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HOW TO MAKE A HORROR MOVIE

HOW TO MAKE A HORROR MOVIE: THE ULTIMATE GUIDE

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    According to cognitive neuroscientist and Science Focus writer Dr Christian Jarrett, horror films tap into our primal fears and provide “a safe way for us to rehearse mentally how we would cope with age-old dangers”.

    He explains that sensation-seekers may enjoy this mental process because some humans may “find pleasure in the feelings of relief that follow after intense fear”.

    Sure, that probably is true (he is an expert, after all), but a horror movie still has to be of a certain quality to pass the enjoyability test.

    The story must be either thought-provoking or action-packed; the characters have to be endearing, interesting, entertaining and relatable; the setting has to be a little spooky; the dramatic music has to strike fear into the hearts of the viewer.

    Looking to make a horror movie? Well, welcome to Audio Network – the place where you can read all about the components that make up a horror movie and also explore our comprehensive selection of ready-to-licence horror production music tracks.

    What Is a Horror Movie?

    Horror is a film genre that purposefully aims to induce fear in its viewers.

    The film genre has its genesis in gothic literature in which authors such as Horace Walpole, Edgar Allen Poe and Bram Stoker would evoke feelings of the sublime and the uncanny to tell their macabre tales.

    Often, these tales would reflect the struggles and social issues of their epoch.

    Today, contemporary filmmakers use the horror genre as a tool to concurrently entertain and create conversation around pressing topics such as racial inequality and the importance of the #MeToo movement - e.g. 'Get Out' (2017) and 'The Invisible Man' (2020).

    how to make a horror movie

    A Guide to Making Horror Films

    From the story to the music, allow us to walk you through the five key components you need to make a horror movie:

    • Story
    • Characters
    • Costumes & Makeup
    • Setting
    • Music

    Story

    All films tell a story, and horror movies tell the darkest ones of them all.

    As we’re sure to know, some horror movies are based on true accounts whilst others are plucked from the imagination of the screenwriter and the director.

    If you’re looking to make a horror movie based on a true story, you’ll first want to figure out which part of the story you’re going to focus on and how you may want to exaggerate the events of the story for the sake of the audience’s entertainment.

    One of the finest examples of a non-fiction horror movie is James Wan’s 'The Conjuring' released in 2013.

    If you're looking to film a fictional horror movie, it may be a good idea to start by creating an antagonist.

    Once you’ve fleshed your antagonist out, you should find it pretty easy to build a story around them. Think about how the entire ‘Halloween’ franchise revolves around the simple-yet-sinister character of Micheal Myers.

    Furthermore, once you’ve established the premise of your story, it’s paramount you work on its narrative flow.

    A simple way to ensure the story has structure is to check it has a powerful beginning, middle and end; having said that, you mustn’t shy away from breaking the rules of story-making to suit your vision.

    Characters

    Now that you’ve got a story on your hands, it’s time to populate it with characters.

    If you’re producing a non-fiction horror film, you’ll want to decide which true-life characters are unessential to the plot and therefore need to be cut from the screenplay.

    Conversely, you may want to consider adding characters that you feel are missing from the plot (e.g. perhaps your story is lacking a character that provides comic relief).

    If your horror movie is completely fictitious, you’ll need to invent characters that will interfere with the antagonist’s plans who also risk falling victim to their villainy.

    Additionally, you may want to add characters to your tale who support the antagonist’s menacing schemes.

    Whilst developing characters, you may want to start thinking about the actors you’d like to cast. Some actors take the filmmaker’s idea of a character to the next level.

    Think about how Lupita Nyong’o made the role of Red in Jordan Peele’s 'Us' (2019) her own; there’s no way Jordan Peele could have foreseen such a performance.

    Costumes & Makeup

    The term ‘horror movie’ evokes memories of watching Freddy Krueger prance about in his striped jumper, Micheal Myers kill civilians in his iconic mask and jumpsuit and Pennywise clowning around with a full face of makeup.

    Thus, it’s essential a filmmaker carefully considers the appearance of their characters as it may be the factor that entices audiences to re-watch your horror in years to come.

    Plus, you’ll do well to remember that horror film characters are some of the most popular inspirations for Halloween costumes. (We mean, who wouldn’t want their character to boomerang back into relevance every October?)

    Setting

    Not only do filmmakers need to decide where their story plays out, but they also need to choose a physical space to film their scenes.

    Sometimes, this location may be one and the same – for instance, ‘Sweeney Todd: The Demon Barber of Fleet Street' (2007) was set and filmed in London – but sometimes filmmakers may need to film in a different location for reasons of convenience, or because the setting is fictitious (e.g. Amity Island from 'Jaws' (1975).

    When choosing a location, make sure you bear in mind the lighting, the weather and the diegetic sound of the space.

    It’s as simple as this: the better the location, the less you’ll have to manipulate your film in post-production.

    Music

    No horror movie is complete without some spine-tingling music – think John William’s 'Jaws Theme’, John Carpenter’s ‘Halloween Theme’ and Bernard Herrmann’s 'Psycho Theme’.

    See what all of the themes have in common? They’re suspenseful, dramatic and unforgettable.

    Here at Audio Network, we’ve got over 200,000 tracks that are patiently waiting to be adopted by you for your next project.

    To help you explore our expansive catalogue with ease, we’ve divided our music into several playlists. Head on over to our horror playlist to sample songs such as Kelly and Pittock’s ‘Defcon’ and Alex Kovacs’ ‘Grim’.

    We hope you enjoyed this article! If you did, be sure to check out our blog for more insightful articles, the latest news, inspiration for your next project and industry expertise.

    FAQ's About Making Horror Movies

    Want more? Allow us to answer the most popular questions when it comes to making horror movies.

    1. What elements make a horror movie?

    The elements that make a horror movie are story, characters, costume and makeup, setting and music.

    Effectively combine and harmonise all of these elements together, and you’ll have a horror movie on your hands.

    What makes up a good horror movie you ask? Perhaps a better question is, ‘what makes a good horror movie?’. Simply put, a good horror movie scares its viewers.

    A horror may choose to frighten audiences with suspense, blood and gore or jump scares, or it may be a psychological horror that chooses to mess with the viewer’s mind. With so many ways to elicit fear, it’s no surprise that everyone’s interpretation of a ‘good horror movie’ is slightly different.

    2. How do you make a low-budget horror movie?

    It’s entirely possible to make a low-budget horror movie, the filmmaker simply has to make sure they’re realistic about the film they can create.

    By focusing on a small group of relatable characters in a simple setting – say a suburban neighbourhood or a hospital – the filmmaker can keep costs down and the story entertaining.

    Another great way to cut costs is for the filmmaker to employ Audio Network’s catalogue of production music tracks instead of spending thousands of pounds producing their own soundtrack. Just check out our Music For Horror Movies.

    3. How much money does it take to make a horror movie?

    Like all movies, a horror movie can be as cheap or as expensive as a filmmaker likes.

    For example, John Carpenter’s ‘Halloween’ (1978) cost just $325,000 whilst Marc Forster’s ‘World War Z’ (2013) cost an eye-watering $190,000,000. So, we guess the real answer is ‘how long is a piece of string?’.

    Need Music for Your Project?

    At Audio Network we create original music, of the highest quality, for broadcasters, brands, creators, agencies and music fans everywhere. Through clear and simple licensing, we can offer you a huge variety of the best quality music across every conceivable mood and genre. Find out how we can connect you with the perfect collaborator today by clicking the button below!

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    This page was updated 23/05/2024.

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    CLASSICAL MUSIC IN THE PUBLIC DOMAIN

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      If you’re browsing the internet in hopes of finding copyright-free music for your project, you’ve probably come across the term ‘public domain’.

      More often than not, this term shares a connection with a particular genre of music – classical music.

      Join us below as we explain the concept of the public domain and why it shares ties with the classical genre.

      Whilst reading, make sure you watch out for links to other relevant articles posted on our editorial page – aptly titled The Edit – and our playlists that are practically brimming with tracks from our catalogue of more than 200,000 tracks.

      What Is Public Domain?

      The public domain consists of creative work unprotected by intellectual property law, such as copyright law.

      Thus, work within the public domain can be used by anyone in any way they like, without needing permission from the author. FYI, the author is a term for the owner(s) of the work.

      Creative work may find its way in the public domain for several reasons; most commonly, the piece was created before intellectual property law existed, or the author’s rights have expired.

      public domain

      Photo Credit: https://www.iconspng.com/

      When Does Music Enter the Public Domain?

      Unless the track was created prior to music copyright law or the author purposefully submitted the song into the public domain, music enters the public domain when the author’s rights expire.

      In the United Kingdom, the copyright on a music track expires 70 years after the author’s death.

      If a musical piece has more than one author, the copyright expires 70 years after the last survivor’s death.

      How Long Is Copyright on Music?

      Copyright on music lasts for the entirety of the author’s life, plus an additional 70 years.

      Once the copyright expires, the author’s music enters the public domain.

      COPYRIGHT

      Photo Credit: https://copyright.co.uk/

      Is Classical Music Copyrighted?

      Classical music falls under copyright law, just like music of any other genre.

      The reason why many assume all classical music is copyright-free music is that the most famous classical music pieces were created decades ago, hence, they are not protected by copyright law.

      Having said that, recent recordings and arrangements of classical music pieces are not part of the public domain. In these instances, the copyright holders are those involved in that particular version of the track.

      Is Classical Music Royalty-Free?

      While royalty-free classical music certainly does exist, not all classical music is royalty-free.

      As the name suggests, royalty-free music means that no royalties need to be paid when using the music piece.

      Additionally, it may prove useful to know that when you purchase a piece of royalty-free music, you’re also obtaining a licence to use the track for the project you’re looking to use it for.

      Famous Composers in Public Domain

      When we think of classical music, we think of historic composers like Mozart, Beethoven and Bach.

      As these famous composers created their music such a long time ago – we’re talking centuries – their music is now part of the public domain; this may explain why classical music pieces often feature in modern media productions.

      Below, we take a look at some of the most famous musicians whose work has entered the public domain, examining how their work has been utilised in modern media productions.

      Mozart in the Public Domain

      Almost 230 years after his death, Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart still reigns supreme in the realm of classical music.

      The highly respected composer is the man behind tonnes of instantly recognisable classical compositions, including ‘Requiem’, ‘Symphony No.40’ and the ‘Overture’ from Don Giovanni.

      As Mozart’s works lie within the public domain, it’s not unusual to hear his arrangements used within 21st century productions, usually for dramatic effect.

      One of our favourite uses of Mozart’s music in contemporary film is the use of ‘Requiem’ in Luc Besson’s ‘Lucy’ (2014).

      Antonio Vivaldi was a prolific Italian Baroque-period composer, and remains just as inspirational to musicians now as he was during the 18th century. Reportedly, many of his compositions were composed for an all-female ensemble from an orphanage in Venice, Italy.

      Never heard of Vivaldi? Well, you certainly will have listened to some of his work: arrangements such as ‘The Four Seasons’ and ‘Magnificat’ that speak for themselves.

      We particularly love how car manufacturer Jaguar made the most of Vivaldi’s composition ‘La Follia from Sonata No 12 in D Minor’, a track – which like all of Vivaldi’s songs – is in the public domain.

      Beethoven in the Public Domain

      Like Mozart, Ludwig van Beethoven is a composer so iconic that we feel as though we were all born knowing who he was. Then again, perhaps that because our mothers would play classical music while they were pregnant (you never know…).

      You could spend hours going back and forth, debating which Beethoven piece is most popular, but we’ve gone straight for ‘Für Elise’. Even Quentin Tarantino used it in his Western masterpiece, ‘Django Unchained’ (2012).

