If you’ve ever walked into a grocery store and had your attention grabbed by the latest hit song playing overhead, you know the power of music. It can create an emotional connection with a target audience, move people to buy more, and even market new products.
But hiring someone who knows what they’re doing to make music for your commercial campaign can be hard if you don’t know where to start. In this article, I’ll cover the steps you need to take to find a composer and music producer who will deliver exactly what you need in your next video or commercial.
The Process:
First, some background about my process for finding music for commercials.
Step 1: Request Music Samples. When I get a new project, the first thing I do is requesting samples of their work. I’ll send a brief email asking for a copy of their music in both MP3 and WAV format. If they don’t have samples, I ask them to send me the song they want me to use along with some audio clips so I can get an idea of their style and sound. Using this information, I can then work with them to find out which approach will work best for my project.
Step 2: Set Up A Consultation. Once I have a good idea of the client’s musical style, I set up a consultation call to discuss ideas. Depending on the project specifics, we may go through the script for the commercial or video and talk about how to best use music to achieve both their needs and mine. If the project is a commercial, we will go through the script and discuss what kind of music would emphasize the message being delivered. If it’s a video, we’ll talk about how to use music to add to the overall style and emotion of each shot.
Step 3: Find Something We Both Agree On. Once we agree on how to handle the music in terms of overall style and emotion, I send them one or two song ideas. It’s important that I send a variety of songs so they can get a feel for how each approach will sound. If there are specific musical styles or style components they prefer, it is up to them to communicate this when I send them the songs. But if not, then I’m going to go with the one or two songs that are my favorite and work from there.
Step 4: Record the Controversial Song(s). Once we decide on a song, it needs to be recorded. Some clients are adamant that they want to retain all the rights to the song they choose. I usually work with them on this, because if you don’t retain all rights, then it is harder to find a replacement song that sounds as good. Other clients are ok with a “use it as long as you like it” type of situation. In cases like these, I try to record several takes of the song so we can choose which take works best for our needs.
Step 5: Send Me a Rough Mix. Once the song is finished, we will work together to record a rough mix. This can be a “Mixed in your Head” type situation where you’ll simply send the clients a rough mix, but they still have the final rights to approve or change any part of it. Or it can be a true mixed track with all the sounds and instruments, so that I can work with them to make slight alterations if needed.
Step 6: Send Me a Final Mix.
Conclusion:
The availability of music libraries and production music online can make it easy to find the right song for your commercial. But sometimes you need the ability to work with an experienced composer or producer who will understand how to use music to enhance the mood, feel and message of your project.
Michael Welsh Production offers a number of affordable music solutions for your next project. In addition to providing music for commercials, we also offer original theme songs, production tracks and custom compositions.
For more information about Commercial Music Use visit our website https://www.michaelwelshprods.com/
