Warning: SPOILERS for all released seasons of Cobra Kai.
Cobra Kai is nearing its conclusion as season 6 part 3 brings the beloved Netflix series to a close. This milestone marks the end of a remarkable musical journey for composers Zach Robinson and Leo Birenberg. They’ve collaborated with showrunners Jon Hurwitz, Hayden Schlossberg, and Josh Heald since the show transitioned from its inception as a YouTube Red original to its Netflix success. Throughout this evolution, they have built a distinctive musical identity for the series—sometimes nodding to the score of the 1984 classic The Karate Kid and other times featuring stellar contributions from top progressive rock guitarists, Robinson and Birenberg have been instrumental in defining the show’s tone alongside its creative team.
While they don’t always co-compose every score, Robinson and Birenberg boast an impressive collaborative history. Their work for projects like Florida Man, Obliterated, Twisted Metal, and the Emmy-winning Weird: The Al Yankovic Story solidifies their status in the industry. They also composed for Marvel’s upcoming animated series Your Friendly Neighborhood Spider-Man.
ScreenRant recently conducted an in-depth interview with Robinson and Birenberg, diving into the anatomy of Cobra Kai’s music. The composers, alongside ScreenRant’s Owen Danoff, explored their favorite fight scenes from the series, analyzing each moment from a musical standpoint. Their insights include lesser-known favorites from the soundtrack, with references to the specific tracks available on various digital platforms. The conversation has been edited for brevity and clarity.
Season 1
Our Pick: Robby vs. Miguel (“No Mercy”) – Episode 10
ScreenRant: The standout fight I want to discuss from season 1 is Robby vs. Miguel in episode 10. Having just watched season 6 part 2, which is loaded with aggressive bass and guitar riffs, it’s striking how the finale in season 1 is much more orchestral and restrained. I would love to learn about your creative process during that first season and whether you anticipated the wild progression you would take in later seasons.
Leo Birenberg: That’s a fantastic starting point. Honestly, we never envisioned reaching the levels we’ve achieved. That finale significantly shifted our direction on Cobra Kai. Before that episode, we hadn’t recorded with an orchestra at all. During our discussions about the final episode with Jon, Josh, and Hayden, they envisioned an orchestral sound evoking The Karate Kid. We asked if they could allocate some funds for it, and they did, which allowed us to write in a different way.
Zach Robinson: Essentially, we channeled classic All Valley with a unique Cobra Kai twist. This was our inaugural orchestral experience; we thought, “This is The Karate Kid. Let’s put our spin on it.” In hindsight, it feels rather tame to us now.
We seldom discussed it, but we felt that opening this avenue expanded the writers’ creative boundaries as well. When it came to season 2, Jon, Josh, and Hayden decided to integrate orchestral music into everything. This decision truly elevated the scoring quality following that episode.
Leo’s Picks
Favorite: “Venomous”
Leo Birenberg: I really enjoy the cafeteria fight in episode 5, heralding the birth of Miguel. The cue, “Venomous,” has become one of my favorites.
Unsung Hero: “Stone vs. Diaz”
Leo Birenberg: An unsung moment for me is from the tournament, specifically “Stone vs. Diaz,” where Miguel defeats Xander in the quarterfinals. My attachment to this cue stems more from the creative process. It was the first time we successfully integrated the Cobra Kai theme, the “Quiver”theme, orchestrally—in the French horns, supported by an epic instrumentation. It truly felt like a breakthrough for merging diverse musical ideas into a cinematic conclusion.
Zach’s Picks
Favorite: “Strike First”
Zach Robinson: I’d say my favorite would likely be “Strike First,” featuring Johnny battling the teens in episode 1. This marks our first fight and underscores the foundation of everything we’ve created. It also became the end credits music once we moved to Netflix—I have a fondness for it since it wasn’t utilized in the YouTube version but was featured as end credits starting from season 3 on Netflix.
Leo Birenberg: That track embodies the essence of the series, undoubtedly.
Unsung Hero: “Ophidiophobia”
Zach Robinson: I’d classify “Ophidiophobia” as an unsung gem, particularly during the Hawk vs. Robby brawl. It offers a precursor to the intensity we achieve during the All Valley tournament and showcases the emerging Cobra Kai style of the tournament score.