      Bach in the Public Domain

      Johann Sebastian Bach was a multifaceted musical talent. The Baroque-era German was not only a composer but a violist, violinist, organist and harpsichordist too. So, really, it’s no wonder the musician is still lionized to this day.

      Over the years, his music has been incorporated in some of the most famous productions from Hollywood and beyond.

      Discover some of the best examples of Bach pieces in TV shows and movies – from Boardwalk Empire (2010-2014) to The Godfather (1972) – by watching vlogger pianoTV’s video below.

      Tchaikovsky in the Public Domain

      Romantic period Russian composer Pyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky composed numerous compositions in his lifetime, but the work he’ll forever be remembered for is his ballet Swan Lake.

      Over the years, the transportive music from the world-renowned ballet has featured in every type of media imaginable.

      Our favourite use of a Tchaikovsky track? We couldn’t possibly choose... Well, ok, if we had to choose it would be the use of ‘Swan Lake, Op.20, TH.12/ Act 1 – No.2 Valse’ in HBO’s Westworld (2016-Present). This moment from the sci-fi series’ first season is, quite possibly, our favourite television scene ever.

      Wagner in the Public Domain

      Bring up Wagner at a social affair, and you’ll instantly be able to separate the Haute Monde from the pop culture fiends.

      The former will be keen to share their favourite composition by German composer Richard Wagner whilst the latter will bang on about a guy who made a fool of himself on X-Factor. Naturally, we’re here to discuss the former.

      Being composed back in the 19th century, Wagner's music is firmly part of the public domain. Perhaps the most famous example of Wagner’s work being used in film is in Apocalypse Now (1979). We mean, who can forget ‘Ride of the Valkyries’ in that helicopter scene?

      Verdi in the Public Domain

      Last but not least, we come to Giuseppe Verdi, an Italian composer known for composing operas such as Rigoletto, La Traviata and Il Trovatore.

      Now, his music is taken from the public domain and placed into films and TV shows such as The Crown (2016 - present), Cherry (2021), Jane the Virgin (2014-2019) and Zombieland: Double Tap (2019). Yes, really.

      But the one use of a Verdi track that really sticks in our mind is the use of his track ‘Messa da Requiem: II Dies Irae’ in Mad Max: Fury Road (2015). Warner Bros even used the public domain track in their epic trailer for the film!

      Audio Network’s Array of Classical Music

      Why stress over copyright law and the quality of your public domain tracks when you can make use of our ever-expanding collection of classical music? Ideal for any creative project – from podcasts to TV shows to YouTube vlogs to commercials – our selection of tracks are all licensable for use across the world.

      We hope you enjoyed this article! If you did, be sure to check out our blog for more insightful articles, the latest news, inspiration for your next project and industry expertise.

      Need Music for Your Project?

      At Audio Network we create original music, of the highest quality, for broadcasters, brands, creators, agencies and music fans everywhere. Through clear and simple licensing, we can offer you a huge variety of the best quality music across every conceivable mood and genre. Find out how we can connect you with the perfect collaborator today by clicking the button below!

      SIGN UP

      This page was updated 23/05/2024.

      CLASSICAL MUSIC IN THE PUBLIC DOMAIN Read More »

      BEST KIDS MOVIE SOUNDTRACKS

      BEST KIDS MOVIE SOUNDTRACKS: 15 OF OUR FAVOURITES

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        Curious about the best kids soundtrack songs/movie songs for kids? You've come to the right place!

        Children engage more with visually and aurally stunning films; hence, kids’ movie soundtracks are, more often than not, outstanding. Film studios such as Disney Animation Studios, DreamWorks Animation and Illumination Entertainment regularly work with top tier talents to create songs that will capture the attention of little ones and concurrently entertain older viewers.

        What does a kids’ movie soundtrack sound like? Well, that all depends on the film. Like a film targeted at adults, a kids’ movie will feature a soundtrack that reflects its genre. For instance, Paramount Pictures’ animated Western-inspired film Rango (2011) features a cowboy-inspired soundtrack composed by Hans Zimmer, and MGM’s cartoon take on The Addams Family (2019) features a horror-inspired score.

        Below, we run through the best soundtracks in the history of children’s film, and serve up plenty of inspiration for you to create your own kids’ movie soundtrack from our catalogue of production music tracks.

        15 of the Best Kids’ Movie Soundtracks

        Before we get into it, here is a list of all the movies mentioned:

        • Monsters, Inc
        • Toy Story 4
        • Inside Out
        • Despicable Me 3
        • Trolls
        • My Neighbor Totoro
        • The Muppets
        • The Princess and the Frog
        • Hercules
        • Shrek
        • Shrek 2
        • Sing
        • The Lion King
        • Charlie and the Chocolate Factory
        • Frozen

        Monsters, Inc. (2001)

        We’re kicking off our best kids’ soundtracks list with early 00s Pixar film Monsters, Inc. Composed by the film studio’s favourite composer, Randy Newman, the Oscar-nominated soundtrack is an absolute delight to listen to. And it’s the jazz-inspired moments at the beginning and end of the film that we treasure the most.

        The title track – heard playing over the opening credits – features light drums, peppy, spontaneous horns and energetic keys. Meanwhile, the closing credits track finds Billy Crystal and John Goodman (AKA the voices of Mike and Sully) channeling their inner Dean Martin and Nat King Cole.

        Keen to discover more jazz music? We’ve loads more on our discover jazz page.

        Toy Story 4 (2019)

        Toy Story 4 surpassed all expectations; nobody – not even diehard fans of the franchise – expected the third sequel to be as necessary as it is. And, just like the other films, Randy Newman did a tremendous job devising the soundtrack.

        Just like the film, the Toy Story 4 soundtrack takes the most lovable elements of the saga to create a masterpiece – sometimes this literally means using songs from previous entries (e.g. ‘You’ve Got A Friend In Me’, as heard at the beginning of the film) and sometimes this means capturing the spirit of the Toy Story franchise in new compositions. Our favourite takeaway from the Toy Story 4 soundtrack is the super meaningful, super chirpy hit ‘I Can’t Let You Throw Yourself Away’. Have a listen – it’s practically impossible to resist singing along.

        Inside Out (2015)

        Which PIXAR movie has the best soundtrack? We’d argue it’s Inside Out. Although the score eschews vocals, it is just as memorable as any other soundtrack on this list.

        Composed by American musician and composer Michael Giacchino, the soundtrack brings the inside of main character Riley’s mind to life with sounds that are simultaneously fun, warming and aptly full of emotion.

        Looking to create a kids’ movie that’s just as emotional? Make sure you visit our thoughtful/reflective playlist to seek inspiration for your movie’s soundtrack.

        Despicable Me 3 (2010)

        The jewel in Illumination Entertainment’s crown is, undoubtedly, the Despicable Me franchise. We simply can’t resist those adorable Minions! And each time a film from the primary saga is produced, the Universal-owned animation studio calls upon multifaceted musician Pharrell Williams and Brazilian composer Heitor Pereira to compose the soundtrack.

        It may not be the most popular, but we believe that Despicable Me 3’s soundtrack reigns supreme. The album is brimming with memorable moments – from ‘Freedom’ to ‘Yellow Light’ to ‘There’s Something Special – that add depth to the easy-to-watch animation.

        Trolls (2016)

        It’s easy to think of Dreamworks Animation as a thing of the 90s/00s era, however, we should acknowledge one of the most successful animations of the 2010s came from the animation studio –Trolls. For this film, DreamWorks Animation made the strategic decision to place the responsibility of the soundtrack in the hands of R&B singer Justin Timberlake; a move doubtless inspired by Illumination Entertainment’s decision to let Pharrell oversee the soundtracks to Despicable Me.

        Working alongside super-producers Shellback and Max Martin, Timberlake created one of the best kids’ movie soundtracks ever. The album features huge pop covers from across the eras, performed by the likes of Gwen Stefani, Anna Kendrick and Ariana Grande, as well as brilliant original songs, including the top 10 hit ‘Can’t Stop the Feeling!’.

        Discover more upbeat tracks like those found on the Trolls soundtrack over on our upbeat background music page.

        My Neighbor Totoro (1988)

        Studio Ghibli films offer a healthy dose of escapism, and so do their soundtracks (which, FYI, are usually created by Japanese composer Joe Hisaishi).

        The soundtrack to anime classic My Neighbor Totoro begins with ‘Hey Let’s Go’ – an opening theme song that pulls the viewer into the world of forest spirits with its marching drums and powerful trumpets – and ends with a whimsical, 80s J-Pop track named after the film. Each track in between reflects the magical ongoings of the film’s narrative.

        The Muppets (2011)

        2011 flick The Muppets is perfect: it’s nostalgic, heart-warming and, above all, hilarious. And even the songs are infused with tons of humour. For example, one track performed by Mary (played by Amy Adams) titled ‘Me Party’ quite literally revolves around the comical concept of having a party by oneself.

        In our opinion, the most memorable song from the super fun soundtrack is ‘Man or Muppet’ performed by Muppet Walter and his brother Gary (played by Jason Segal). Impressively, the song approaches the relatable concept of figuring out one’s identity, but, naturally, it does so in the most light-hearted way imaginable.

        The Princess and the Frog (2009)

        Here at Audio Network, we love an underrated gem – take Disney’s overlooked, hand-drawn animation, The Princess and the Frog, for example. Naturally, it’s the Randy Newman-produced soundtrack that wins us over.

        Fundamentally, the music works because it captures the spirit of the city of 1920s New Orleans and its Black community. The track ‘Almost There’, performed by protagonist Tiana (voiced by Anika Noni Rose), is, in our opinion, one of the greatest Disney songs. The hit reminds viewers that they can achieve their dreams if they work hard.

        Hercules (1997)

        From 20th Century New Orleans to Ancient Greece, Hercules is the next Disney animation to secure a place on our list. Centred around the tale of Zeus’ demi-god son, the film uses music to drive the narrative. For example, the film opens with The Muses who set the scene with the storytelling track ‘The Gospel Truth’. Who knew animation could be so soulful?

        The soundtrack was produced by industry deity Alan Menken, who also composed music for Disney’s Beauty and the Beast (1991), The Little Mermaid (1989) and Pocahontas (1998).

        Shrek (2001)

        As mentioned above, the 90s/00s era is largely regarded as DreamWorks Animation’s golden age. And right at the centre of this era is the studio’s most popular film, the Academy-Award winning Shrek.

        The unorthodox love story follows a grumpy green ogre sent on a quest to rescue a beautiful princess who turns out to be an ogre herself. And, as you will also know, the Shrek soundtrack is just as iconic as the film. Featuring covers of songs such as ‘Hallelujah’, ‘I’m A Believer’ and ‘All Star’ performed by the likes of Smash Mouth and Rufus Wainwright, it's a hard album to dislike.

        Shrek 2 (2004)

        Shrek 2 – the sequel to a movie about two ogres falling in love – and which casts the Fairy Godmother from Cinderella as the main antagonist – has no right to be as good as it is. The same applies to the Shrek 2 soundtrack.

        Filled with a more diverse range of covers, the soundtrack seamlessly moves from an upbeat rock song to a power ballad to a disco hit with confidence. We can’t decide whether our favourite moment is Butterfly Boucher and David Bowie’s ‘Changes’ or Jennifer Saunders’ version of Bonnie Tyler’s ‘Holding Out For A Hero’.

        Sing (2016)

        Another soundtrack that reinterprets classics to entertain the whole family is Illumination Entertainment’s Sing.

