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SUICIDE SQUAD SOUNDTRACKS: SONGS FROM BOTH FILMS

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    Do you love the Suicide Squad songs: 2016 edition and 2021? Then you've come to the right place!

    We live in an age in which superhero flicks rule Hollywood – and, thanks to Warner Bros, supervillain films too.

    In 2016, the stalwart film studio released Suicide Squad as part of their DCEU (DC Extended Universe) starring Will Smith, Margot Robbie, Viola Davis and an array of other A-listers.

    Directed by American filmmaker David Ayer, the film disappointed comic book readers, film fanatics and critics alike – viewers couldn’t help but feel that Ayer and co wasted an opportunity to explore the rich characters (e.g. Joker, Harley Quinn, Enchantress, Deadshot and Amanda Waller) and make the most of the film’s star-studded cast.

    In 2021, Warner Bros took a second shot at releasing a film inspired by the comic book antihero team. This time, they enlisted the help of James Gunn: a man renowned for taking the little-known Guardians of the Galaxy team from Marvel comics and making two – soon to be three – of the most talked-about MCU (Marvel Cinematic Universe) films to date.

    The DCEU team evidently thought to themselves, if anyone can revive the Suicide Squad name, surely, it’s Gunn?

    As expected, James Gunn’s take on a Suicide Squad film – simply titled The Suicide Squad – was nothing short of spectacular. Gunn proved, once again, that he can bring a group of largely overlooked rebels together – such as Polka Dot Man, King Shark and Ratcatcher 2 – and turn them into heroes.

    Bar Margot Robbie’s Harley Quinn, Viola Davis’ Amanda Waller, Joel Kinnaman’s Rick Flag and Jai Courtney’s Boomerang Man, the two films don’t have an awful lot in common. But one thing audiences may take from the two films is that music is paramount to telling an antihero tale: both Suicide Squad (2016) and The Suicide Squad (2021) are blessed with remarkable soundtracks.

    Below, we look at the soundtracks to the Suicide Squad films, exploring the standout songs from each.

    Suicide Squad Soundtrack

    Suicide Squad’s soundtrack – officially titled Suicide Squad: The Album was released in 2016 by Atlantic Records.

    In 2017, the album was nominated for a Grammy (Best Compilation Soundtrack for Visual Media) and won the Kid’s Choice Award for Favourite Soundtrack.

    Suicide Squad Soundtrack List

    1. ‘Purple Lamborghini’ – Skrillex and Rick Ross

    2. ‘Sucker For Pain’ – Lil Wayne, Wiz Khalifa, Imagine Dragons Logic, Ty Dolla $ign, X Ambassadors

    3. ‘Heathens’ – Twenty One Pilots

    4. ‘Standing in the Rain’ – Action Bronson, Mark Ronson and Dan Auerbach (of The Black Keys)

    5. ‘Gangsta’ – Kehlani

    6. ‘Know Better’ – Kevin Gates

    7. ‘You Don’t Own Me’ – Grace (ft. G-Eazy)

    8. ‘Without Me’ – Eminem

    9. ‘Wreak Havoc’ – Skylar Grey

    10. ‘Medieval Warfare’ – Grimes

    11. ‘Bohemian Rhapsody’ – Panic! At The Disco

    12. ‘Slippin’ Into Darkness’ – War

    13. ‘Fortunate Son’ – Creedence Clearwater Revival

    14. ‘I Started a Joke’ – ConfidentialMX (ft. Becky Hanson)

    Suicide Squad: Collector’s Edition Soundtrack List

    1. ‘Purple Lamborghini’ – Skrillex and Rick Ross

    2. ‘Sucker For Pain’ – Lil Wayne, Wiz Khalifa and Imagine Dragons

    3.  ‘Heathens’ – Twenty One Pilots

    4. ‘Standing in the Rain’ – Action Bronson, Mark Ronson and Dan Auerbach (of The Black Keys)

    5. ‘Gangsta (Harley Quinn and Joker Flashback Version)’ – Kehlani

    6. ‘Know Better’ – Kevin Gates

    7. ‘You Don’t Own Me’ – Grace (ft. G-Eazy)

