Mix Tape is a four-part BBC miniseries (also streaming on Binge) based on Jane Sanderson’s novel. It stars Jim Sturgess and Teresa Palmer alongside younger actors in a romance set across Sheffield and Sydney, spanning from the late 1980s to the present day.
The show uses music—especially indie, post-punk, and new wave from the 80s and 90s—as a way to express feelings, memory, and connection between the main characters. Music is central to the storytelling, from the very first mixtape shared in their teenage years to their unexpected reunion years later.
BBC’s Mix Tape OST Details
Each episode features carefully chosen tracks that reflect the story’s emotional tone and time period.
| Episode | Key Tracks | Notable Moments |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Fools Gold (The Stone Roses), Bizarre Love Triangle (New Order), Fluorescent Adolescent (Arctic Monkeys), Northern Sky (Nick Drake), Close to Me (The Cure) | Teenage romance begins through the mixtape |
| 2 | Hit the North – Part 1 (The Fall), Love My Way (The Psychedelic Furs), Tainted Love (Gloria Jones), Lovesong (The Cure) | Emotional tension in teen and adult timelines |
| 3 | Big Jet Plane (Angus & Julia Stone), Love Will Tear Us Apart (Joy Division), Bizarre Love Triangle (Frente!) | Memory and heartbreak drive the connection |
| 4 | She Is Everything (Blue in Heaven), Live It Up (Mental As Anything), LoveSong (The Cure) | Final moments and reconnection in present day |
Now, let’s take a closer look at the songs used in each episode and how they connect with the story:-
Episode 1 – The Beginning of a Love Story
Songs like Fools Gold by The Stone Roses and Bizarre Love Triangle by New Order set the tone for the teenage love story that begins in the late 80s. These tracks capture the excitement and awkwardness of young love. Northern Sky by Nick Drake adds a quiet, emotional depth to moments of connection. Close to Me by The Cure plays during a key mixtape exchange that starts it all.
Episode 2 – Tension and Distance
This episode dives into emotional distance between characters, and songs like Hit the North – Part 1 by The Fall and Tainted Love by Gloria Jones show the confusion and frustration in both past and present. Lovesong by The Cure returns as a musical motif, reminding viewers of how music once brought them together.
Episode 3 – Memories and Heartbreak
Songs like Big Jet Plane by Angus & Julia Stone and Love Will Tear Us Apart by Joy Division reflect the pain of separation and the weight of time. The Frente! acoustic version of Bizarre Love Triangle is used to evoke both nostalgia and regret, as the characters begin to understand what they lost.
Episode 4 – Coming Full Circle
This final episode features She Is Everything by Blue in Heaven and LoveSong by The Cure, bringing the story back to its musical roots. Live It Up by Mental As Anything adds a touch of hope and playfulness, signaling that the characters may still find a way forward—together. The music highlights the healing power of time, memory, and love.
The music not only marks the timeline but also mirrors the characters’ emotional growth and regrets. Fans have praised the thoughtful use of each song in key scenes.
The soundtrack plays an important role in shaping the viewer’s emotional journey. Songs are not just background music; they carry real weight in the scenes.
- Anchors emotion: From heartbreak to joy, the music heightens every major feeling.
- Nostalgia and identity: The track choices reflect the late 80s and early 90s era, especially for characters growing up in Sheffield.
- Narrative tool: Each episode begins and ends with a song that carries meaning for both timelines—past and present.
Where to Listen
You can listen to the Mix Tape soundtrack on major music streaming platforms like Spotify, Apple Music, and Amazon Music. Fans have also created unofficial playlists featuring all the songs used in the show. The original score composed by Chiara Costanza was officially released on June 12, 2025, and is available on most platforms under the title Mix Tape (Original Score).
FAQs
Q1: Is there an official Mix Tape soundtrack album?
Yes. The original score composed by Chiara Costanza was released on June 12, 2025. The album includes instrumental tracks such as Accepted, Broken Heart, and You Owe Me.
Q2: What are the most popular songs in Mix Tape show?
Some of the most loved songs include Fools Gold by The Stone Roses, Bizarre Love Triangle by New Order and Frente!, Love Will Tear Us Apart by Joy Division, and Close to Me by The Cure.
Q3: Where can I listen to Mix Tape soundtrack?
All licensed songs and the original score are available on popular music streaming platforms such as Spotify and Apple Music.
Q4: Who composed the background score for Mix Tape series?
The instrumental score was composed by Chiara Costanza, who added emotional depth to the story through her original music.
Q5: Is the music important to the story?
Yes. Music is at the heart of the series. It is used as a storytelling tool to express love, memory, pain, and hope, and to connect the characters across decades.
Mix Tape is a love story told through letters, memories, and—most of all—music. Its soundtrack is more than a collection of songs. It’s a heartbeat that connects the story across generations. From classic indie rock to post-punk ballads, every track has a purpose. For fans of emotional dramas and great music, Mix Tape offers an unforgettable listening and viewing experience.