Rev your engines for The Bikeriders, set to hit cinemas this summer as Jeff Nichols takes you on a mesmerizing journey through a fictional Chicago biker gang spanning the 1960s and early ’70s.
Starring Tom Hardy, Austin Butler, and Jodie Comer, this film not only boasts a stellar cast but also features a standout soundtrack that promises to be your new favorite playlist of the year.
Director Jeff Nichols meticulously curated the soundtrack to authentically capture the era of the story. Reflecting on the process, Nichols reveals that while some songs were carefully chosen during scriptwriting, others were delightful discoveries along the way.
One such gem is Gary U.S. Bonds’ ‘I Wanna Holler (But The Town’s Too Small)’, a soulful track from the early ’60s that remained unreleased until it surfaced as the B-side to Bonds’ hit single ‘New Orleans’, also featured on The Bikeriders’ soundtrack.
The song’s powerful vocals and psychedelic organ solo struck a chord with Nichols, especially fitting as the perfect accompaniment for the film’s opening titles. “I hadn’t come across it until we were in the editing room.
And I absolutely adore that song,” Nichols enthuses about his find, showcasing his passion for integrating music seamlessly into the cinematic experience.
The attention to detail is mind-boggling
The meticulous attention to detail in The Bikeriders is astounding. Director Jeff Nichols doesn’t merely use music as a backdrop; each song serves as a crucial element in guiding the narrative’s timeline. “They are signposts that move us through time,” Nichols explains, emphasizing how he meticulously curated a playlist during the screenplay’s writing.
Every song in the film is carefully matched to its corresponding year of release, adhering strictly to historical accuracy. This approach, Nichols describes, adds a layer of discipline and authenticity to the storytelling process. “There are so many fantastic songs, but we couldn’t just place them anywhere.
If the song wasn’t released yet, it couldn’t play in that year. It’s a fascinating constraint, but it forces us to find the perfect song for each moment.”
For aficionados of The Shangri-Las, the iconic 1960s American girl group plays a significant role in The Bikeriders. Nichols prominently features two of their hits: the 1965 single ‘Out In The Streets’ and ‘I’ll Never Learn’, a poignant choice for a funeral scene in the film.
Despite the group’s association with motorcycle-themed music, notably ‘Leader of the Pack’, Nichols opted for deeper cuts that resonated thematically. “The Shangri-Las became the heart of the film’s musical landscape for me,” Nichols reflects.
“Their music captures a haunting, melancholic beauty with its rich reverb-soaked sound. It felt like the perfect sonic backdrop for the movie’s atmosphere and emotions.”
The soundtrack of The Bikeriders pays homage to the evocative and urgent vibe of classic blues tunes, capturing a sultry yet compelling essence.
One standout is Muddy Waters’ timeless blues standard ‘Mannish Boy’, an iconic American anthem distinguished by its soulful guitar slide and provocative lyrics brimming with raw passion.
Magic Sam’s electrifying 1957 rendition of ‘Mama – Talk To Your Daughter’ enriches the auditory experience with its impassioned plea: “She made me love her and I ain’t gonna leave her be.” This track adds a dynamic layer of emotion and intensity to the film’s musical landscape.
And if that weren’t enough, the legendary Bo Diddley’s ‘Road Runner’ makes an appearance, complete with its infectious beep-beep chorus—a playful nod to the classic cartoon character and a fitting metaphor for the speed demons portrayed in The Bikeriders.
Each of these blues classics not only enriches the film’s sonic tapestry but also underscores its themes of freedom, rebellion, and the relentless pursuit of thrill and adventure on the open road.
