**The Soundtrack of *The White Lotus* Season 3: An In-Depth Look at the Thai-Influenced Score**
Music is integral to *The White Lotus*, enhancing almost every scene of the HBO series with a captivating audio experience. From Cristobal Tapia de Veer’s memorable theme song—crafted this season in partnership with Brisbane’s own Peranya Visitchantaragoon—to the omnipresent rhythmic score, the series thrives on its musical essence. Season 3, set against the backdrop of Thailand, carries on this legacy, merging its hallmark tension-building pieces with a diverse array of Thai pop, disco, and rock that spans generations.
### A Fresh Musical Approach for *The White Lotus*
As the music supervisor for Season 3, Gabe Hilfer transitions from the Italian-themed selections of Season 2 to a vibrant array of Thai sounds. The soundtrack boasts both well-known classics and hidden treasures, providing a blend of nostalgia and new discoveries for viewers.
*”There’s a wealth of music in this show,”* Hilfer shares with *Mashable*, highlighting how embedded music is within the series. He points out that a single episode, specifically Episode 4, features 12 songs along with 20 minutes of scoring, all meticulously selected to uphold the show’s distinctive vibe while whisking audiences away to Thailand.
### Discovering Thailand’s Rich Musical Legacy
With Thailand confirmed as the location for Season 3, Hilfer promptly started searching for music. He contacted former associates familiar with Thai music and carried out extensive research on both historical and modern Thai hits.
His earlier experience with *The Creator*, filmed in a non-specific Southeast Asian setting, had already acquainted him with vintage Thai music, providing a solid groundwork for his investigation.
The inaugural song featured in Season 3 following the theme is *”Made in Thailand”* (1985) by the Thai rock group Carabao, garnering close to 30 million views on YouTube. Editor John M. Valerio recommended this track after hearing it repeatedly during filming in Thailand, and additional research underscored its cultural relevance.
### The *White Lotus* Impact: A Soundtrack to Discover
For many viewers, the soundtrack of *The White Lotus* presents a journey of discovery, with fans often using Shazam to uncover songs. Hilfer recognizes this trend, acknowledging that the series has a cultural influence on the music it showcases.
The Season 3 soundtrack features artists such as Paradise Bangkok Molam International Band, Sroeng Santi, Viparat Piengsuwan, Hongthong Dao-udon, Rewat “Ter” Buddhinan, Carabao, Charan Manophet, Nantida Kaewbuasai, and Khruangbin. Each selection is thoughtfully chosen to elevate specific scenes, deepening the narrative.
For those keen to delve into the music, Hilfer has collaborated with HBO to refresh *The White Lotus*’ official Spotify playlist. However, not all tracks are accessible due to their ties to smaller Thai labels.
### Memorable Musical Sequences in *The White Lotus* Season 3
One memorable scene unfolds in Episode 4, showcasing the Ratliffe family (portrayed by Jason Isaacs, Parker Posey, Patrick Schwarzenegger, Sarah Catherine Hook, and Sam Nivola) as they confidently walk down a dock in slow motion. The moment is expertly matched with Rewat “Ter” Buddhinan’s 1985 hit *”มันแปลกดีนะ”*, a selection that Hilfer and Valerio meticulously honed through several revisions.
Another notable musical moment occurs in Episode 1, where Chelsea (Aimee Lou Wood) makes a splash at the pool with Sroeng Santi’s *”Kuen Kuen Lueng Lueng”*, a Thai cover of Black Sabbath’s *”Iron Man.”* Additionally, the episode includes a Thai version of *”Black Magic Woman,”* reinforcing the theme of cultural reinterpretation.
Episode 4 features yet another cover—Hongthong Dao-udon’s *”ฮ่วยอะบานิบี”*, a Thai rendition of *”A-Ba-Ni-Bi”*, the Eurovision-winning song from Israel in 1978. Hilfer recalls learning that the track was a cover only after obtaining clearance for its use.
### Ensuring Authenticity in the Score
Hilfer recognizes the difficulty of curating a Thai soundtrack as a non-expert in the field. He immersed himself in the culture, sought guidance from knowledgeable sources, and emphasized authenticity. His efforts have been well-received, with numerous Thai viewers commending the music choices on social media.
*”When I hear that people from Thailand also agree with me, that’s the highest praise I could receive,”* Hilfer remarks.
### Musical Legends Make Guest Appearances
In addition to the soundtrack, *The White Lotus* Season 3 showcases genuine musical icons. Blackpink’s Lisa (