Originally known as Desert King, Territory is a six-part neo-Western Australian drama series for television. It stars Anna Torv, Michael Dorman, Robert Taylor, and Sam Corlett. Territory was released on Netflix on October 24, 2024.
The story is set at Marianne Station, the largest cattle station in the world, which the Lawson family has owned for generations. But when the Lawsons fall out over who should own the property, it becomes a prize coveted by rival ranchers, gangsters, Aboriginal elders, and mining magnates.
The music for Territory comes from the talented hands of composers Johnny Klimek and Gabriel Mounsey. Klimek and Mounsey have scored a lot of great shows, but this is a fresh drama from Netflix.
A comprehensive guide to the Neo-Western thriller drama of Territory Season 1
Territory Season 1 enhances its dangerous neo-western story and setting with unique but contextually appropriate musical selections. The new Netflix series goes to great lengths to make its drama as authentic as possible, bringing every element of its world to life with high-definition production values.
In addition to strong performances from the spectacular cast and a very good script, the show excels at creating an atmosphere that is both dangerous and compelling, with music being its most vital key.
While Territory Season 1 has plenty of music, much of the score is the work of composers Johnny Klimek and Gabriel Mounsey. The show is set at Marianne Station, the world's largest cattle ranch. It tells a story of succession, following the Lawson family and their struggle to retain the property after the death of owner Daniel Lawson.
Here is an episode-wise list of all the music used in Territory Season 1.
Episode 1
- Valhalla – Skegss
- Elephant – Tame Impala
- Good Thing – Ash Grunwald
Episode 2
- Breakfast for Pathetics – Tired Lion
- Down to My Soul – Paul Kelly & The Stormwater Boys
- Casual Encounter – Divinyls
Episode 3
- Fire – Bad Flamingo
Episode 4
- Spirit Voice of the Enchanted Waters – Australian Chamber Orchestra
Episode 5
- Tjukurpa Wiru – The Desert Stars
Episode 6
- Kingdom – Dan Sultan
More details on the composers on Territory Season 1
Season 1 has a score by Johnny Klimek and Gabriel Mounsey, highly experienced composers who have worked on high-quality productions such as this current talk about a new Netflix drama.
The score is designed to be emotionally and culturally resonant with the story of the neo-western drama. Johnny has previously worked with director Greg McLean on films such as Wolf Creek 2.
Johnny is one of Australia's most prolific composers, having written music from the underground to the mainstream since the early 1980s. He has even scored films such as Run Lola Run and Cloud Atlas. Gabriel is one of the Australian sound directors and producers working in the film and television industry since 2005. He has worked in a variety of genres, with a focus on drama, mystery, and thriller.
To succeed, today's show creators must craft compelling narratives to engage their audiences, with comprehensive music being a factor. Territory Season 1 is currently available to stream on Netflix.