Season 2
Our Pick: The Hallway Fight (“Hallway Hellscape”) – Episode 10
Focusing on season 2, I want to highlight the hallway fight, which spans multiple cues and culminates in an intense sequence featuring an extended cue. “Hallway Hellscape,” lasting three and a half minutes on the soundtrack, exemplifies a rock song structure, maintaining a high level of energy throughout. How challenging is it to create a structured piece that avoids repetitiveness?
Zach Robinson: That’s what we pride ourselves on. For Leo and me, our musical approach integrates pop sensibilities into our scoring. We strive to ensure our pieces feel cohesive rather than disjointed. Paradoxically, longer fight sequences present greater opportunities for development since they naturally provide more material to work with.
The key to “Hallway Hellscape” lies in its dynamic progression, modulation, and high-energy transitions, creating an engaging musical piece. Conversely, a brief fight scene constrains us to a more rapid narrative arc.
Zach & Leo’s Picks
Favorite: “Hallway Hellscape”
Leo Birenberg: My favorite this season would be “Hallway Hellscape.” Each season finale seems to push the score further. Those episode tens seem to bring out our best work, particularly with how this cue melds our distinct soundscapes. With the characters less intertwined early on, a big brawl like this offered a playground to merge various styles—electronic elements combined with orchestral sounds. The cue felt significant for these reasons.
Zach Robinson: I share the same sentiment about “Hallway Hellscape.” Interestingly, it started as a revision. Initially, we had a different version, V1, which didn’t develop well. The original score borrowed elements from “Welcome to The Jungle,” aiming for a needle drop vibe, but the direction shifted towards creating a fully developed score for the fight. The initial version ultimately transformed into the piece called “Shopping Mall” for our video game soundtrack.
Unsung Hero: “Mall Fight”
Leo Birenberg: “Mall Fight” captivates me for its nostalgia, drawing parallels to Power Rangers. The scene’s style, costumes, and food court setting create a wonderfully retro atmosphere.
Zach Robinson: Our love for “Mall Fight” has been unwavering. It embodies a pure essence reminiscent of early ’90s vibes, especially considering Hawk’s bad guy transformation during that time.
We’ve even fantasized about rebooting Power Rangers, and followers often note its resemblance to the series. It’s fun to collect feedback from fans regarding this connection.
Season 3
Our Pick: Daniel and Johnny vs. Kreese & Robby (“Duel of the Snakes”)—Episode 10
Now, turning to season 3—you both managed a brilliant track called “Duel of the Snakes” encapsulating Daniel and Johnny battling Kreese and Robby. Was there any influence from “Duel of the Fates” in this cue?
Leo Birenberg: Not directly, but that title was too irresistible to ignore.
But given the presence of a choir and fast motifs, parallels certainly exist.
Zach Robinson: Absolutely a playful nod. Just as in season 1, “Duel of the Snakes” effectively broadened our musical scope, enhancing the drama and grandeur of the series.
Leo Birenberg: It signified a significant narrative expansion. Season 3 introduced multifaceted elements, revealing Daniel’s expedition to Japan and Kreese’s Vietnam backstory, augmenting the series’ world-building. The final fight, “Duel of the Snakes,” comprises four simultaneous confrontations, necessitating a robust and sweeping score to encompass the heft of such action.
Zach’s Picks
Favorite: “Duel of the Snakes”
Zach Robinson: One moment that stands out for me is when Johnny kicks down the door, and Kreese quips, “What took you so long?” Hearing Johnny’s theme emerge in the French horns elevates the moment. The part featuring Robby’s poignant line, “I can’t be my own worst enemy, but you can,” is stirring—very operatic. Every aspect of that sequence resonates with me.
Unsung Hero: “Chop Shop”
Zach Robinson: I would highlight “Chop Shop,” marking the debut pairing of Johnny and Daniel. Between seasons two and three, a desire for some dynamic action scenes spurred us onward; I couldn’t be happier with how rapidly it came together. Mixing elements like the Miyagi theme with rock instrumentation created a compelling retro vibe reminiscent of ‘90s video games. The track culminates in a hilariously over-the-top electric guitar gesture following their double-kicks.
Leo’s Picks
Favorite: “Duel of the Snakes”
Leo Birenberg: We often mention that our scoring choice invites the audience to embrace the over-the-top nature of the show. The more excessive our scoring becomes, the more enjoyable it feels. The epic scenes—the larger-than-life battles—require a powerful score that aligns with that grand narrative.