        The original motion picture soundtrack is jam-packed with world-renowned artists and actors – including Taron Egerton, Tori Kelly, Reese Witherspoon and Jennifer Hudson – singing hits such as Shocking Blue’s ‘Venus’, Taylor Swift’s ‘Shake It Off’ and ‘Elton John’s ‘I’m Still Standing’. Oh, and there’s also an original song by Stevie Wonder and Ariana Grande titled ‘Faith’.

        If you’re after pop inspiration for your next project, make sure you explore our pop categories.

        The Lion King (1994)

        The Lion King soundtrack is not only one of the best kids’ movie soundtracks ever, but it’s also one of the best movie soundtracks full-stop. Unsurprisingly, three of the biggest names in the industry were behind it: Hans Zimmer, Elton John and Tim Rice.

        What’s the secret to The Lion King soundtrack’s success? It harmoniously infuses Disney’s tried and tested musical formula with African-inspired beats, rhythms and vocals to create an atmospheric selection of songs that'll be remembered forever.

        Looking to produce an Africa-set project? Take some time to browse and sample the tracks in our Africa playlist.

        Charlie and the Chocolate Factory (2005)

        In 2005, Tim Burton achieved the impossible: he told Roald Dahl’s Charlie and the Chocolate Factory story in a completely unique way that’s rarely compared to the OG Mel Stewart’s 1971 flick, Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory. And to the surprise of no one, Burton relied on his long-time collaborator Danny Elfman to bring his uncanny vision to life through music.

        Like most Elfman x Burton soundtracks, the Charlie and the Chocolate Factory soundtrack combines music from several genres – namely gothic, adventure and fairytale. Each composition is suited to the scene in which it is featured – for example, ‘The Indian Palace’ track, which plays as Grandpa Joe tells the story of Prince Pondicherry’s chocolate palace, incorporates Indian instruments to make the scene more believable.

        Frozen (2013)

        Frozen is Walt Disney Animation Studios’ biggest success story of the millennium so far. The original film and its sequel – Frozen II (2019) – are the two highest-grossing animations of all time, and it’s no coincidence that the music is A1.

        The star track on the album is the power ballad ‘Let It Go’ sung by Princess Elsa (voiced by Broadway performer-cum-film star Idina Menzel). At the beginning of the track, a solo piano riff plays that creates an image in one’s head of snowflakes falling to the floor. As the song unfolds, the music becomes more intense, like a blizzard.

        Discover Our Catalogue of Family-Friendly Music Tracks

        Are you working on a kids project? How exciting! We hope you’ll consider taking advantage of our ever-expanding catalogue brimming with family-friendly music tracks.

        Feel free to begin exploring our music offerings by checking out the 13 different categories on our children page – perhaps you’ll find something within our fantasy playlist, or maybe it’s the children 11-15 selection of songs that’s more suited to your production.

        Lastly, be sure to check out our blog for more insightful articles, the latest news, inspiration for your next project and industry expertise!

        Need Music for Your Project?

        At Audio Network we create original music, of the highest quality, for broadcasters, brands, creators, agencies and music fans everywhere. Through clear and simple licensing, we can offer you a huge variety of the best quality music across every conceivable mood and genre. Find out how we can connect you with the perfect collaborator today by clicking the button below!

        SIGN UP

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        MUSIC IN THE CIVIL RIGHTS MOVEMENT

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          Music has forever been an integral part of Black culture, and one of the most important roles music has played throughout Black history is during the USA’s Civil Rights movement that took place in the 1950s-1960s.

          Below, we explore the significance of music during the Civil Rights movement and attempt to understand how names such as Nina Simone and Sam Cooke became indivisible with the long-running campaign.

          Here are the main points that we cover:

          • Music in the Civil Rights movement
          • What was the role of music in the civil rights movement?

          - Music aimed to share the African-American experience

          - Music aimed to promote change

          - Music aimed to unite the people

          • How did music affect the Civil Rights movement?
          • Which political song promoted the Civil Rights movement?
          • Examples of music from the Civil Rights movement
          • Music and Civil Rights today

          If you would like to find out more about the above, then keep on reading!

          Music in the Civil Rights Movement

          To grasp the significance of music in the Civil Rights movement, one must first be knowledgeable about the origins of music itself.

          Long before the music industry existed and people profited off singles, albums and concert tickets, music was a way for one person to communicate their ideas and feelings to another. Essentially, music started as a form of storytelling. From the words of a song, one became familiar with the singer/songwriter’s mindset; from the tone of the song, one was able to grasp their emotional state.

          As societies worldwide developed, music became associated with celebrations. No matter if a community was honoring their religion or toasting to newlyweds, music was incorporated into their merrymaking. During the ages of ancient Rome and ancient Greece, music was understood as a way to unite the people.

          For the last few hundred years, music has helped people relate to one another. Some artists may write and sing songs about experiences that the masses can relate to; some may create music that shares the experiences of the oppressed so that the privileged can learn from the lyrics and those who relate to the lyrics seek comfort knowing that they’re not alone.

          During the 19th Century, African-American slaves would create songs for a multitude of reasons – music was their only tool and more often than not their voices were their only possession. Some songs helped the African-American slaves relieve an ounce of their frustration; some asked God for mercy; some reminded individuals that they were all in this together; some gave them hope for a brighter future.

          America may have abolished slavery in 1865, but the fight was far from over in the US – in fact, it’s still far from over. But changes were made during the Civil Rights movement that officially began in the year of 1954. As Black communities across the US fought and protested for equality, they used music to make a change; and during this time, Black musicians of note dedicated their lives to moving the needle.

          What Was the Role of Music in the Civil Rights Movement?

          During the Civil Rights Movement, music played three key roles:

          1. Music aimed to unite the people

          2. Music aimed to share the African-American experience

          3. Music aimed to promote change. Let’s take a moment to explore each of these roles

          Let's go into a bit more detail.

          Music Aimed to Unite the People

          The ambitious goal of the Albany Movement (1961-1962) that took place in Albany, Georgia was to put an end to the city’s unjust racial segregation and prompt the enfranchisement of its Black citizens. Just a few weeks in, the Albany Movement called in Martin Luther King Jr. to inspire the people of the city and to attract the attention of media outlets.

          During the time of the Albany Movement, Martin Luther King Jr. made a speech that touched on the part that music was playing within the Civil Rights Movement. His exact words were, “The songs are playing a strong and vital role in our struggle. They give the people new courage and a sense of unity. I think they keep alive a faith, a radiant hope, in the future, particularly in our most trying hours”.

          In August 1963, a year after the Albany Movement, The Freedom Singers famously performed ‘We Shall Not Be Moved’ at the March on Washington. Just like MLK JR. said, music was key to uniting the people and helping them manifest a brighter future.

          Music Aimed to Share the African-American Experience

          The reason that the Civil Rights movement was so vital to the United States of America is that millions of Americans were still so deaf and blind to the inferiority of the African-American experience at the time. Black people in America were not given the same rights as everyone else within the States and the responsibility fell on musicians to challenge and subsequently break norms and conventions.

          One of the most important artists involved in the Civil Rights Movement was North Carolina-born soul singer, Nina Simone. Not only did Simone create music that other Black folk could relate to, but she also produced songs that became so popular that they educated the unenlightened. For example, her song ‘I Wish I Knew How It Would Feel To Be Free’ – a song written by Jazz pianist Bill Taylor and songwriter Dick Dallas – explains how she, a Black woman, lives a restricted life in her home country.

          Naturally, thousands of African-Americans related to the lyrics of the song, hence, it became one of the anthems of the Civil Rights movement.

          Music Aimed to Promote Change

          It goes without saying that the main objective of the Civil Rights movement was to promote change; activists across the country did everything in their power to fight for equality and stop discrimination. The Black musicians of the era would regularly release songs that aimed to inspire activists to keep fighting for the cause and remind their Black peers that a brighter future was ahead.

          In February 1964, Sam Cooke released the most significant song of his career, ‘A Change Is Gonna Come’. The soul-stirring track documented the struggles that Cooke faced throughout his life – the life of a Black musician – and prophesied a better tomorrow.

          How Did Music Affect the Civil Rights Movement?

          Just five months after Sam Cooke wished for a better future in his track ‘A Change is Gonna Come', The Civil Rights Act of 1964 was put into place. Essentially, the act prohibited racial discrimination in workplaces, accommodations and public areas and facilities.

          The Act was first announced on 11th June 1963 when President John F. Kennedy made a speech about his plans to pursue a civil rights bill. Sadly, Kennedy was assassinated in November 1963 which meant Martin Luther King Jr. had to ensure that the new president, Lyndon B. Johnson followed through on Kennedy’s promises. On 2nd July 1964, Johnson signed the new Civil Rights Act of 1964 in the company of MLK Jr. and his fellow Civil Rights leaders – and they could not have reached this point without freedom songs.

          If you’ve ever watched clips of Civil Rights movement protests – e.g. the march on Washington – you are likely to hear the people singing freedom songs. Often gospel songs, freedom songs such as ‘We Shall Overcome’ and ‘This Little Light of Mine’ would help the activist literally and figuratively make a lot of noise about the USA’s racist conventions.

          Which Political Song Promoted the Civil Rights Movement?

          It’s impossible to highlight just one song that promoted the Civil Rights movement as a slew of tracks released by various artists aided Martin Luther King Jr. and other activists in their pursuit of equality.

          Below, we take you through some of the most important songs to release during the time of the Civil Rights movement.

          Examples of Music From the Civil Rights Movement

          Kicking off this list is Nina Simone with ‘Mississippi Goddam’, released on her album Nina Simone in Concert in 1964.

          Nina Simone – ‘Mississippi Goddam’

          Some of the music from the Civil Rights Movement is discreet with its references – it aspires to capture the general mood of African-American communities at the time; then some of the music directly references the African-American experience and calls out significant happenings that take place during the epoch. Fans of Nina Simone will know that the majority of our post-1960s music falls into the latter category.

          ‘Mississippi Goddam’ is essentially Simone’s reaction to the racially motivated murders of Emmett Till, Medgar Evans and the victims of the Alabama church bombing. Each time the singer sang this particular track, it was clear that her emotions would be running high – there’s a certain sadness and anger that can be heard in the singer’s voice, and for good reason.

          Mahalia Jackson – ‘How I Got Over’

          Mahalia Jackson was one of the most important voices of the Civil Rights movement – in fact, Mahalia served as the inspiration to her good friend Martin Luther King JR.’s iconic ‘I Have a Dream’ speech.

          A cover of Clara Ward’s inspiring track ‘How I Got Over’ was sung by the American gospel singer at the March of Washington for Jobs and Freedom in front of a huge crowd. The lyrics of Ward’s song focus on how surviving the hardships of the Black experience will ultimately pay off – whether that’s here on Earth on in heaven, we don’t know as the lyrics are purposefully ambiguous.

          James Brown – ‘Say It Loud, I’m Black and I’m Proud’

          During the late 1960s, James Brown’s music was being defined as funk music – but the upbeat sound of Brown’s songs didn’t stop him from infusing his records with activism.

          Just four months after Martin Luther King Jr.’s assassination, Brown released ‘Say It Loud, I’m Black and I’m Proud’. As the title suggests, the song incites Black people to be proud of their race and to celebrate it. The timely release of this track helped African-Americans raise their spirits post-assassination and helped activists keep up the momentum as the fight was far from over.

          Music and Civil Rights Today

          The Civil Rights movement may have resulted in important gains for the Black community back in the 1960s, but systemic racism remains a blight upon society to this day.

