Selecting Music for Your Production

When producing a presentation, DVD, Radio or Television spot, or other multi-media production, the proper use of music can make or break your final product.  When possible, it is always most desirable to have a custom post score done by a professional and commercial composer.  Sadly, the harsh reality of most budgets exclude this option and often times, music becomes a mere afterthought.

Bummer!

Well, afterthought or not, your music choice is critical.  As an audio producer with nearly 30 years of experience, I’ve found that in most cases simpler is better.  I often listen to over-produced production music and try to imagine how anyone could effectively use the track - a slight disconnect between composer and producer I would say.  

Tight and simple statements are usually best to convey a feeling, whether it be excitement, importance, sincerity or attention.  We apply this same philosophy when writing a piece as well.  It is important to consider tempo first.  The tempo of the voice over will often times determine an appropriate tempo for the music to be added.  If you take the time to listen to the dry voice over first, you can audition different tempos by simply clapping your hands to the read and listening for what sounds most natural.  In some cases, the voice over is too fast or feels nervous and can be quelled with a slightly more relaxed musical piece.  More often a read is too flat, as in the case of a testimonial or a read by someone who normally doesn’t do voice over professionally.  In this case a more exciting music bed can help the read along.

Some other tips when mixing music are to not settle for the equalization that is on the piece that you introduced into your project.  I will often thin out music that is too rich in the mid range section, for example, in order to make room for the voice over.  This enables you to keep the music level up so that it is audible and exciting, without it competing with the voice over too much.  Another technique I use is to make an exact copy of the music on a lower track.  I will then hard pan the top track to one side and the bottom track to the other.  This provides more room for the voice as well! 

Music in production is an essential asset and can truly elevate any production to a higher level!

Steve  Bartolotta
Markethold Productions, Inc.

Share