    8. ‘Without Me’ – Eminem

    9. ‘Super Freak’ – Rick James

    10. ‘Wreak Havoc’ – Skylar Grey

    11. ‘Medieval Warfare’ – Grimes

    12. ‘Bohemian Rhapsody’ – Panic! At The Disco

    13. ‘Slippin’ Into Darkness’ – War

    14. ‘Fortunate Son’ – Creedence Clearwater Revival

    15. ‘Spirit in the Sky’ – Norman Greenbaum

    16. ‘I’d Rather Go Blind’ – Etta James

    17. ‘I Started a Joke’ – ConfidentialMX (ft. Becky Hanson)

    Suicide Squad Songs

    Want to know which songs are in which scenes? Keep reading to find out!

    Suicide Squad Opening Song

    In David Ayer’s take on Suicide Squad, ‘House of the Rising Sun’ by The Animals plays to set the sombre tone of the opening prison scene and of the antihero film as a whole.

    Want to use folk-rock music for your film? Check out our acoustic folk music playlist.

    Suicide Squad Trailer Song

    Trailer music is super important – it’s used to capture viewers’ attention to entice them to take a trip to the cinema. For Suicide Squad, Warner Bros opted for Queen’s ‘Bohemian Rhapsody’.

    The song choice is apt for multiple reasons: 1) the various sections of the song represent the distinct members of the Suicide Squad 2) the rock sound of the track teases the rip-roaring action of the film and 3) the song is used at the end of the film.

    Want to know more about music they use for trailers? Check out our trailer music article.

    Song at the End of Suicide Squad

    As mentioned above, ‘Bohemian Rhapsody’ is used at the very end of the film.

    The lyrics of the track pair well with the final scene as the team members find themselves in the same position that they were in at the beginning of the film: stuck in prison-like the events that had just played out were merely a dream.

    Suicide Squad Harley Quinn Song

    The song that becomes indivisible from Margot Robbie’s portrayal of Harley Quinn during David Ayer’s Suicide Squad is ‘You Don’t Own Me’.

    Whilst Lesley Gore’s original version of the song is the one that features in the film, it’s the updated take by Grace and G-Eazy that makes it to the album.

    ‘You Don’t Own Me’ ties well with the character of Harley Quinn because her boyfriend Joker, the Belle Reve prison guards and Amanda Waller all believe that she is their possession. But in fact, no one owns Quinn but herself – a notion emphasised by the song’s lyrics.

    Suicide Squad Single

    Hollywood love a tie-in movie single, and for 2016’s Suicide Squad Atlantic Records released ‘Sucker For Pain’ by Lil Wayne, Wiz Khalifa, Imagine Dragons, Logic and Ty Dolla $ign.

    The dark hip hop track conveys the sense of foreboding created by the villains and the rebellious nature of their intentions.

    The Suicide Squad Soundtrack

    The Suicide Squad soundtrack – officially titled The Suicide Squad (Original Motion Picture Soundtrack – was released in 2021 by WaterTower Music (a Warner Bros imprint formally known as New Line Records).

    Alongside the album, director James Gunn released a Spotify playlist 'Songs Not Used in The Suicide Squad’ that consists of songs that almost made it into the film but, for some reason or another, were dropped.

    The Suicide Squad Soundtrack List

    1. ‘Folsom Prison Blues (Live)’ – Johnny Cash

    2. ‘Sucker’s Prayer’ – The Decemberists

    3. ‘Samba Na Sola’ – Céu

    4. ‘Whistle For The Choir’ – The Fratellis

    5. ‘Point Of No Return’ – Kansas

    6. ‘Sola’ – Jessie Reyez

    7. ‘Can’t Sleep’ – K.Flay

    8. ‘Quem Tem Joga’ – Drik Barbosa, Gloria Groove and Karol Conká

    9. ‘Rain’ – grandson and Jessie Reyez

    10. ‘Just A Gigolo / I Ain’t Got Nobody (And Nobody Cares For Me) (Medley)’ – Louis Prima

    11. ‘Hey’ – Pixies

    12. ‘So Busted’ – Culture Abuse

    13. ‘Oh No!!!’ – grandson

    The Suicide Squad Songs

    Want to know which songs are in which scenes? Keep reading to find out!