Unsung Hero: “Diners, Drive-Ins, and Dojos”
Leo Birenberg: I appreciate the one-off track, “Diners, Drive-Ins, and Dojos,” which features Young Kreese battling his bully with a thematic nod to movies like On the Waterfront while introducing unique melodies associated with Kreese in a new light.
Season 4
Our Pick: Robby vs. Hawk (“Shirts Off”)—Episode 10
Let’s discuss the Robby vs. Hawk battle titled “Shirts Off,” which includes sound design elements echoing season 1. How did you craft that connection?
Zach Robinson: Initially, we were unaware of just how intense the series would become. The stakes for All Valley ’51 were framed as a kumite—looking back, it feels almost humorous. The showrunners insisted it needed a more vicious tone than the previous seasons, so they dropped temp scores from Mad Max to establish a more sinister atmosphere.
In search of a grittier sound, we revisited the fight session for Robby and Hawk, seeking distorted textures to enhance the chaotic nature. We enlisted Tosin Abasi of Animals as Leaders to contribute intense guitar elements—adding a brutal ambiance to our soundscape.
Leo Birenberg: “Brutal” encapsulates the mood perfectly. Introducing Tosin set the stage for contemporary guitar elements that permeate many recent episodes. This fight showcased our evolving score style as we merged previous compositional efforts with fresh, striking approaches.
Zach’s Picks
Favorite & Unsung Hero: “A Storm of Senseis”
Zach Robinson: “A Storm of Senseis” stands out as one of our best-composed pieces. It evolves masterfully from orchestral tones into the signature Cobra Kai sound, culminating in a powerful blend of instrumentation that builds significantly—truly one of my favorites. We performed it live in Spain, resulting in an electric experience.
Do you feel you’ve created recurring themes for character fights?
Zach Robinson: Absolutely.
Leo Birenberg: Several recurring motifs exist—like the ostinato associated with Tory and Sam and themes for Daniel and Johnny. We often let themes emerge organically during the writing process, rather than forcing them, contributing to their seamless integration into the score.
Leo’s Picks
Favorite: “A Storm of Senseis”
Leo Birenberg: “A Storm of Senseis” truly encapsulates the Cobra Kai sound, marrying various elements cohesively, representing the long-awaited rematch of Daniel and Johnny, ultimately making it a climactic moment.
Unsung Hero: “Mecha-Robby”
Leo Birenberg: “Mecha-Robby” captures a fantastic moment of Robby’s zenith as a fighter. It embodies the enigma of his character—a karate machine unleashed when focused. We also tapped into varied influences while working on this cue.
Season 5
Our Pick: Chozen vs. Terry Silver (“The Fifth Battle of Kawanakajima”) – Episode 10
Let’s dive into the fight between Chozen and Terry Silver, a compelling villain who steals the spotlight.
Zach Robinson: We’re absolutely enamored with his character.
Leo Birenberg: He’s arguably the best character in the series.
Regarding the intense fight dynamics, how did you convey the ominous and dramatic essence of this clash?
Leo Birenberg: The weight of the scene is amplified as they brandish swords for the first time, creating an atmosphere ripe for bloodshed. This necessitated a brutal sound palette akin to what we’d used earlier in “Shirts Off,” yet we added an operatic layer featuring a choir singing in Korean, amplifying the stakes.
Zach Robinson: The myriad sound elements merge compellingly. For this cue, we recorded a shakuhachi player and incorporated various retro synths, emphasizing the unique approach to the score.
Zach & Leo’s Picks
Favorite: “The Tree Will Survive”
Leo Birenberg: My favorite track centers on the epic duel between Daniel and Terry—”The Tree Will Survive,” where the narrative scope merges the original Karate Kid ambiance with new thematic material, effectively linking Daniel and Miyagi’s legacies.
Unsung Hero: “The Eagle and the Lion”
Zach Robinson: “The Eagle and the Lion” is special for its focus on the teamwork aspect of Johnny and Chozen’s alliance. Integrating the Chozen theme with Johnny’s takes the listener on an exhilarating ride.
