Finneas to Score Season 2 of Netflix’s BEEF

While the announcement of Finneas O’Connell taking the scoring reins for the second season of Netflix’s BEEF might seem like a typical Hollywood headline, for the creative community in Los Angeles, it represents a significant shift in the intersection of pop music and cinematic scoring. In a city where the distance between a home studio in the hills and a major studio lot is often just a short drive down Sunset Boulevard, the arrival of a pop powerhouse like Finneas into the full-scale composing arena signals a broader trend of “auteur-driven” soundtracks that are beginning to dominate the streaming landscape.

The Evolution of the BEEF Sonic Landscape

Finneas O’Connell is not a stranger to the screen, having previously composed for films like The Fallout and contributed extensively to various projects alongside his sister, Billie Eilish. Yet, his work on BEEF Season 2 is described as one of his most expansive projects to date. According to creator Lee Sung Jin (known as Sonny Lee), Finneas possesses a unique ability to produce “the darkest emotions sound so achingly lovely,” a quality that is essential for a series centered on toxic unraveling and interpersonal conflict.

The stakes for this season are notably high. After the first season became a critical juggernaut and swept major awards, the second season resets the premise. Instead of the road-rage catalyst of the debut, the modern narrative centers on a wealthy couple—played by Oscar Isaac and Carey Mulligan—and the younger employees caught in their orbit. For a composer, this shift from a blue-collar clash to a high-society meltdown requires a completely different sonic palette. Finneas has spent the last 12 months immersed in “BEEF land,” watching every scene roughly 100 times to ensure the music mirrors the psychological tension of the performances.

Industry Implications and the A24 Connection

The distribution of this score is also a point of industry interest. A24 is releasing the soundtrack on April 16 via its recently launched A24 Music label. The first single, “Vicious Thoughts,” is already available, providing a glimpse into the atmospheric direction of the season. This move by A24 to internalize its music distribution suggests a desire for tighter brand control over the auditory experience of its content, mirroring the way they handle visual aesthetics.

From a technical perspective, the transition from pop songwriting to full-episode scoring is a rigorous leap. While pop music focuses on the hook and the three-minute arc, scoring for eight episodes requires a thematic continuity that evolves with the characters. The collaboration between Lee and Finneas highlights a growing trend where showrunners seek out artists who can translate raw, visceral emotion into melody, rather than relying solely on traditional orchestral composers. This approach often results in a more intimate, “bedroom-produced” experience that resonates with modern audiences, particularly those accustomed to the sonic textures of the 2020s.

For those following the trajectory of modern media, this is a prime example of how creative synergy between a visionary director and a versatile musician can redefine the mood of a series. The anticipation for the April 16 release of all eight episodes is palpable, as the industry watches to see if this new cast and sonic direction can capture the same lightning in a bottle as the first season.

Navigating the Creative Economy in Los Angeles

Given my background as an Executive Geo-Journalist, I’ve seen how these high-profile entertainment shifts ripple through the local economy. When a production of this scale hits the city, it creates a surge in demand for specialized support services. If you are a creative professional or a business owner in Los Angeles trying to navigate the complexities of the entertainment industry or the legalities of intellectual property, you need a specific set of experts to ensure your work is protected and your business is scalable.

Depending on your role in the ecosystem, here are the three types of local professionals you should prioritize:

Entertainment Law Specialists

When dealing with soundtracks, licensing, and scoring contracts, you need a lawyer who specializes in intellectual property and royalty structures. Look for professionals who have a proven track record with the Music Corporation or those who understand the specific nuances of SAG-AFTRA and WGA regulations to ensure that credit and compensation are handled correctly.

Boutique Studio Engineers

As the “home studio” aesthetic becomes more prevalent in professional scoring, there is a higher demand for engineers who can bridge the gap between raw, intimate recordings and cinema-grade mixing. Seek out engineers who possess high-end monitoring environments and experience in Atmos mixing, which is increasingly the standard for Netflix and A24 productions.

Creative Talent Managers

For artists looking to transition from songwriting to scoring, a manager with deep ties to the major studios and production houses is essential. The right manager should not only handle bookings but also act as a strategic advisor on how to pivot a brand from “pop artist” to “composer,” helping to navigate the gatekeepers of the Hollywood studio system.

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