    The Suicide Squad Opening Song

    James Gunn has a reputation for integrating recognisable music tracks into his projects, so it pleased Gunn fans to hear The Suicide Squad open with a Johnny Cash track.

    For obvious reasons, ‘Folsom Prison Blues’ is fitting for a film that focuses on prison inmates. The bluesy song reminds audiences that most members of the Suicide Squad sign up to Amanda Waller’s team to escape the dismal set-up of Belle Reve prison.

    The Suicide Squad Trailer Song

    For the official trailer, Warner Bros opted for ‘Rain’, an original song by Grandson and Jessie Reyez that features on The Suicide Squad album.

    Just like the plot of the film, the music used in the trailer is fast-paced, action-packed and filled with big moments.

    Song At The End Of The Suicide Squad

    Canadian-American singer Grandson also worked on another song for James Gunn’s film titled ‘Oh No!!!’. The track is selected to play during the credits of the film as the lyrics reflect the film’s narrative.

    Want an alternative rock track for your project? Check out our alt-rock playlist.

    The Suicide Squad Harley Quinn Song

    By far the best scene in 2021’s The Suicide Squad is the one in which Harley Quinn escapes from captivity and knocks out everyone in her way.

    Whilst the action plays out, Louis Prima’s ‘Just A Gigolo/ I Ain’t Got Nobody’ plays, the lyrics highlighting the fact that Quinn can handle things on her own. Additionally, the light-hearted sound of the song plays well with the sweet-yet-psycho demeanor of the antihero and her perception of the world.

    The Suicide Squad Single

    ‘Rain’ –  the same song that’s used in the red band trailer – was released as a single to promote The Suicide Squad’s cinematic release.

    The music video for ‘Rain’ is inspired by the late-night bar scenes of the film; during the video, grandson and Jessie Reyez appear as if they’re part of the action.

    Music for Film

    Looking to create your own soundtrack? Well, look no further. Here at Audio Network, we’ve got over 200,000 high-quality licensed tracks that are ready and waiting to be used by creatives across the world.

    Within our catalogue, you can find songs from all different genres – including the types of songs that are featured in both Suicide Squad films. Start exploring our expansive collection of songs, and try sampling tracks in our production genre playlists.

    Want to read a little more about movie music to gain inspiration? Fortunately for you, we’ve a wealth of information on the subject, which you can find over on our editorial page called The Edit. Here, you can find articles such as Best 90s Soundtracks, Best Selling Movie Soundtracks and Best Action Movie Soundtracks.

    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 07/03/2024 and 24/05/2024.

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    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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      THE MERCURY PRIZE WINNERS THROUGH THE YEARS

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        The Mercury Prize prize has continued to celebrate and promote the best in British and Irish music, across a range of contemporary music genres, often with some unexpected choices.

        Last year’s Mercury Music Prize winner was Michael Kiwanuka, with his third album, Kiwanuka. He beat Dua Lipa, Laura Marling and Stormzy, but had to be happy with accepting the award live on The One Show, rather than at the usual ceremony surrounded by – and celebrating with – his peers. Having been nominated for both of his previous albums, though, he was thrilled to finally win.

        The judging panel were unanimous, hailing the album as ‘classic yet contemporary… dealing with hot button topics like race and identity but in a reflective way that draws the listener in. Warm, rich, hugely accomplished and belonging to no one genre but its own, Kiwanuka is a masterpiece.’

        Mercury Prize 2021 Nominees

        After a fraught year for the music industry, the 2021 judging panel’s choices – including some of the year’s biggest sellers – are brilliantly eclectic, ranging from jazz, soul and rap to electronic, contemporary classic and grime. Plus 10 of the 12 artists have albums nominated for the first time. How much do you win for the Mercury Prize? A cool £25,000. Let’s see who’s in contention…

        Arlo Parks

        Singer-songwriter and BRIT Best Breakthrough Artist award-winner Arlo Parks’ Collapsed in Sunbeams is, ‘a series of vignettes and intimate portraits surrounding my adolescence and the people that shaped it. I want it to feel both universal and hyper specific’.