Season 6
Our Picks: Iron Dragons vs. Cobra Kai “Iron Dragons (feat. Charlie Robbins)” – Episode 6, Miyagi-Do vs. Furia de Pantera “Furia de Pantera (feat. Tim Henson)” – Episode 9, Free-For-All “Karate War” , “Karate Supremacy (feat. Tim Henson)” & “Última Sangre”
From season 6, I have queries regarding three cues. Firstly, concerning the “Iron Dragons” cue featuring Charlie Robbins—a portion of the bass section reminds me distinctly of your work on Twisted Metal. Was that score a point of reference?
Zach Robinson: Yes, the connection is quite relevant! Utilizing Jacob Umansky for “Iron Dragons” brought a fresh perspective to our sound. Given the requirement for new musical nuances across various dojos, we creatively tuned our guitars down for these new influences. Collaborating with musicians uncovered through social media often yields great results, evidenced by bringing Charlie in—an outstanding flamenco guitarist perfect for this segment.
The second piece, “Furia de Pantera,” featured Tim Henson. How did that collaboration come to fruition compared to the previous one?
Leo Birenberg: As fans of Polyphia, Tim Henson’s band, we felt inspired to reach out after successfully working with Charlie. The specific Spanish dojo battle felt suited for Tim’s style. In crafting the melody, we provided him with a foundational track, giving him creative freedom to incorporate his flair—ultimately leading to a compelling result.
Finally, the climactic sequence leading to Kwon’s death felt like an amalgamation of everything you’ve done so far. How did you manage to build the tension leading up to this moment?
Leo Birenberg: We focused extensively on analyzing the scene beforehand, strategizing the transition from fun action to grave stakes, ultimately crafting a unified piece. The crucial moment was to maintain momentum throughout the lengthy fight.
Zach Robinson: Maintaining a constant tempo allowed us to develop a seamless musical journey, resulting in a compelling narrative arc enriched by thematic references from the entire show.
Zach’s Picks
Favorite: “Mortal Kwon-Bat”
Zach Robinson: While “Iron Dragons” and Tim Henson’s contributions are fantastic, my absolute favorite is “Mortal Kwon-Bat.” The energy and viewer reactions to that fight sequence cement its place as a standout moment.
Unsung Hero: “Redeemers”
Zach Robinson: The Brazilian fight cue, “Redentores,” introduces Kenny’s entrance superbly, bringing forth an immensely impactful moment through musical themes that have been present since season 1, invoking the essence reminiscent of ‘80s cinema that resonates deeply with the audience.
Leo’s Picks
Favorite: “Mortal Kwon-Bat”
Leo Birenberg: Aligning with Zach’s thoughts, “Mortal Kwon-Bat” pushes the limits of brutality, encapsulating Robby’s pivotal season arc where he must confront his challenges, leading to a spectacular showdown that ignites intense emotions.
Unsung Hero: “A New Challenger Approaches”
Leo Birenberg: Additionally, “A New Challenger Approaches” integrates the talents of Jacob Umansky and Charlie Robbins, infusing an exotic djent sound vibe. The Key context and blend of influences create an engaging result, showcasing the diverse range we’ve developed over the entire series.
Birenberg & Robinson Reflect On Their Cobra Kai Journey
Given your extensive scores for various projects, how would you quantify the impact that Cobra Kai has had on your growth as composers throughout its run?
Zach Robinson: This show has been a massive contributor to our development as composers. Reflecting on our growth from season 1 to 6, the magnitude of what we accomplished in the final season would have initially overwhelmed me. The struggles, challenges, and subsequent growth only fueled our enthusiasm for the craft.
Leo Birenberg: Indeed, our journey reflects the show’s own development. The creative breakthroughs we’ve experienced were monumental, contributing immensely to our confidence while enhancing our sound palate and adaptability.
About Cobra Kai Season 6 Part 2
During the Sekai Taikai competition, Miyagi-Do faces both new rivals and old adversaries as they strive to become world champions. However, the pressure intensifies as internal conflicts resurface. Cobra Kai is created and executive produced by Josh Heald, Jon Hurwitz, and Hayden Schlossberg through Counterbalance Entertainment, in partnership with executive producers Will Smith, James Lassiter, Caleeb Pinkett, and Susan Ekins in collaboration with Sony Pictures Television. Ralph Macchio and William Zabka also contribute as executive producers.
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