shaped her unique musical style and drive to succeed.

Recent and Upcoming Projects

Dani discusses her recent move to Nashville and her upcoming record, Outsiders, which explores themes of personal transformation and addiction:
“The title track is Good Morning, which is all about having a funeral for the old me... Whiskey or Cold is about the other side of addiction” [29:24-31:09]. Her music continues to evolve, reflecting her personal growth and artistic vision.

Conclusion

Bobby Bones wraps up the episode by acknowledging the significant cultural influence Yellowstone has on both the music industry and the artists featured on the show. He commends Andrea Forster’s exceptional work in curating the show’s soundtrack and celebrates Dani Rose’s burgeoning career, fueled by her association with Yellowstone. The episode underscores the symbiotic relationship between the series and its musical contributors, highlighting how thoughtful music supervision can elevate storytelling and launch artists into new heights of success.

Notable Quotes

• Bobby Bones [00:52]: “So many artists that I know, even friends of mine that got their first look from you...”

• Andrea Forster [01:42]: “We both started talking about how Unforgiven is one of our favorite movies immediately. And we just kind of clicked.”

• Andrea Forster [04:23]: “She's the next Miranda Lambert, but I can also see her a little bit in the Dolly Parton kind of universe as well.”

• Andrea Forster [09:35]: “We wanted something raw, more words and guitar. That was the focus.”

• Dani Rose [23:12]: “People started to book me for shows, people started to ask me about music for other TV shows...”

• Dani Rose [26:34]: “They are always the songs that are about truth and are about meaning to me...”

Final Thoughts

This episode of The Bobby Bones Show offers a comprehensive exploration of the pivotal role music plays in Yellowstone, shedding light on the collaborative efforts of Andrea Forster and the success stories of artists like Dani Rose. For fans of the show and country music enthusiasts alike, this episode provides valuable insights into the behind-the-scenes magic that makes Yellowstone's soundtrack so compelling.

Follow the Guests:

• Dani Rose:

  • Instagram: @DannyRose
  • New Song Release: I Ain't Living (February 28, 2025)

• Andrea Forster:

  • Professional Profiles and Portfolio Links (if available)

This summary is based on the transcript provided and aims to encapsulate all key discussions, insights, and conclusions from the episode while maintaining an engaging and informative narrative.