        Berwyn

        Rapper, songwriter and producer Berwyn came third in the BBC’s Sound of 2021 poll. Demotape/Vega is intimate, intricate and raw, made with the bare minimum of equipment, whilst he was living in a bedsit.

        Berwyn
        Photo Credit: BBC

        Black Country, New Road

        For the First Time – the London-based group’s debut features satirical lyrics, piano, saxophone, violin and even Jewish klezmer music.

        Celeste

        Soul singer Celeste scooped the BBC Sound of 2020 gong, following it up with the BRIT Rising Star award. Not Your Muse is for you if there’s a big Adele/Amy Winehouse-shaped gap in your playlist.

        CELESTE
        Photo Credit: Grazia Daily

        Floating Points, Pharoah Sanders & The London Symphony Orchestra

        Promises – Sam Shepherd is a DJ, musician and producer of electronic music under the moniker Floating Points. Legendary saxophonist Pharoah Sanders is such is a big fan, he agreed to team up with Shepherd on Promises, an ambient record consisting of a single musical composition divided into nine movements.

        Ghetts

        Conflict of Interest – if you’re a fan of previous Mercury winner Dave’s Psychodrama, then the grime artist’s third album will be right up your street. Featuring honest tales of London living, this is both smart and sombre.

        Hannah Peel

        Love the space-age oddities created by Delia Derbyshire? Hannah Peel is an artist to check out. Fir Wave takes electronic music and digital sounds and uses them to celebrate natural phenomena.

        hannah peel
        Photo Credit: Newform

        Laura Mvula

        All of Laura Mvula’s albums have now been nominated for the prize. Pink Noise has been described by the NME as, ‘sparkling, 80s-style ear candy’. Recreate your own John Hughes movie scenes with this selection of absolute pop and funk bangers.

        Mogwai

        As well as being their first album to receive a Mercury Prize nod, As the Love Continues was Mogwai’s first album to reach No. 1 in the UK. According to Uncut, its cinematic post-rock ‘bristles with the unruly energies that enlivened their younger incarnations’.

        Nubya Garcia

        Source sees award-winning jazz saxophonist and composer Nubya Garcia expanding on her jazz roots, incorporating dubstep, reggae, Colombian cumbia, calypso, hip hop, soul and African-diasporic sounds.

        Nubya Garcia
        Photo Credit: Concord Music

        Sault

        No photos, no interviews, no videos or live appearances: Sault are a bona fide mystery. Untitled (Rise) is the neo-soul collective’s fourth album in 18 months – and was their second double album in just over 12 weeks. Its influences cover house, disco, post-punk funk and 80s boogie, but its lyrics are unflinching, filled with anger, resistance and protest.

        Wolf Alice

        Can Wolf Alice bag a second Mercury Prize? Produced by Arcade Fire-collaborator Markus Dravs, Blue Weekend sees the London-based indie-rockers hopping between folk, garage rock and shoegaze, ‘only now they’re steering deeper into the corners and controlling the skids’ (Independent).

        wolf alice
        Photo Credit: The Times

        Previous Winners of the Mercury Music Prize

        Spanning almost every genre imaginable, the Mercury Prize has often gone to debut albums, and the judging panels are equally fond of incredibly personal offerings.

        From pop to hip hop, art-rock to dance, ‘boffin rock’ to an album ‘so jaw-droppingly advanced it should sound out a secret “album of the year” message when played backwards’, which of the winners do you still have on your Spotify? Our ranking is based on total sales, according to the OfficialCharts.com.

        Whatever People Say I Am, That’s What I’m Not – Arctic Monkeys (2006)

        Were the Arctics the first ‘social media band’? The gang from Sheffield, led by charismatic frontman Alex Turner, released several of the album’s tracks for free via the internet, in late 2004. By the time it came to the official release of their first single, ‘I Bet That You Look Good on the Dancefloor’, the fans, press and the music industry were all massively behind them. Seamlessly blending indie rock, garage rock, post-punk revival and Britpop with endlessly witty lyrics, the album became the fastest-selling debut album in British music history, and has since gone six times platinum in the UK.

