Behind the Scenes: Composing a Noiser theme tune

Every piece of music you hear in a Noiser podcast is crafted by our brilliant in-house team. But what does it take to compose the theme-tune for a hit podcast?

“Researching for this piece, I knew string players were performing on the Titanic, none of whom survived. They kept playing until the ship's bow started sinking into the icy Atlantic waters, so I used the viola as a voice, communicating loss and tragedy. In contrast, I wanted the rhythmic elements to sound relentlessly metallic & gnarly, as if generated from the ship’s vast body. I recorded various metal objects, including an oil heater and a wheelbarrow, and the sound of big metal sheets being struck. I wanted to combine the delicate and the bombastic.”

Oliver Baines, Head of Audio

As multi-instrumentalists, Oliver and Dorry handle much of the recording themselves, creating bespoke compositions tailored to the diverse range of stories covered by the podcast network. From the earliest stages of production, they collaborate closely with writers and sound designers to craft original scores that bring each narrative to life. 

“When I recorded the viola solo for this piece, I felt it was important to connect with the sense of the tragedy of the situation. I was also inspired by the courage and stoicism of the string players on Titanic as they carried on playing, trying to do what they could to calm passengers as their fate became inevitable. We layered strings towards the end of the theme for dramatic climax.”

Dorry Macaulay, Composer and Audio Engineer

For Noiser, music isn’t just background noise; it’s a key storytelling element. It’s as much a character as any narrator or interviewee. It’s woven tightly into the narrative fabric, setting the tone, pacing the drama, and punctuating emotional beats. Whether you’re a history buff or just love a good story told well, it’s the music as much as the words that pulls you in - and keeps you listening.

Listen to Titanic: Ship of Dreams now wherever you get your podcasts. Enjoy episodes two weeks early, as well as ad-free listening, by joining Noiser+.