          In 2020, the brutal murder of George Floyd by a Minneapolis police officer sparked protests across the world which were often associated with the ongoing Black Lives Matter movement. During this time, artists such as Lil Baby, H.E.R and Noname shared their thoughts via song. Listen to a selection of the most impactful tracks below.

          • Lil Baby – ‘The Bigger Picture'
          • H.E.R. – ‘I Can’t Breathe’
          • Noname – ‘Song 33’
          • T-Pain – ‘Get Up’
          • Dinner Party – ‘Freeze Tag (ft. Cordae, Phoelix and Snoop Dogg)’

          We hope you enjoyed this article! If you did, be sure to check out our blog for more insightful articles, the latest news, inspiration for your next project and industry expertise.

          Need Music for Your Project?

          At Audio Network we create original music, of the highest quality, for broadcasters, brands, creators, agencies and music fans everywhere. Through clear and simple licensing, we can offer you a huge variety of the best quality music across every conceivable mood and genre. Find out how we can connect you with the perfect collaborator today by clicking the button below!

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          This page was updated 24/05/2024.

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          DOMINOS COMMERCIALS

          DOMINOS COMMERCIALS: OUR FAVOURITES

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            In this article we cover Domino's pizza 80s commercials, new Domino's commercials and so much more! Interested? Keep on reading.

            Fittingly, Domino’s most effective commercials – we’re talking the kind on par with adidas, Nike and Gillette commercials – seek to remind viewers that they can always rely on the restaurant chain to add some happiness to their life.

            Here, we run through the best Domino’s commercials of all time – including the famous Ferris Bueller’s Day Off-inspired commercial, The Simpsons commercial and the new Domino’s yodel commercial. As usual, we’ll be drawing your attention to the music used in each commercial and providing you with links to relevant playlist pages.

            10 Best Domino’s Commercials

            1. New Domino’s Commercial – Yodel

            If you’ve been watching ITV’s Love Island, Channel 4’s Rick & Morty or any other show on British broadcast television this summer (2021), you’re bound to have seen the rib-tickling yodelling Domino’s commercial. Essentially, the plot focuses on a 20-something man communicating with his friends by yodelling from the balcony of his high-rise apartment. Thanks to the subtitles, we know that the yodelling translates into a Domino’s order, which explains why the group of lads are pictured eating Domino’s together at the end of the commercial.

            Music: Domino’s eschews using a background track for this commercial to ensure that the focus of the commercial is the rhythmic yodelling. Personally, we feel it wouldn’t hurt if they made use of one of our yodelling tracks at some point during the commercial. Just saying...

            Explore other impressive ads released in our Best ads of 2021 article.

            2. Domino’s Salad Commercial

            We’re all well aware that there are healthier food options to choose from than pizza; and, according to the Domino’s salad commercial, Domino’s are also well aware of this fact. The most extreme example of a healthier meal is, of course, a salad.

            In this commercial, Domino’s announces that it has added salads to the menu to ensure that those who are concerned about their diet can still order Domino’s with the rest of their friends and/or family.

            Music: The piano-led music used in this ad changes with the mood of the commercial. First, the music reflects the sad aura of the family who’d rather be eating Domino’s than salad, but then uplifting strings and percussion instruments are introduced to the track to create a more positive vibe when Domino’s salads are officially announced.

            3. Domino’s Emoji Commercial

            In 2015, Domino’s had fun with the idea of parents being emoji illiterate by creating a commercial that follows traumatised parents who are struggling to communicate with their children over instant messaging services. To help these parents, Domino’s advertises their emoji literacy cards that aim to help bring those struggling to understand the language of emojis up to speed. The ad also advertises a new service in which Domino’s customers can order a pizza to their house by simply messaging or tweeting a pizza emoji to the American fast-food brand.

            Music: The commercial's style is manifestly indie-doc inspired; fittingly, the music is emotional, stirring and excessively dramatic. The use of such a serious composition makes this commercial even more hilarious than it already is as it almost feels inappropriate to laugh at the distressed characters.

            4. Joe Keery Domino’s Commercial (also known as the Ferris Bueller Domino’s Commercial)

            During the latter half of the 2010s, most young people began to wish they had grown up in the 1980s thanks to one television show, Netflix’s Stranger Things. Domino’s jumped onto the era-focused hype and hired star of Stranger Things Joe Keery to feature in a commercial inspired by 80s cult-classic flick Ferris Bueller’s Day Off. The result? A truly nostalgic viewing experience.

            Music: Appropriately, the music of the Joe Keery Domino’s commercial is 80s inspired. The first track that can be heard is a pop power ballad-inspired song created specifically for the ad; the second is a funky composition reminiscent of 80s action-comedy soundtracks; the third is Yello’s world-renowned song ‘Oh Yeah’, famous for featuring in Ferris Bueller’s Day Off.

            Explore our 1980s-inspired music collection over in our 1980s playlist.

            5. Domino’s Delivery Business Commercial

            Three years after the Ferris Bueller Domino’s commercial, the American restaurant chain recreated another iconic 80s movie scene – this time, the scene comes from 1983’s Risky Business. Instead of Tom Cruise dancing around in his shirt and underwear, we see a young Domino’s customer recreate the iconic moment as he waits for his tasty Domino’s order to be delivered.

            Music: Fortunately, for film buffs like us, Domino’s gained a license to the song from the Risky Business scene, ‘Old Time Rock ‘n’ Roll’ by Bob Seger. Looking for something similar? Visit our Rock ‘n’ Roll playlist.

            6. Domino’s Tree Falls On Car Commercial

            Comedy has always been an important part of Domino’s commercials, and one of the funniest Domino’s ads to date is the commercial that’s often dubbed the ‘tree falls on car ad’. As the name suggests, the TV commercial focuses on a man who’s happy to find his pizza is still intact after a huge tree destroys his car. Unfortunately, the man subsequently slips on some nearby which results in the pizza falling face down on the snow-covered ground. Luckily, Domino’s informs viewers that all of their orders come with a carryout guarantee, meaning customers are entitled to a brand-new pizza if anything goes wrong before they can indulge in their order.

            Music: The music of this commercial kicks in after the customer’s unfortunate incidents. As the narrator runs through a carryout insurance explanation, a smooth jazz background track plays that gives the on-screen Domino’s restaurant a welcoming atmosphere.

            7. Domino’s The Noid Commercial

            In 1986, Domino’s introduced a new mischievous character called The Noid to television viewers. The Noid was supposed to embody all of the problems other pizza chains faced when trying to get their inferior pizzas out to their customers; of course, The Noid is unable to attack Domino’s pizzas.

            Music: To complement the animated commercial’s playful vibe, Domino’s opted for a comical brass-led track. If you’re planning on producing a funny commercial, visit our funny/comedy playlist to find the perfect background track for you.

            8. Domino’s The Return of The Noid Commercial

            In 2021, Domino’s released a commercial which introduced Domino’s Nuro self-driving vehicles and re-introduced The Noid. As a Nuro vehicle drives towards its designated destination, The Noid tries everything to stop the vehicle from delivering pizzas to customers.

            Music: Unsurprisingly, the commercial is a lot more cinematic than the original 80s ads featuring the Domino’s antagonist; hence, the pizza chain opts for a grand orchestral adventure song to soundtrack the 30-second TV ad.

            9. Domino’s Nothing Can Stop Us Commercial

            Domino’s are constantly coming up with new, innovative ways to improve the experience of ordering and collecting your food. In 2021, Domino’s USA introduced a two-minute guarantee that ensures all customers who opt for the car-side delivery receive their order within, you guessed it, two minutes. The humorous commercial proves that nothing – not rain, snow, wind or a stampede of zoo animals – will stop a Domino’s employee from providing the customer with their food within the set time. But if they do miss the two-minute mark, the customer is entitled to a free Domino’s pizza when they next order.

            Music: This 30-second commercial is light-hearted and easy to digest. To dial up the cheery tone of the commercial, Domino’s opts for a warm, atmospheric track, kinda like those found in our ambient/atmospheric playlist.

            10. Domino’s Dinner Bell Commercial

            Another of Domino’s recent smart ideas is the Domino’s dinner bell, an in-app feature introduced in the USA in 2018. Once activated, the Domino’s dinner bell alerts all members of a family (or household) that a Domino’s order has been placed and will soon be on the kitchen table. What an awesome way to gather your loved ones together!

            Music: To exaggerate the effect of the Domino’s dinner bell feature for entertainment purposes, the fast-food brand incorporates a drama-filled orchestral track into the commercial.

            Music For Your Commercial

            If you, like Domino’s, would like to take advantage of our ever-growing catalogue of music for advertising tracks, all you need to do is decide whether you’d like to pay as you go or sign up to our subscription service, The Essential Edit subscription.

            If you like the sound of the former option, we encourage you to start your journey to find the track for you by heading over to our production genre playlists page where you can find playlists such as comedy, corporate and sport. Dive into each playlist to find myriad background tracks you can sample.

            Need Music for Your Project?

            At Audio Network we create original music, of the highest quality, for broadcasters, brands, creators, agencies and music fans everywhere. Through clear and simple licensing, we can offer you a huge variety of the best quality music across every conceivable mood and genre. Find out how we can connect you with the perfect collaborator today by clicking the button below!

            SIGN UP

            This page was last updated 07/03/2024 and 23/05/2024.

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            AUDIO NETWORK VINYL

            CLASSICAL MUSIC IN CARTOONS

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              If, like us, you grew up watching cartoons, we’re sure you’ll agree that classical music and cartoons are a match made in heaven; the captivating sounds of orchestral instruments pair perfectly with the whimsical nature of animations.

              Here, we jump into the world of toons (à la Michael Jordan) and take a look at the use of classical music in animated motion pictures and television shows. Look out for recognisable characters such as Bugs Bunny, Pink Panther and Spongebob and links to some of our most popular classical music playlists.

              Classical Music in Warner Bros Cartoons

              Classical Music in Tom & Jerry

              There are so many Tom & Jerry episodes that we treasure, but our all-time favourite has got to be ‘Cat Concerto’: the 29th Tom and Jerry short first released on 26th April 1947. The cartoon sees Tom play the piano in an orchestral hall, while Jerry swiftly appears and the two animals battle it out on-stage.

              The song that Tom plays on the piano is Romantic-era musician Franz Liszt's ‘Hungarian Rhapsody No. 2’. As the musical piece ebbs and flows, the drama unfolds between the two iconic characters.

              Classical Music in Looney Tunes

              Tom the cat isn’t the only Warner Bros-owned character to boast piano skills; one year before ‘Cat Concerto’ was released, Bugs Bunny took to a piano in the comedy short ‘Rhapsody Rabbit’. In his own humorous way, the lovable rabbit manages to complete his performance, even though comical hurdles attempt to distract his focus.

              In ‘Rhapsody Rabbit’, Bugs the Pianist also plays the Liszt classic, ‘Hungarian Rhapsody No. 2’. Evidently, the orchestral piece is the perfect classical track for soundtracking chaos.

              Classical Music in Nickelodeon Cartoons

              Spongebob Classical Music

              Still to this day, Nickelodeon’s Spongebob Squarepants provides children and adults alike with a form of escapism – each episode combines contemporary themes, conventions and ideologies, surrealist characters and settings and good old-fashioned cartoon humour. And, in the third episode ever released – officially titled ‘Jellyfishing Plankton’ – Patrick takes a damaged Squidward out “jellyfishing” for the day.

              Whilst catching jellyfish, Spongebob sings along to the tune of Johann Strauss II’s ‘Blue Danube Waltz’. The romantic classical piece is whimsical and amusing, especially when sung by the titular sea sponge; the music invites the viewers to join the eccentric characters in Bikini Bottom.