        Want to relive your heady youth? The thrashing drums and crunching opening chords of ‘I Bet That You Look Good on the Dancefloor’ are still guaranteed to get you pogoing along in a total frenzy.

        Franz Ferdinand – Franz Ferdinand (2004)

        Scottish indie art-rockers Franz Ferdinand’s album features the singles ‘Take me Out’, ‘The Dark of the Matinee’ and ‘Michael’ and was also nominated for Best Alternative Album at the Grammy Awards. Pitchfork praised its lyrics, ‘bearing surprising satire, wit and unabashed romance’.

        ‘Dark of the Matinee’ sees a rare pop mention of chatshow king and Radio 2 legend Terry Wogan, which dates it a tad, but their ‘dueling guitars with occasional keyboard’ stylings created the kind of tracks that still make you want to bounce up and down waving your arms around.

        The Seldom Seen Kid – Elbow (2008)

        The Seldom Seen Kid was the first Elbow album to be entirely self-produced, mixed and recorded. ‘Grounds for Divorce’ has been a hugely successful track in terms of sync, appearing everywhere from Top Gear to a trailer for the Coen Brothers’ Burn After Reading; a promo for House and on the soundtrack for the video game Driver: San Francisco. And if you haven’t seen an uplifting montage on TV accompanied by ‘One Day Like This’, then you must have been living in a particularly remote cave.

        Frontman Guy Garvey described winning the Mercury Prize as, ‘the best thing that’s ever happened to us’ (they’d been nominated previously in 2001 for debut album Asleep in the Back.) The band also won Best British Group at the 2009 Brit Awards and picked up two statuettes at the 2009 Ivor Novello Awards for ‘Grounds for Divorce’ and ‘One Day Like This’.

        Elegant Slumming – M People (1994)

        Including no fewer than four top 10 UK singles, the second album by M People spent 87 weeks on the Top 75. ‘Moving on Up’ was the biggest hit (reaching number two), with ‘Don’t Look Any Further’ and ‘Renaissance’ following close behind.

        Perhaps the most notable thing about M People’s win is the two 90s classics they beat: Prodigy’s Music for the Jilted Generation and Blur’s Parklife.

        xx – The xx (2010)

        xx’s minimalist arrangements are built around beats, basslines, sparse guitar and reverb, and are mostly sung as low-key duets by Romy Madley Croft and Oliver Sim. Originally a sleeper hit, the emotional lyrics about love, loss, intimacy and desire eventually found the band its fanbase – helped along by several of the tracks being licensed for TV – and, of course, the Mercury Prize win.

        The dream-pop sound is reminiscent of Portishead, Mazzy Star and the Cocteau Twins and the album appeared on several critics’ lists of the year’s best albums. The Guardian named it the year’s best album in their critics’ poll, with Tim Jonze praising it as, ‘more than just the sound of 2009, it was a distinctive musical statement of the like we may never get to hear again.’ No wonder the Mercury judges awarded it the prize.

        An Awesome Wave – Alt-J (2012)

        It may have peaked at No. 13 on the UK charts, but Alt-J’s debut not only claimed the Mercury Prize in 2012, but was also named Album of the Year at the Ivor Novello Awards. Its smart art-rock – on singles including ‘Tesselate’ and ‘Matilda’ – made it the favourite to win that year.

        With lyrics that reference Maurice Sendak’s Where the Wild Things Are, Hubert Selby’s Last Exit to Brooklyn, and Natalie Portman’s character in Leon (‘Matilda’), it was a more cerebral album than most (the four members met at Leeds University). An Awesome Wave may not have quite opened the door for ‘boffin rock’, as some were predicting, but as the Guardian remarked, ‘if Heston Blumenthal were ever set loose in a recording studio, he would likely come up with something like this’ – which definitely means it merits another listen.

        Boy in Da Corner – Dizzee Rascal (2003)

        Noughties superstar Dizzee Rascal largely self-produced his debut as well as writing and performing it – aged only 17, he became the award’s youngest ever recipient. Young Dylan Mills rose through the garage scene as a member of the Roll Deep Crew and many argue that Boy in Da Corner is grime’s first proper album. The lyrics reflected teenage life on an east London council estate – a mix of the brash and the bleak with flashes of humour.

