

One sketch called “Prophecy” caught the Duffers' interest for its mysterious yet upbeat feel, evolving into the title theme. According to the Duffers, these sketches all had very strange titles, such as “Jupiter 8 Spirit Winds,” “Soakers Forum 3,” and “Lighting Candles and Eggy Pizza”. These sketches were played over the actors' audition tapes. Kyle and Michael first started composing music in summer 2015, sending “sketch” tracks inspired by the characters, tone, and story which eventually became the basis for the Stranger Things soundtrack. Two band members, Kyle Dixon and Michael Stein, agreed to score the project. The Duffers reached out to the band and asked if they were interested. The brothers became fans, incorporating their song "Dirge" in a mock trailer they made for their pitch to Netflix.

The Duffers first discovered the synth band S U R V I V E when they heard one of their tracks in Adam Wingard’s film, The Guest.

Kyle Dixon (foreground) joined in his studio by collaborator Michael Stein or Jaws, feature a soaring, orchestral "John Williams" style score, so the Duffers thought that a synth soundtrack would play nicely against expectations. Some of the show’s biggest inspirations, such as E.T. The Duffers felt that having a synth soundtrack would do exactly what they wanted to achieve with the show: It would feel both modern and nostalgic at the same time. They were charmed by existing electronic soundtracks, as they were very modern and cutting-edge, while also inevitably evoking the sounds of ’80s music (most notably Tangerine Dream, Vangelis, and John Carpenter). The Duffer Brothers always wanted the music to play a major role in the show, deciding very early on that they wanted an entirely electronic score. 2.4.7 Chapter Seven: The Massacre at Hawkins Lab.2.4.3 Chapter Three: The Monster and the Superhero.2.3.8 Chapter Eight: The Battle of Starcourt.2.3.3 Chapter Three: The Case of the Missing Lifeguard.2.2.2 Chapter Two: Trick or Treat, Freak.2.1.5 Chapter Five: The Flea and the Acrobat.2.1.2 Chapter Two: The Weirdo on Maple Street.2.1.1 Chapter One: The Vanishing of Will Byers.1.2.2 Halloween Sounds From The Upside Down.