              Ren and Stimpy Classical Music

              One of the first TV series produced by Nickelodeon was Ren and Stimpy – a show that follows the lovable duo of an erratic Chihuahua and a dim-witted cat. Throughout the five seasons of the show, a plethora of classical tracks were incorporated into episodes as an effective way to convey a range of moods and emotions.

              One of the most famous classical tracks to feature in a Ren and Stimpy episode is ‘Polovtsian Dances’ by Alexander Borodin. The exciting composition perfectly encapsulates the zany, adventurous nature of the offbeat animation.

              Classical Music in Disney Cartoons

              Fantasia Classical Music

              In 1940, Walt Disney Productions released one of the most unique films ever created: Fantasia. The conceptual piece is nothing short of a spectacle, and it's brought to life with an orchestral soundtrack. Our favourite Fantasia moment? We think it’s got to be ‘The Rite of the Spring’ sequence.

              Set in the prehistoric era, ‘The Rite of the Spring’ pivots around a group of innocent herbivores attempting to escape from an unruly T-Rex. And the music that soundtracks the dinosaur cartoon comes from Stravinsky’s modernist ballet also called ‘The Rite of the Spring’. FYI, it’s no coincidence that the ballet is also based on the theme of sacrifice.

              Sleeping Beauty Classical Music

              Sleeping Beauty is proof no one does fairytales quite like Disney. The 1959 classic is one of the most beautifully made animations of all time, and it features an elite-tier soundtrack.

              Needless to say, the most memorable song from the soundtrack is ‘Once Upon A Dream’; but did you know the song is an adaptation of ‘Garland Waltz’ from Tchaikovsky’s 1890 ballet The Sleeping Beauty? Amazing, right?

              Classical Music in Universal Cartoons

              Musical Miniatures Classical Music

              In the late 1940s, Universal Studios released their answer to Disney’s 1930’s Silly Symphony series, Musical Moments. As suggested by the name of the series, the fun-loving shorts revolve around musical performances that involve a slew of super-cute animated characters.

              In this particular short, titled ‘The Overture to William Tell’, the story centres around Wally Walrus who tries his best to conduct a performance of – yes, you guessed it – Rossini’s ‘William Tell Overture'. Unsurprisingly, things don’t go according to plan (this is a cartoon, after all), and by the end of the performance, the whole orchestra is in ruins.

              Woody Woodpecker Classical Music

              All together, six Musical Miniatures were shown on the silver screen between 1946-1948. Arguably, the most famous short is the one starring Andy Panda and cartoon icon Woody Woodpecker. As the two characters duet, the crowd accidentally sets fire to the barn setting – fortunately, Andy and Woody ensure the music performance is uninterrupted.

              The composition Woody Woodpecker and Andy Panda play to the anthropomorphic audience is Polish composer Frédéric Chopin’s ‘Polonaise in A-Flat Major, Op. 53’. The composition drives the narrative and keeps viewers invested whilst the comical drama unfolds.

              Beethoven in Cartoons

              The Pink Panther Classical Music

              The Pink Panther is a world-famous cartoon that ran from 1969 to 1978. In episode 45 of season one – titled ‘Pink, Plunk, Plink’ – the titular character is learning to play the violin. Just a few moments later, Pink wriggles his way into the staff quarters of a concert hall and decides he is talented enough to perform Beethoven’s ‘5th Symphony’ on stage alongside a professional orchestra. Before you know it, mayhem occurs.

              Within the cartoon, Beethoven’s ‘5th Symphony’ emphasises the skill and professionalism of the orchestra – and, in turn highlights Pink’s amateur skill levels – plus, it helps accentuate the pandemonium in the orchestra hall. Additionally, the musical piece grabs the attention of half-hearted viewers with its infectious rhythm.

              The Simpsons Classical Music

              Not so long ago, The Simpsons used Beethoven’s ‘5th Symphony’ in a 2005 episode titled ‘The Seven–Beer Snitch’. Naturally, The Simpsons finds humour in the famous music piece. Once the conductor has finished performing the renowned introduction of Beethoven’s most famous track, audience members rise from their chairs and make their way out of the orchestral hall. Why? Because, according to Chief Wiggum, ‘The rest is just filler.’

              The primary reason why the Beethoven song was picked for this particular scene is to emphasise the foolishness of the Springfield residents. Not only do they have no etiquette, but they also seemingly have no taste for high culture.

              Musical Instruments in Cartoons

              Most of the cartoons that have made it to our list date back to the mid-to-late 20th century, but it’s also clear that newer animations take inspiration from the original animations when they incorporate classic music into their films and television shows.

              Simply put, the instruments that can be heard in the orchestras used in old cartoons can be classified into four key groups: strings, woodwinds, brass and percussion. To learn more about the different types of orchestral music, please feel free to head on over to our complete guide to different types of orchestral music.

              Classical Music For Your Project

              If you happen to be working on your own cartoon or another type of media project, you may want to consider adding some classical music to your production. And if so, you’ve come to the right place. Within our ever-expanding catalogue, we’ve got classical tracks of every style imaginable. And whether you opt for a minimalist classical track, pastoral classical track, a choral classical track, or something else entirely, you can guarantee that your composition will be of the highest quality.

              Want to browse and sample some of our classical tracks? Well, we suggest you start by visiting our Classical page.

              Need Music for Your Project?

              At Audio Network we create original music, of the highest quality, for broadcasters, brands, creators, agencies and music fans everywhere. Through clear and simple licensing, we can offer you a huge variety of the best quality music across every conceivable mood and genre. Find out how we can connect you with the perfect collaborator today by clicking the button below!

              SIGN UP

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              BURGER KING COMMERCIALS

              BURGER KING COMMERCIALS: YOUR COMPLETE LIST

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                Rivalry is at the core of the fast-food industry; hence, an effective marketing strategy is crucial to a fast food brand’s success. One restaurant chain that impresses audiences year after year with its television commercials is Burger King - their Burger King commercials are truly something.

                Founded in Jacksonville, Florida, Burger King has provided the world with mouth-watering meals since the mid-1950s. And in 1958, the company aired its first television commercial on Miami’s VHF – ever since, Burger King has consistently used the advertising medium to tempt consumers.

                Here, we take a look at the best Burger King commercials from over the years and touch on how music – including tracks from our catalogue – has played a part in bringing the ad to life. We will also be sure to highlight playlists that may be appropriate for any projects you’re currently working on.

                Best Burger King Commercials Ever

                New Burger King Commercial

                Burger King’s latest commercial promotes the fast food company’s new burger, the hand-breaded Ch’King.

                Said to be tasty enough to rival their classic Whopper burger, the Ch’King was organically causing a storm on social media thanks to its reportedly ‘delicious’ taste. Shrewdly, Burger King used this feedback to their advantage and incorporated real-life reactions into an ad that creates more hype around the latest addition to their menu.

                Music: To inject more drama into the ad and emphasise the ‘life changing’ experience of indulging in a Ch’King burger, Burger King opts for a stirring, cinematic track led by electrifying strings.

                To discover similar tracks, feel free to head on over to our drama production music playlist.

                Burger King Commercials 2021

                During the COVID-19 pandemic of 2020-2021, advertisers struggled to strike a balance between being entertaining and sensitive when addressing the morbid state of the world – ergo, many brands chose to completely ignore our adjusted way of life.

                In 2021, Burger King bravely embraced new norms with a commercial aptly dubbed ‘Confusing Times’. At the very end of the ad, the narrator suggests that it’s during confusing times that we should dare to try something new, like their meat-free Impossible Whopper. We, for one, appreciated the light-hearted take on the current climate.

                Music: The music that plays throughout the ad reflects the current mood of millions worldwide – it’s sombre, dour and emotive, much like the songs in our sad and sombre playlist. Having said that, the music has a blissful, high-pitched moment when the Impossible Whopper is introduced.

                Burger King Commercials 2018

                Year after year, Burger King tricks people with their utterly convincing April Fools pranks to remind audiences that they’re a company with personality.

                In 2018, Burger King released the ‘Chocolate Whopper’ commercial, an ad that persuades audiences to prepare for a dessert burger created with sickly sweet ingredients – viz. chocolate, sugar-coated sweets, strawberry sauce and cake sponge. Interestingly, most viewers were disappointed to discover the menu item wasn’t real.

                Music: The Chocolate Whopper is advertised as a sexy, sinful addition to the menu – we guess it makes sense considering the fictitious burger would be a naughty treat packed with calories. To play on the seductive tenor of the commercial, Burger King opts for a sultry track akin to the compositions available in our sexy playlist.

                Burger King Commercials 2017

                Another holiday the fast-food chain enjoys celebrating is Halloween, and in 2017 they released the creepy #ScaryClownNight commercial just six days before All Hallow’s Eve and one month after the remake of IT hit cinema screens.

                The purpose of the commercial was to advertise a special deal – if a customer came dressed as a clown to a selected Burger King restaurant on the 31st October, they were entitled to a free Whopper sandwich.

                Music: The ad is manifestly inspired by the horror genre, and so is its soundtrack. The eerie song creates suspense, engaging audience members who are desperate to know what will happen next. Repetitive drums are met with brooding strings, spooky piano and Stranger Things-esque electronic sounds to encourage viewers to remain on the edge of their seats.

                Looking for something similar for your next project? Have a listen to our horror playlist.

                Burger King Commercials 2016

                Sometimes, the best way to advertise a new product – or, in this case, a menu item – is to call in a world-renowned celebrity. In 2016, Burger King enlisted the help of California rapper Snoop Dogg to create noise around their Grilled Dogs.

                By informing an audience that the rapper is a fan of the menu item, and the restaurant chain in general, fans of the rapper and the hip hop genre were sure to be inclined to pick Burger King over other fast-food restaurants.

                Music: Snoop Dogg’s association with the hip hop genre inspires the music choice of Burger King’s Grilled Dogs-focused commercial. The chosen track has a chilled yet funky rhythm that marries well with the rapper’s nonchalant demeanour.

                Check out other hip hop background music tracks over in our hip hop playlist.

                As you can see from the above, each track featured in a Burger King commercial has been carefully selected to capture and keep an audience’s attention.

                In our ever-expanding catalogue of production music tracks, we’ve got thousands of music for advertising tracks to help you entice viewers to digest the message of your commercial.

                No matter what your advert is centred on, we’ve got a playlist for you. Looking to advertise a luxury holiday package? Head on over to our travel playlist. Trying to get the word out about a new cocktail lounge? Browse and sample tracks from our cocktail playlist. Promoting the return of a popular reality show? Check out our reality/factual entertainment playlist.

                Need Music for Your Project?

                At Audio Network we create original music, of the highest quality, for broadcasters, brands, creators, agencies and music fans everywhere. Through clear and simple licensing, we can offer you a huge variety of the best quality music across every conceivable mood and genre. Find out how we can connect you with the perfect collaborator today by clicking the button below!

                SIGN UP

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                AUDIO NETWORK VINYL

                BEST ADS OF 2021 (AND THE MUSIC THAT MADE THEM)

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                  We love an iconic ad, not to mention a jingle, sting, or soundtrack that leaves you humming it all day. So, which of the ads of 2021 have been our favourites – and what music have they used? This is our month-by-month pick of the bunch.

                  January

                  Goteborg Film Festival The Isolated Cinema

                  Audio Network is the official music sponsor for the Goteborg Film Festival – one of Sweden’s biggest annual cultural events – so of course we were going to love this ad, promoting a truly extraordinary prize for one film fan. The winner got to spend seven days on the lighthouse island of Pater Noster, where they could watch all 60 films as part of the festival line-up.

