Will Sharpe, Luis Felber on Original Music, Felix’s Band

The creative partnership between Lena Dunham and Luis Felber has resulted in the creation of a new rom-com series called “Too Much,” which debuted on Netflix recently. The show follows the story of Jessica, played by Megan Stalter, who moves to London after a breakup, and Felix, played by Will Sharpe, a struggling musician dealing with past trauma. The soundtrack of the show features original music from Felber’s band Attawalpa, as well as a variety of needle drops from artists like Fergie, Fiona Apple, Nicki Minaj, and more.

Dunham and Felber’s love for music played a significant role in the development of the show. They used to make playlists for each other when they were apart, which eventually became a key element of their creative process for “Too Much.” The playlists reflected their diverse musical tastes, with Dunham leaning towards pop while Felber favored Americana and country music.

While “Too Much” is not entirely autobiographical, it does draw inspiration from the couple’s real-life experiences. For example, the show’s meet-cute between Jess and Felix takes place at The Ivy House in Peckham, a location that holds special significance for Felber as a musician. The scene where Felix performs a stripped-back version of Attawalpa’s “Always the Girls” is reminiscent of Felber’s early days playing music at the pub.

To bring Felix’s character to life on stage, Felber drew inspiration from artists like Elliott Smith and Kurt Cobain, particularly referencing Nirvana’s “Unplugged” performance. Sharpe, who plays Felix, had not performed live in over a decade, so Felber helped him learn and embody the songs from Attawalpa’s album “Experience.” Additionally, Felber had to form Felix’s band, the Feelers, with the help of other musicians like Prasanna Puwanarajah and Carlos O’Connell.

Overall, “Too Much” showcases the power of music in storytelling and the collaborative efforts of Dunham and Felber in bringing their creative vision to life on screen. The series not only entertains audiences but also pays homage to the couple’s shared love for music and the role it plays in their relationship. Meeting someone at their place of taste is key when it comes to helping them learn and grow. This sentiment was echoed by Sharpe, who praised Felix as an incredible learner. He believed that all it takes is understanding someone’s taste to make a real connection with them.

Sharpe also discussed his approach to crafting Felix’s performance style, drawing inspiration from iconic musicians like Ian Curtis, Oasis, the Hives, and Julian Casablancas. However, he ultimately decided that authenticity was the most important factor. “Just play the song man, just fucking play it. And then whatever your thing is will happen when you’re not thinking about it,” Sharpe said.

When it comes to the soundtrack of the show, Felix’s favorite needle drops included Kacey Musgraves’ “Butterflies” and Songs: Ohia’s “Farewell Transmission.” He also revealed his initial desire to include Prince songs in the playlist, but had to reconsider due to budget constraints. However, he teased the possibility of a Prince-filled Season 2.

While a second season of “Too Much” is still uncertain, Felix expressed his hopes for more of Jess and Felix’s story. He acknowledged that the decision ultimately lies in the hands of the universe, but he and Dunham have ideas for what a potential continuation could look like.

In the meantime, the couple is busy working on Dunham’s upcoming film “Good Sex,” featuring Natalie Portman. Felix is providing the music for the film, promising exciting original tracks, a dynamic score, and three cover versions of a classic song. He tantalizingly teased, “We’re raccoons in the trashcan of life,” hinting at the mischief and creativity that define their partnership.

Overall, the journey of Jess and Felix, both on-screen and behind the scenes, is a testament to the power of connection, creativity, and staying true to oneself. As they continue to explore new projects and collaborations, their passion for storytelling and music shines through, promising more exciting endeavors to come.