Sam Haft's Musical Journey with 'Hazbin Hotel': From High School Friends to Chart-Topping Success
For musician Sam Haft, contributing to two seasons of the adult animated series "Hazbin Hotel" has represented both a professional milestone and a deeply personal full-circle moment. Haft, alongside his collaborator Andrew Underberg, has crafted more than 70 songs for the show, blending their long-standing friendship with creative synergy.
A Collaboration Rooted in Friendship
The partnership between Haft and Underberg traces back to their teenage years, when both attended the Collegiate School in New York City. This foundation of trust and shared history has proven invaluable in their work on "Hazbin Hotel." Haft notes that collaborating with a longtime friend on a project with such "a heart-on-your-sleeve, deeply emotional message" felt natural and authentic.
The series, created by Vivienne "VivziePop" Medrano, premiered its second season on Amazon Prime Video in October to widespread critical praise. It follows Charlie Morningstar, voiced by Erika Henningsen, the daughter of Lucifer, who aspires to rehabilitate demons in hell through her hotel venture, aiming for their acceptance into heaven.
Navigating the Hellaverse
To realize her ambitious goal, Charlie enlists the help of her girlfriend Vaggi, voiced by Stephanie Beatriz, and secures her first patron in Angel Dust, an X-rated movie actor portrayed by Blake Roman. However, her path is fraught with challenges, including opposition from Adam, played by Alex Brightman, who descends from heaven biannually to exterminate souls, and his lieutenant Lute, voiced by Jessica Vosk.
Haft describes the narrative as "a classic fish out-of-water story," highlighting Charlie's earnestness and sincerity as forces that gradually transform the dark, twisted world around her. He adds, "It's a power fantasy for a theater kid," emphasizing the show's appeal to those who cherish emotional storytelling.
The Soundtrack's Standout Success
What truly distinguishes "Hazbin Hotel" is its exceptional soundtrack, which resonates with both musical theater enthusiasts and counterculture fans. Weeks after the Season 2 premiere, the soundtrack album soared to No. 8 on the Billboard chart in December, driven by the viral pop-rock anthem "Gravity," performed by Jessica Vosk. This track alone has amassed over 81 million streams on Spotify, with other hits like "Love in a Bottle" and "Losin' Streak" further cementing the score's popularity.
Haft explains the creative process behind the music: "We have all the marvels of modern digital technology and none of the constraints of an orchestra pit, we're able to give each character their own orchestra. Stylistically, every character has their own musical style. Their styles are not in perfect harmony, so we end up with interesting combinations. It feels like we're in a laboratory, combining little beakers of chemicals."
Expanding the Show's Reach
The success of "Hazbin Hotel" has led to its renewal for third and fourth seasons, prompting the creative team to explore new mediums. In October, cast members including Christian Borle, Jeremy Jordan, and Jessica Vosk performed a one-night-only Broadway concert at New York's Majestic Theatre, the former home of "Phantom of the Opera." This event showcased the show's theatrical roots and broadened its audience.
For Haft, the series has introduced his music to listeners who may not have been familiar with his work outside the show. He is also the vocalist for the Los Angeles-based electronic rock duo The Living Tombstone, collaborating with musician-producer Yoav Landau on songs inspired by video games like the "Five Nights at Freddy's" series. Haft observes, "I'd say my Living Tombstone fans are a little more gamer and my 'Hazbin' fans are a little more theater, but I think they get along with each other quite well."
A Golden Era for Adult Animation
Reflecting on the broader landscape, Haft notes that "right now we're living in some of the best times for adult animation that have ever existed." He finds it exciting to see how the work takes on new dimensions as it resonates with audiences, transforming from a creator-driven project into something that viewers map onto their own lives.
"Hazbin Hotel" has drawn comparisons to other works, such as Netflix's "KPop Demon Hunters" and Tim Burton's "The Nightmare Before Christmas," while Medrano cites "BoJack Horseman" as an inspiration. Yet, it is the show's unique blend of macabre themes, heartfelt storytelling, and a stellar soundtrack that sets it apart, making it a standout in the evolving world of adult animation.