                  The ad looks like a trailer for a Scandi-noir thriller, building suspense and intrigue, as a lone woman travels to explore the island. The visuals combine with a fantastic soundscape to build the atmosphere, including the kind of dissonant sounds, escalating whooshes and echoes that you might hear in a horror film, suggesting a distorted reality and sinister possibilities in the desolate landscape... Check out our horror tracks if you’re looking to build a sense of menace in your production.

                  February

                  Mercedes Benz Built to Last

                  February was the month when the Super Bowl ads captured everyone’s attention (read our round-up of the best in the genre to get up to speed).

                  However, our pick for the best of the month was Mercedes’ ad, which opens with a ballerina elegantly going through her paces, accompanied by a sparse, piano-based, classical-tinged music, as you’d expect. However, when she accidentally rips her barre off the wall, there’s a dramatic handbrake turn of pace in both the visuals and the soundtrack, as we flip to a G-Class Mercedes powering across the desert, accompanied by a track reminiscent of The Prodigy, showcasing the car’s ability to tackle any terrain, at speed.

                  Our playlist has similar techno-infused beats to create pace and excitement.

                  March

                  Logitech Defy Logic

                  ‘When we defy logic and express ourselves, we become unstoppable’ – this is the message of the latest Logitech ad featuring rapper Lil Nas X, who not only ‘defies logic’ by having set a record for the most weeks at No 1 on the Billboard charts with his mash-up of hip hop and country, but is just as adept at confounding expectations with his fashion style.

                  The track featured is ‘Call Me By Your Name’ by Lil Nas X, which blends Spanish guitar elements with Nas’s vocals, creating both a laid-back vibe and beats that drive the message to be your own person.

                  April

                  Dom Perignon x Lady Gaga

                  The premium champagne brand previously collaborated with Lenny Kravitz in 2018, but now they’ve gone one better with their limited-edition Jeroboam of Dom Perignon Rosé created with Lady Gaga, serving up her customary full-on futuristic glamour.

                  The ad showcases the ‘Queendom’: ‘a world where absolute creative freedom rules’ and is set to ‘Free Woman’, a track taken from Gaga’s 2020 album, Chromatica, which, with its bold strings, beats and choir sounds like a classical track brought bang up-to-date. Looking for something to give your brand a similar up-to-the-moment makeover? Producer George Georgia’s hip hop and dance remixes on the Classical Collection Remixed album are ideal.

                  May

                  Amstel I Am What I Am

                  In April, Brazilian congresswoman Marta Costa put forward a controversial bill at Alesp (Legislative Assembly of the State of São Paulo) looking to prohibit the inclusion of LGBTQIA+ people in ad campaigns.

                  Amstel hit back with a powerful campaign featuring drag superstar Pabllo Vittar, singer and presenter Pepita and The Circle Brazil’s Raphael Dumaresq, directed by gay couple Brendo+Gonfiantini. Vanessa Brandão, Amstel’s director of marketing revealed, ‘we decided to make a campaign that started with a big blank canvas, letting the artists involved tell us how they wanted to be portrayed and what qualities to highlight. They had complete freedom to create their moment and help define Amstel’s point of view.’ The spot first aired during Big Brother Brazil’s finale – the most-viewed show in the country.

                  And the soundtrack? Gloria Gaynor’s empowering gay disco anthem, ‘I Am What I Am’, of course.

                  June

                  McDonald’s There’s Nothing Quite Like a McDelivery

                  McDonald’s know that there’s going to be a huge proportion of the population who’re still glued to their sofas throughout the summer, watching the Euros, the Olympics and more – or maybe it’s just far too hot for a supermarket shop and the fridge is bare. Either way, the McDelivery is here to save the day.

                  The ad’s soundtracked by the suitably to-the-point ‘Hungry Eyes’, the classic Eric Carmen track from Dirty Dancing. As CampaignLive points out, it’s not the first time McDonald’s has plundered its Now That’s What I Call Music collection – last year’s ad promoting Eat Out to Help Out used ‘I Want You Back’ by NSYNC.

                  Grab yourself some 80s-inspired tracks for a similar retro feel for your campaign.

                  best ads of 2021

                   

                   

                   

                   

                   

                   

                   

                   

                   

                  Photo Credit: http://www.markgibsonphotography.com

                  If you’re looking for an ad soundtrack, find out which ones have used classical music most effectively, or take a listen to our dedicated playlist, and explore our options for straightforward, affordable music licensing.

                  July

                  Voxi

                  VOXI is ‘the mobile network built for endless possibilities’, enabling you to get unlimited use of everything from Snapchat to Instagram, WhatsApp, to Facebook, TikTok, Twitter and Pinterest without eating your data. Plus, with an Endless Video plan, you can stream as much as you like on YouTube, Netflix, Prime Video and more. Powered by Vodafone’s award-winning mobile network, VOXI is targeted at young people, hence the ad’s fun-filled, brightly-coloured visuals.

                  The track used is beat-driven pop hip hop track ‘Bossy’ courtesy of Audio Network’s very own Lil Yamaha, the virtual star who’s a self-confessed ‘bossy bear’.

                  August

                  Dropbox For All Things Worth Saving

                  ‘These aren’t just files – they are pieces of your life’ Dropbox collaborated with creative agency Instrument to create a campaign to humanise what most people would assume is something quite dull (file storage). Dropbox said, ‘we wanted to show that they’re more than just files - they’re precious possessions that represent important life events such as starting a family, growing a business, travel, and much more.’

                  What are the stories behind the documents? As with many brands, Dropbox uses real customers, with its ‘Customer Videos’ series featuring photographer and entrepreneur Benita Nnachortam and Dominique King, a graphic designer whose story centres around a Mexican family, ‘chasing the American dream and, as a result, gradually losing a connection to their heritage’.

                  You can read about her family’s history on the Dropbox site.

                  The ads utilise uplifting music to reinforce the heartwarming sentiments, and in the former instance they dug deep to use 1976 track ‘Plantasia’ by Canadian electronic music pioneer Mort Garson.

                  September

                  Disney/Airbnb

                  What could be better than a lovely getaway in the English countryside? Spending a weekend in actual Winnie the Pooh’s house in Ashdown Forest, the original Hundred Acre Wood, of course! As part of Disney’s 95th anniversary celebrations of the children’s character, the ‘Bearbnb’ was curated by Disney-appointed illustrator Kim Raymond, who has been drawing our honey-loving chum for more than three decades, and who took cues from E.H. Shepard’s original art.

                  The little house itself is super cute, with a swing, rope-hung beds, and a fern-filled glade where you can eat outside (complete with candles featuring illustrations of bumble bees). Grab Tigger, Piglet, Eyeore, Rabbit, Kanga, Roo and Owl and prepare for some adorable fun. The ad has classic, Disney-esque, cartoony music, full of twinkling orchestral magic, to accompany on your virtual tour.

                  October

                  Ikea Every Home Should be a Haven

                  We’re huge fans of IKEA’s ads – they’re fun, inventive and often feature a slightly surreal edge that makes them extra memorable. ‘Silence the Critics’ is one of our favourite Christmas ads, and we picked ‘The Hare’ for last year’s ad round-up. So we were thrilled with this new offering from the Swedish retailer, who joined forces with creative agency Mother, and some very hench bears. (Bears are clearly our thing this year.)

                  The ad’s mission statement is that ‘every home should be a haven’ and it shows the bouncer bears helping to protect a father and daughter’s quality time from the challenges of everyday life, including nixing a work call by crushing the phone and having fun dressing up in an indoor tent. Plus seeing off the urban foxes threatening the homeowners’ valuable sleep (backing up IKEA’s featured blackout blind). It’s soundtracked by Zambian-born Australian singer-songwriter Sampa the Great’s ‘Final Form’.

                  November

                  Chanel Dancing on the Moon

                  As we head towards Christmas, all the big guns are coming out. Chanel No. 5 have chosen a modern icon to be the ‘face’ of their legendary perfume: Oscar-winner Marion Cotillard, and the ad sees Marion and ballet dancer Jérémie Bélingard romantically spinning around on the surface of a gorgeously glittery, golden version of the moon.

                  No. 5 has always been most closely associated with Coco Chanel and Marion Cotillard’s dress in the ad tells part of her story. Artistic Director of Chanel Fashion Virginie Viard said the team, ‘started from the dress worn by Mademoiselle Chanel, immortalised by Cecil Beaton in 1937, which Karl Lagerfeld particularly liked’. It took 16 artisan embroiderers 900 hours to create a gold embroidered lace dress that the actress could dance in and ‘make her own’.

                  Fun fact – Marion herself sings the song on the soundtrack, a cover of Lorde’s ‘Team’, which is beautifully dreamy and slightly otherworldly.

                  Go behind the scenes to find out more:

                  Storytelling, Creating a Stir and the Soundtracks for Brilliant Ads

                  So, that’s our pick of the best ads of 2021 – from home delivery to the moon, the world’s most remote cinema to the first ‘Bear bnb’. Did we include your favourites?

                  If you’re looking for an ad soundtrack, find out which ones have used classical music most effectively, or take a listen to our dedicated playlist, and explore the options for straightforward, affordable music licensing.

                  Need Music for Your Project?

                  At Audio Network we create original music, of the highest quality, for broadcasters, brands, creators, agencies and music fans everywhere. Through clear and simple licensing, we can offer you a huge variety of the best quality music across every conceivable mood and genre. Find out how we can connect you with the perfect collaborator today by clicking the button below!

                  SIGN UP

                  BEST ADS OF 2021 (AND THE MUSIC THAT MADE THEM) Read More »

                  BEST MUSICAL FAMILIES

                  15 OF THE BIGGEST MUSICAL FAMILIES

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                    Curious about bands with family members? You've come to the right place!

                    Is talent genetic? There’s certainly a strong argument to suggest so. Some of the biggest and best singers in recent history are part of musical families – stars like Michael Jackson, Beyoncé and Miley Cyrus have relations that are blessed with voices just as strong as them.

                    Here, we take a look at 15 of the best musical families, exploring the relationship between the most noteworthy members and comparing their musical styles. As we work through our list, we will be highlighting tracks and albums from our ever-expanding catalogue of high-quality compositions, including music from our latest releases.

                    Top 15 Family Music Groups

                    • The Knowles Family
                      • Beyoncé
                      • Solange
                    • The Jackson Family - The Jackson 5, Michael Jackson & Janet Jackson
                      • The Jackson 5
                      • Michael Jackson
                      • Janet Jackson
                    • The Cobain Family
                      • Kurt Cobain
                      • Courtney Love
                      • James Beane Cobain
                    • The Gallagher Family - Oasis
                      • Noel Gallagher
                      • Liam Gallagher
                    • The Followill Family - Kings of Leon
                    • The Wilson Family - The Beach Boys
                    • The Dessners and The Devendorf Families - The National
                    • The Haim Family - HAIM
                    • The Söderberg Family - First Aid Kit, Benkt Söderberg
                    • The Davies Family - The Kinks
                    • The Bedingfield Family
                      • Natasha Bedingfield
                      • David Bedingfield
                      • Nikola Bedingfield
                    • The Jonas Brothers
                    • Chloe x Halle
                    • Jaden and Willow Smith
                      • Will Smith
                      • Jada Smith
                      • Jaden Smith
                      • Willow Smith
                    • The Cyrus Family - Miley, Noah, Trace, Braison and Billy Ray Cyrus
                      • Billy Ray Cyrus
                      • Miley Cyrus
                      • Noah Cyrus

                    15 Famous Family Music Groups

                    1. The Knowles’ - Beyoncé and Solange (and Matthew)

                    The media has long tried to pit the two Knowles sisters against each other, fabricating deep rivalries surrounding their music careers. However, Solange contests that her and her sister have completely different musical aspirations and styles.

