Nick Cave and Bryce Dessner Collaborate on New Song for Netflix’s Train Dreams

Nick Cave joins forces with Bryce Dessner to craft a haunting new song for the Netflix film Train Dreams, blending poetic lyricism with impeccable score composition.

A Dreamy Collaboration Born from a Shared Vision

There’s something magical about when two incredible artists join forces, especially when their talents perfectly complement each other. That’s exactly what happened with Nick Cave and Bryce Dessner from The National, who teamed up to create a new song titled Train Dreams for the upcoming Netflix film of the same name. As a longtime fan, I can’t help but feel a rush of excitement anytime these musical worlds collide—it's like witnessing a secret handshake between two creative geniuses.

Nick Cave and Bryce Dessner bringing their unique talents together

The song, which serves as the film’s end credits musical centerpiece, sees Cave and Dessner listed as co-producers alongside Luis Almau. Dessner also composed the entire film score, crafting an aural backdrop that resonates with the story’s deep themes.

The Soundtrack and Film Release Dates to Mark on Your Calendar

For fans eager to dive deep into this musical journey, the Train Dreams soundtrack will drop digitally on November 7, followed by a vinyl release on November 14. And just a week later, on November 21, the film itself will premiere on Netflix, ready to captivate viewers worldwide.

A Story Set in the Heart of Early 20th Century America

Directed by Clint Bentley, Train Dreams is adapted from Denis Johnson’s novella, starring Joel Edgerton as Robert Grainier—a logger and railroad worker navigating life’s unexpected depths amid a rapidly changing America. The film’s delicate tone and rich narrative demanded a soundtrack that could carry that weight, and that’s where Cave and Dessner’s collaboration shines.

Bentley explained how Nick Cave was the obvious choice for the song: “Train Dreams is one of his all-time favorite books, but he initially feared there wouldn’t be time to do something because he was gearing up for a tour. Then he watched the film, got inspired, and before we knew it, the song came together quickly.”

Creating a Song That Echoes the Film’s Delicate Ending

Bentley shared a beautiful insight about the emotional balancing act required: “The film’s end tone is very delicate, and I didn’t want a song that would push the audience elsewhere emotionally. Nick and I were on the same page from the start. He shared early lyrics with me, and I was overwhelmed—talking to one of my heroes and hearing him write songs for my film was humbling.”

You really get the feeling this wasn’t just another professional gig for Cave; it was a moment of genuine artistic connection. As Bentley put it, “He’s a rare artist—there’s no single thing that defines a Nick Cave song. His work spans the whole human experience with a poeticism wrapped in rock and roll. That was perfect for a story about a man who lived a resonant life full of beauty, heartache, and pain.”

A Teaser to Set the Mood

For those curious about the film’s vibe, here’s the official teaser that perfectly captures the haunting beauty of the story ahead:

The Song: A Seamless Extension of the Film’s Score

Bentley was clearly blown away when he first heard the song: “It took the emotions I was trying to communicate at the film’s end and expanded them into something more. The way the song builds, with other voices drifting in like on the wind, is haunting. Nick’s lyrics are evocative with a deep mystery that fits Robert Grainier’s story perfectly.”

What stands out to me as a listener is the organic collaboration between Cave and Dessner. Bentley highlights this synergy: “Bryce laid down the piano bed as a natural extension of the gorgeous score. Then Nick’s lyrics grew out of that, making the whole song feel like one seamless piece.”

Bryce Dessner’s Role: Transcending Traditional Score-Making

This isn’t the first time Bentley and Dessner have worked together—this being their second film collaboration. “Bryce is such an open and generous artist,” Bentley says. “He sent me lots of musical ideas throughout editing, shaping the movie’s rhythm and lifting the whole project to a higher place. His music is truly transcendent.”

Nick Cave’s Recent Film Projects

If you’re a fan of Nick Cave’s ventures into film music, you’ll be pleased to know this isn’t his only recent project. Earlier this month, it was announced that Cave and longtime collaborator Warren Ellis will score the television adaptation of Cave’s 2009 novel The Death Of Bunny Munro. Cave’s distinct voice continues to resonate through multiple artistic mediums.

Final Thoughts: A Collaboration Worth Anticipating

This joint effort between Nick Cave and Bryce Dessner is more than just a song; it’s a compelling piece of art that deepens the emotional layers of Train Dreams. For those who appreciate heartfelt storytelling paired with evocative music, this film and its soundtrack promise a truly memorable experience.

Frequently Asked Questions

• What is the new song by Nick Cave and Bryce Dessner called?
  The song is titled Train Dreams, matching the film’s name.
• When will the Train Dreams soundtrack be released?
  The soundtrack will be available digitally on November 7 and on vinyl on November 14.
• Who directed the film Train Dreams?
  Clint Bentley directed the film.
• What role does Joel Edgerton play in Train Dreams?
  He stars as Robert Grainier, the main character, a logger and railroad worker.
• Is Nick Cave involved in other film or TV music projects?
  Yes, he and Warren Ellis are scoring the TV adaptation of his novel The Death Of Bunny Munro.

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