Oklahoma Filmmaker Sterlin Harjo Weaves Music into His Storytelling

Sterlin Harjo, the writer, director, and showrunner of the FX series "The Lowdown," is known for his deep connection between music and his creative process. Harjo constantly collaborates with music supervisor Tiffany Anders to incorporate Oklahoma-based artists and sounds into the show, helping to capture the essence of the region.

Harjo's approach to music is a two-way street, as he keeps a guitar on set while directing and even titles episodes after specific musical pieces, even if those titles don't ultimately stick. "I'm such a disgruntled musician. I love musicians," Harjo said, describing how he would play guitar with the cast and crew, creating a sense of camaraderie and fun on set.

The music of "The Lowdown" is carefully curated to reflect the show's Tulsa setting, with Harjo and Anders using tracks by local artists to emphasize the duality and complexity of the city. From the opening of Episode 4, which features a nostalgic Cherokee yodeling song, to the use of Tulsa-based singer-songwriter Ken Pomeroy's vocals, the music is integral to the storytelling and sense of place.

As Harjo explained, "There's secrets; there's darkness; there's things that are covered up; there's an underbelly. Those are the places where these types of stories are set and thrive because that's what they are about. They're about people with things to hide." The music of "The Lowdown" helps to amplify these themes and create a rich, immersive experience for the audience.