                    And while Beyoncé and Solange’s sisterly connection is well-famed, most of their successes at the beginning of their career can be traced back to the influence of their father Matthew. Matthew was the record label owner of Music World as well as managing both his daughters at some stage in their careers, although probably best known for being the manager of Destiny’s Child.

                    Beyoncé

                    Out of the two, Beyoncé is the more commercially-successful singer. For years, the international superstar released R&B albums that catered to both fans of the genre and pop music fans alike, and became the first solo artist to have their first six albums hit number one.

                    Beyoncé is unstoppable ( coined 'Queen B' for a reason!) given her consistent evolution of artistry in music, most recently breaking the record of most wins by one singer in Grammy history, accepting her 28th Grammy for Best R&B Performance for 'Black Parade'.

                    Solange

                    Solange’s approach to creating music feels intimate and personal; she merges soul, alternative and funk sounds into her exploratory and boundary-breaking strain of R&B. Following 2016’s acclaimed LP A Seat At The Table, 2019 project When I Get Home explores experiences of Blackness through a psychedelic lens. The result? A truly thought-provoking concept album.

                    2. The Jackson Family - The Jackson 5, Michael Jackson & Janet Jackson

                    The Jackson's are undoubtedly one of the most famous family singing groups in history.

                    Starting out in 1964 - with youngest member Michael being just five years old at the time - and rapidly rising to astronomical success, the five siblings were soon knocking more number one hits out than any other artist on the scene.

                    Following their rapid rise, the youngest brothers Michael and Marlon left the band to pursue solo work, with Michael soon finding fame as one of the most successful musicians of all time.

                    Michael Jackson

                    Dubbed the King of Pop, Michael’s musical style combined elements of the pop genre with disco, soul, funk, rock and R&B, as heard on hits such as ‘The Way You Make Me Feel’, ‘Bad’, ‘Smooth Criminal’ and ‘Thriller’. He continued to redefine the pop genre all the way up until his untimely passing in 2009 and, thanks to a posthumous career run by the Michael Jackson Estate, he continues to set the bar high today.

                    Janet Jackson

                    Michael’s sister Janet may not have been part of the Jackson 5, but she did use her surname as a springboard into the music industry – and thank God she did. Since the age of 16, Janet has bringing her unique, rebellious energy to every record she makes; but it wasn't until the late 80s when Janet really came into her own. Naturally, we're talking about the release of her career-defining record, Rhythm Nation 1814. This concept album addressed social issues such as racism, drugs, violence and homelessness via interludes and upbeat tracks such as ‘State of the World’, ‘The Knowledge’ and, of course, ‘Rhythm Nation’.

                    Listen to our collection of Motown inspired tracks over on our 60s Soul playlist.

                    3. The Cobain Family – Courtney Love, Kurt Cobain, Frances Bean Cobain

                    Kurt Cobain

                    Arguably one of the defining cultural figures of the decade, the influence of Nirvana-frontman Kurt Cobain extends far beyond the grunge scene he helped found in early 90s Seattle. As renowned for his anti-establishment ethos as he was his serrated vocal style, he remains a hero to millions of rock fans, with a peerless musical legacy encompassing huge crossover hits ‘Smells Like Teen Spirit’, ‘Come As You Are’ and ‘About A Girl’.

                    Courtney Love

                    While Kurt’s legacy with Nirvana has always been at the forefront of any musical conversations surrounding the family, his wife Courtney Love was hugely successful in her own right as the lead vocalist in Hole, a grunge/alt-rock band responsible for hits such as ‘Violet’, ‘Doll Parts‘, and ‘Celebrity Skin’.

                    Frances Bean Cobain

                    It’s perhaps unsurprising that the couple’s daughter, Frances Bean Cobain, has inherited her parents’ creative interests. As well as being a visual artist, the 28-year-old occasionally takes to the internet to share original songs.

                    4. Oasis - Noel and Liam Gallagher

                    Burnage-born brothers Noel and Liam are arguably as famed for their turbulent relationship as they are their staggeringly successful output with Oasis.

                    After years of feuding and social media sparring, Oasis eventually split in 2009, and both brothers now perform solo, though Noel shares billing with his backing band, High Flying Birds. Unsurprisingly, their musical styles aren’t so different – both encapsulate the swaggering indie-rock demeanour of mid-90s Manchester.

                    Liam Gallagher

                    After 2009, Liam Gallagher initially formed Beady Eye: a band consisting of former Oasis members Gem Archer, Andy Bell and Chris Sharrock. The band stayed together until 2014, which is also when Liam started work on his solo career. Since 2016, he has released two solo albums, As You Were and Why Me? Why Not.

                    Noel Gallagher

                    Noel Gallagher’s High Flying Birds have been a hit with critics since the band first formed in 2010. Working with bandmates Gem Archer (yes, he simultaneously worked with both brothers), Chris Sharrock and Mike Rowe, Noel has released four albums – High Flying Birds, Chasing Yesterday, Who Built the Moon? and Back the Way We Came: Vol 1.

                    5. The Followill Family - Kings of Leon

                    The success of Kings of Leon – consisting of brothers Caleb, Nathan and Jared Followill, along with cousin Matthew – is testament to keeping tight family ties.

                    Since forming in 1999, the quartet have produced eight studio albums, all of which made it to the top three of the UK album charts, and six of which hit number one. Some of band’s biggest hits include ‘Use Somebody’, ‘Sex on Fire’ and ‘Molly’s Chambers’.

                    Having been raised between Oklahoma and Tennessee, it’s perhaps unsurprising that the Followills have absorbed the Southern rock influences of their upbringing. They fuse that Southern rock foregrounding with elements of alt-rock and garage rock to create an epic, stadium-ready sound.

                    6. The Wilson Family - The Beach Boys

                    The Beach Boys are one of the most commercially successful bands in music history; made up of brothers Brian, Dennis and Carl Wilson, alongside cousin Mike Love and mutual friend Al Jardine.

                    Musical talent certainly ran in the family as Brian, Dennis and Carl’s father, Murry Wilson, was a songwriter, guitarist and pianist.

                    Formed in 1961, the band soon became renowned for their easy, California surfer charm, and in 1963 they had their first hit with ‘Surfin’ USA’. Even today, the upbeat rock ‘n’ roll sounds of The Beach Boys instantly transports listeners to the shores of the West Coast, where the sun's always shining, and excitement is always in the air. Complementing their euphoric melodies, The Beach Boys’ tight-knit vocal harmonies continue to entrance generations of listeners.

                    Listen to our collection of surf rock music over in our Surf playlist.

                    7. The Dessners and The Devendorf Families - The National

                    Formed in Brooklyn back in 1999, acclaimed indie-rock band The National is formed of two separate groupings of family members. There are the identical twins, Bryce and Aaron Dessner, and brothers Scott and Bryan Devendorf, while frontman Matt Berninger is the odd one out in the happy families game.

                    Hailing from Cincinnati, Ohio, originally, the band have received international acclaim for all eight of their studio albums to date.

                    Bryce and Aaron are both revered producers and multi-instrumentalists, with the former finding success for his work with The Kronos Quartet, and the latter receiving GRAMMY support for his recent collaborations with Taylor Swift.

                    8. The Haim Family - HAIM

                    HAIM is a soft rock/alternative band consisting of three sisters – Este, Danielle and Alana Haim – who are each musically trained in multiple instruments. It seems a career in music was always predestined: their musician parents enlisted their children to perform with them in their cover band Rockinhaim from a young age.

                    Before HAIM, the oldest sisters (Este and Danielle) joined pop group Valli Girls in 2005 but left the band within the same year. Two years later, they recruited their younger sister (Alana), but it wasn’t until 2012 that the band became a full-time project.

                    In the space of eight years, the trio has shared three studio albums: Days Are Gone, Something to Tell You and Women in Music Pt. III.

                    Listen to our collection of soft rock music over in our Light Rock playlist.

                    9. The Söderberg Family - First Aid Kit & Benkt Söderberg

                    Formed of sisters Klara and Johanna Söderberg and a handful of instrument players, Swedish indie-folk duo First Aid Kit have enjoyed a steady rise to fame since their humble beginnings uploading demos on Myspace. The sisters are another example of musical talent that has stemmed from paternal influences, with father Benkt Söderberg being an established musician himself.

                    Benkt Söderberg

                    Benkt was a member of the Swedish rock band Lolita Pop who formed in 1979 and split in 1992. He played both guitar and bass for the band, which (potentially) explains why both Klara and Johanna are talented string instrument players.

                    Klara and Johanna Söderberg - First Aid Kit

                    From a young age, the Söderberg Sisters would perform at home and on the streets of their hometown, Stockholm. The duo came up with the name of the band, First Aid Kit, when flicking through the dictionary; they concluded that the term was the best way to describe the music they aimed to create. We must admit, First Aid Kit songs such as ‘My Silver Lining’, ‘Fireworks’ and ‘Nothing Has to be True’ do uplift our spirits on a miserable day.

                    10. The Davies Family - The Kinks

                    The Kinks are one of the most notable rock bands to ever emerge from the UK. Brothers Ray and Dave Davies have enjoyed an impressive 32-year musical career, selling over 50 million records worldwide.

                    Born in North London, Ray and Dave were the youngest siblings in the family – they had six older sisters. Both brothers spent their childhood learning to play guitar, which led them to start creating music together.

                    Around 1964, the brothers invited drummer Mick Avory to join their band after spotting his advertisement in the British weekly magazine, Melody Maker. Around this time, the trio decided on their band name, The Kinks, which they felt was just about disruptive enough to get people talking.

                    Between the mid-60s and the late-90s, The Kinks released a whopping 24 studio albums – albums featuring big hits such as ‘You Really Got Me’, ‘Sunny Afternoon’, ‘Dead End Street’ and ‘Waterloo Sunset’.

                    Listen to our collection of rock music over in our Rock playlist.

                    11. The Bedingfields Family - Natasha, Daniel and Nikola Bedingfield

                    All three of the Bediingfield siblings display a very different approach to music, that led to their individual successes in the industry during 00s. Natasha’s output is fun, upbeat and colourful; Daniel’s music is moody, emotional and occasionally gritty; Nikola’s music is warm, pastoral and reflective.

                    Natasha Bedingfield

                    It's hard to think of 00s music without thinking of Natasha Bedingfields sensational pop songs, 'Unwritten' and 'These Words'.

                    Daniel Bedingfield

                    Let’s start off with Daniel Bedingfield, Natasha’s older brother. Well known for his 2001 hit ‘Gotta Get Thru This’, Daniel enjoyed a successful pop career for just over a decade. After releasing two albums and two EPs, Daniel has kept busy judging on X Factor New Zealand, songwriting for other artists and performing in the West End.

                    Nikola 'Rachelle' Bedingfield

                    Known professionally as Nikola Rachelle or The Golden Phoenix, Natasha’s younger sister is both a talented singer and songwriter. In 2006, Nikola released an EP featuring a song called ‘Don’t Talk About This Love’ which Cheryl Cole subsequently covered for her album Three Words. Afterwards, she wrote songs for the likes of Cee Lo Green, Jojo and Jesse McCartney and produced multiple tracks for advertisements and television shows.

