NBC confirmed to the media Thursday that its midseason musical drama “Smash” has begun building its commercial tie-in.
Following the format set by “Glee,” “Smash” will release soundtrack albums to further the show’s reach. NBC’s announcement confirms the soundtracks will be released on Columbia/Epic Label Group’s Columbia Records.
“A musical series should naturally be accompanied by a soundtrack deal, and NBC is very excited to be working with the best. Our Columbia Records partners will guide the soundtrack of ‘Smash’ into a big component of the show’s success,” said NBC’s Robert Greenblatt. “The music will be a driving force of what promises to make a tremendous impact for NBC in January and we couldn’t have asked for better expertise and strategy than this company will provide.”
The soundtracks will feature cast recordings of original songs by Marc Shaiman and Scott Wittman as well as covers of a “variety of existing hits.”
Additionally, “American Idol” season five runner-up and “Smash” star Katharine McPhee has also inked a deal with Columbia. McPhee’s performance was said to be a highlight of the pilot, and much of NBC’s promotional material for the new show centered around her vocal talent.