Here & Now Anytime 'KPop Demon Hunters': Inside the music behind the Netflix hit
Jan 9, 2026
Ian Eisendrath is an executive music producer and the creative force behind the soundtrack of the Netflix hit K-pop Demon Hunters. He reveals the intense pressure to create an authentic K-pop sound and shares insights on crafting catchy melodies that resonate with audiences. Joe Gitter, a senior book editor at America's Test Kitchen, joins to discuss the evolution of mocktails into sophisticated drinks. He shares recipes for a coconut water daiquiri and a unique tamarind tonic, highlighting tips for balancing flavors and elevating non-alcoholic cocktails.
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Authenticity Comes From Real Creators
- Authentic K-pop required hiring real hitmakers and collaborators from the K-pop industry.
- Ian Eisendrath credits Spring Aspers and the Black Label for bringing genuine creators to the project.
Demos Became The Opening Ferocity
- Early demos by EJ Kim and Daniel Rojas evolved into the film's opening song, borrowing elements from a track called Bite Back.
- Eisendrath describes using those original ferocious elements to establish the group's intensity on screen.
Story Dictates Musical Style
- Story context dictated musical choices, like bubblegum pop for deceptive boy-band charm and darker sounds when they unmask.
- Eisendrath emphasizes that knowing characters and plot narrows musical direction.