                    12. The Jonas Family - The Jonas Brothers

                    All four of the Jonas siblings are blessed with beautiful singing voices but it’s the first three – Kevin, Joe, and Nick – that make up world-famous pop group The Jonas Brothers.

                    Although they officially came together in 2005, it wasn’t until 2008 – when they starred in the Disney Channel original movie, Camp Rock – that the boys began to enjoy worldwide success. Subsequently, the trio returned for the film’s sequel, Camp Rock 2: The Final Jam, and starred in their own Disney Channel series titled JONAS.

                    Over the years, Jonas Brothers have released five studio albums, three live albums, three soundtrack albums, and a 3D concert experience, a discography characterised by light-hearted, pop-rock vibes. As for Frankie Jonas, well, his career has only just begun.

                    Listen to our collection of pop-rock music over in our Upbeat Pop & Rock playlist.

                    13. The Bailey Family - Chloe x Halle

                    Chloe Bailey and Halle Bailey are the sisters that come together to form R&B duo Chloe x Halle. Championed by Beyoncé – who signed the pair to her management company Parkwood Entertainment in 2015 – both are blessed with a heavenly singing voice that perfectly complements the other’s. Take a listen to some of the girl’s hits, including ‘Do It’, ‘Happy Without Me’ and ‘Ungodly Hour’.

                    Raised in Mableton, Georgia, by their parents Courtney and Doug Bailey, they moved to Los Angeles in 2012. Around this time, the duo set up a YouTube channel where they would post covers of their favourite songs. Their YouTube success helped them score a handful of projects with Disney which pushed them further into the limelight.

                    Having released a critically-acclaimed album in 2020, both sisters are now working on solo projects: Chloe is working on building up her music career and Halle is working on Disney’s remake of The Little Mermaid (she’s playing Ariel).

                    Listen to our collection of R&B/hip hop music over in our R&B/Hip-Hop music playlist.

                    14. The Smith Family - Will, Jada and Willow Smith

                    We’ve all heard of the saying ‘the apple doesn’t fall far from the tree’, a phrase which is certainly fitting when discussing the Smith family. The four members of the family that choose to be in the limelight – parents Will and Jada and siblings Willow and Jaden – are multifaceted creatives who have all dipped their toes into the music industry.

                    Will Smith

                    And although Will is most famous for his acting career, it’s common knowledge that he’s also a talented rapper. Will Smith’s most famous songs include ‘Gettin’ Jiggy Wit It’, ‘Men in Black’ and ‘Just the Two of Us’.

                    Jada Smith

                    Jada Pinkett Smith’s music career officially began in the early-00s when she formed metal band Wicked Wisdom. Joined by three male bandmates, Jada went on tour with Britney Spears in 2004 and released two albums: My Story and Wicked Wisdom.

                    Jaden Smith

                    Following in his dad’s footsteps, Jaden Smith became a rapper; unlike his dad, he’s not concerned with commercial success. Each of his mixtapes and albums feels conceptual, exploring the inside of a Gen-Z’s mind through hip hop, emo rap and punk sounds.

                    Willow Smith

                    Finally, we look to the youngest member of the family – Willow Smith. Willow has been singing professionally since she was just eight years old (who remembers ‘Whip My Hair’?) and has changed her sound several times since. Most recently, the singer has released pop-punk track ‘Transparent Soul’ which feels inspired by her mother’s days as the frontrunner for Wicked Wisdom.

                    15. The Cyrus Family – Miley, Noah, Trace, Braison and Billy Ray Cyrus

                    Each member of the Cyrus family has largely cultivated their own distinct musical approach. Leading the Cyrus musical dynasty, Billy Ray Cyrus, famed country singer. His daughters Miley and Noah Cyrus are two of the hottest acts in pop musichis sons are Trace Cyrus, the backing vocalist and guitarist of rock band Metro Station, and folk singer Braison Cyrus. To top it all off, Miley’s Godmother is none other than Dolly Parton.

                    Billy Ray Cyrus

                    Best known for his 1990 single ‘Achy Breaky Heart’ (and his recent collaboration with rapper Lil Nas X on hit single ‘Old Town Road’), Billy Ray Cyrus gained popularity during the early 90s, enjoying significant commercial success from his first album Some Gave All which sold more than 20 million copies worldwide.

                    Miley Cyrus

                    Known for her distinctive raspy voice, Miley has spent her career experimenting with different styles, culminating in latest album, Plastic Hearts. A mature 15-track record inspired by late-70s/early-80s acts such as Blondie, Fleetwood Mac and Joan Jett, it’s a feast of glam rock-inspired pop.

                    Noah Cyrus

                    Similarly to her older sister Miley, Noah began her career very young, acting in Disney shows ( including her sister's Hannah Montana), buit quickly garnered a loyal fan-base in the pop world following her collaboration with Labrinth on 'Make Me Cry'.

                    Need Music for Your Project?

                    At Audio Network we create original music, of the highest quality, for broadcasters, brands, creators, agencies and music fans everywhere. Through clear and simple licensing, we can offer you a huge variety of the best quality music across every conceivable mood and genre. Find out how we can connect you with the perfect collaborator today by clicking the button below!

                    SIGN UP

                    This page was updated 07/03/2024.

                    15 OF THE BIGGEST MUSICAL FAMILIES Read More »

                    FUN FACTS ABOUT CLASSICAL MUSIC

                    FUN FACTS ABOUT CLASSICAL MUSIC

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                      Fun’ and ‘classical music’ are two terms seldom found in the same sentence together; but we believe there’s plenty of humour and excitement to be found within the realm of the music genre.

                      To prove this point, we’ve compiled a list of fun facts about classical music and composers, some of which act as a reminder that classical composers are just like us: human beings with their own hobbies, interests, quirks and personalities. Trust us, we know it can be hard to accept that legends like Bach, Beethoven and Bizet had a lighter side, but they did!

                      Speaking of classical music, we’ve got a boatload of classical compositions within our catalogue of over 175,000 tracks. Head on over to our orchestral page, and you’ll find a wealth of classical playlists, including a nostalgic playlist, horror playlist and comedy playlist. Alternatively, you can scan through our expertise category over on The Edit to read more about the classical genre and music in general.

                      Our Classical Music Fun Facts

                      1. Compoer Trivia: Grieg

                      Norwegian composer and pianist Edvard Grieg always kept a frog doll made from cloth in his pocket, and every time he performed he would pat the frog on the head for good luck. Hearsay suggests that Grieg was given the frog by a little girl who was visiting his hometown of Troldhaugen. Discover more Grieg facts in the video below.

                      2. Obscure Classical Composers: Schoenberg

                      American-Austrian composer Arnold Schoenberg had an irrational fear of the number 13: a condition officially named triskaidekaphobia. His fear was so extreme that he deliberately misspelt his opera Moses und Aron (missing out one of the As from 'Aaron') to ensure the title had 12 letters, not 13. Scarily enough, the composer passed away on 13th July 1951. Perhaps the number really is cursed...

                      3. A Hungover Genius

                      Mozart wrote the overture to his opera, Don Giovanni, in three hours on the morning of its debut, and he did this whilst suffering from a hangover. Reportedly, he was out drinking with friends the night before when, fortunately, one of them reminded him that he was yet to write the opera’s opening orchestral piece. Is this a sign that we should all get drunk more often? Possibly.

                      4. The Red Hedgehog Tavern

                      It’s hard to believe that Romantic-era composer Johannes Brahms was a regular pub-goer, but it’s true! The man responsible for lullaby composition Wiegenlied would visit his favourite pub in Vienna – The Red Hedgehog Tavern – almost every day. Is this further evidence of a link between alcohol and creativity? We’d like to think so.

                      5. Greedy Guts George

                      George Frederic Handel was well known for ordering enough food for three people when he was eating out for dinner. All we can say to that is, we feel you bro, and we’re grateful that the food provided you with the energy to compose Largo – one of our all-time favourite compositions. Never heard it? Check out the video below.

                      6. Trainspotting

                      Dvorak, was a keen trainspotter.

                      19th Century Czech composer Antonín Dvořák had two passions in life: music and trains. His affinity for the latter – which first developed when he was just nine years old – led the composer to frequently visit various train stations across Prague. He would also ask others, (including his daughter’s boyfriend and locomotive engineers) to provide him with details of their train journeys. We wonder if trains were the inspiration behind his New World Symphony (Symphony No.9).

                      7. Little Mushroom

                      Austrian composer Franz Schubert – the man behind the Lied Erlkönig – was a stout man who was only around five feet tall. His size and stature earned him the nickname Schwammerl: a word which means ‘little mushroom’ in German (the Austrian and Bavarian dialects of German, to be specific).

                      8. Precise Coffee Order

                      Like the best of us (sorry, not sorry), Beethoven was an avid coffee drinker, but his coffee order was a lot fussier than ours. The composer would meticulously count 60 coffee beans to ensure that his hot beverage was just as strong as he liked it each and every time. Perhaps a caffeine rush inspired his exhilarating masterpiece Symphony No.5.

                      9. Pigtails

                      Austrian composer Joseph Haydn was aggravated when he had to drop out of his church choir after puberty stole his angelic voice from him. To channel his frustration, Haydn cut the pigtails off of the head of a fellow male member of the choir. As a consequence, Haydn was caned in public.

                      10. Napkin Notes

                      If you’re a creative, you’ll know that inspiration often strikes when you least expect it. A famous example of this is when English composer Edward Elgar awoke from his dental surgery experience and swiftly jotted down the main theme to his last work of note, Cello Concerto.

                      11. Holst and Horoscopes

                      Gustav Holst was inspired to writeThe Planets after being introduced to astrology by writer Clifford Bax. The composer cast his friends’ horoscopes for the rest of his life, and referred to astrology as his ‘pet vice’.

                      12. Opera Buffa

                      The Marriage of Figaro is a comic opera - also known as an opera buffa - which is where we get the term ‘opera buff’.

                      13. Spiders Prefer Bach to Outkast

                      During an experiment, when they listened to rap, they made their webs as far from the speakers as possible, but made their webs near to the speakers when Bach was playing!

                      14. The Radetzky March, the Victorious Anthem

                      The Radetzky March was written by Johann Strauss Senior to commemorate Field Marshal Joseph Radetzky’s victory at the Battle of Custoza, which is why it became a popular tune for military bands and became an unofficial Austrian national anthem.

                      15. Beethoven's 9th Symphony

                      Beethoven conducted the premiere of his 9th Symphony without hearing a single note.

                      16. Bizet's Carmen

                      Bizet died thinking his opera Carmen had been a failure - it was only after his death that it took off.

                      17. Haydn's Head(s)

                      There are two skulls in Haydn’s tomb. His head was stolen by phrenologists, and a replacement skull was put in his tomb. When the real skull was restored in 1954, the substitute remained there…

                      18. A Cancelled Booking Gone Right

                      The London Symphony Orchestra was booked to travel on the Titanic’s maiden voyage, but they changed boats at the last minute.

                      19. The Symphony Which Needs 800 Musicians to Perform It

                      Havergal Brian’s Symphony No. 1, the ‘Gothic’, requires over 800 musicians to perform, including 82 string players.

                      20. Music & Money

                      Edward Elgar appeared on the £20 note until 2010. He was replaced by the Scottish philosopher Adam Smith.

                      21. The Child Prodigy

                      Mozart wrote his first opera when he was only 14, and had composed 30 symphonies by the age of 18. In total, Mozart wrote more than 600 musical works.

                      22. Traditions

                      During the first London performance of Handel’s Messiah, King George II stood up as soon as the ‘Hallelujah Chorus’ kicked in - after that, it became traditional for audiences to stand for this famous chorus.

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