        Given that Dizzee became such a mainstream star that he appeared at the opening ceremony of the 2012 Olympics, music critic Alexis Petridis’s view underestimated our appetite for grime.‘Whether anybody will listen seems questionable. Both Dizzee Rascal’s music and message are wildly unpalatable, and the British record-buying public is not currently renowned for wild risk-taking. If they ignore Boy in da Corner, however, they may well be ignoring the most original and exciting artist to emerge from dance music in a decade.’ The Mercury Prize definitely helped to put Dizzee on every music fan’s map.

        Psychodrama – Dave (2019)

        Fearless and bold, Dave is a rapper who’s unafraid to court controversy and tackle the big subjects, whether it’s racial identity (on ‘Black’) or an abusive relationship (‘Lesley’). Psychodrama is structured as a concept album and is often a tough listen, with unflinching, self-aware lyrics. The tracks are deeply personal and marked the 20-year-old out as one of the names to watch in UK hip hop.

        His new album, We’re All Alone in this Together, was released at the end of July and scored the biggest album launch of the year (beating Olivia Rodrigo’s Sour.)

        Konnichiwa – Skepta (2016)

        As one of the key architects of grime, British rapper Skepta had no problem pulling in all the big names for his fourth studio album, including Wiley, Pharrell Williams, and little bro JME.

        It was acclaimed by the NME as ‘a landmark in British street music, a record good enough to take on the world without having to compromise one inch in the process.’ Skepta beat David Bowie, Radiohead and Kano to take home the Mercury.

        Visions of a Life – Wolf Alice (2018)

        The North London four-piece created an emotional whirlwind on their second album, as they charted relationship milestones from developing crushes to deep lust, through to extreme bitterness. The NME loved the 12 eclectic tracks so much, they declared it was, ‘a record so bold, brave and jaw-droppingly advanced it should sound out a secret “album of the year” message when played backwards’.

        It’s got everything from spoken word to punk, thundering guitars to cinematic, swirling melody to gospel and folk.

        Overgrown – James Blake (2013)

        Blake’s debut narrowly missed out on the Mercury two years before, but Overgrown’s disembodied vocals and eerie, neo-dubstep saw off Laura Mvula and Artic Monkeys.

        You’d be hard-pressed to beat critic Ben Beaumont-Thomas’s description of Overgrown, so we won’t attempt to: ‘His querulous voice, and the curling briar-stem melodies he applies it to, has its closest analogue in Billie Holiday on Lady in Satin. As with that album, state-of-the-art production is a rich, generous backing for minimalist songwriting, where papery ribbons of melody get caught in uncaring draughts, and scales tread carefully as if negotiating a broken staircase… hope and longing swing upward, are briefly lit, and then pad softly down into a dim world of inner brooding.’

        Dead – Young Fathers (2014)

        A Liberian/Nigerian/Scottish experimental hip hop trio wouldn’t be everyone’s first choice, but then the Mercury Prize isn’t just there to celebrate mainstream success, but to shine a light on genres and albums that might not be on heavy rotation via the usual channels.

        Swinging from rap onslaughts to soaring soul, spoken word to overlapping harmonies, Dead is an album to keep you on your toes.

        So there you have it – all the Mercury Prize winners, together with the 2021 shortlist. See you on the 9th September for the reveal of this year’s winner! And if you’re looking for an eclectic range of music, then check out our hand-picked playlists – we have a track for you in literally every genre!

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

        Download New Music Today

        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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        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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          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!

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            intro music

            THE ULTIMATE GUIDE TO INTRO MUSIC

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              No matter what content you're creating – from YouTube videos (YouTube intro sounds) to podcasts, radio and showreels – you’re going to require some sensitively-chosen intro music. You may even need movie intro music if you're a filmmaker.

              Intro music is necessary because it gives your project a clear starting point and an element of consistency, which, in turn, contributes to your production’s identity. After hearing your intro music a handful of times, your audience will begin to associate the sound with your output, whether that comes in the form of a radio show, a TV series, a film, a vlog or a podcast.

              Below, we run through everything you need to know about intro music and the different styles you may want to consider for your production. But if you’d rather just get straight into browsing, sampling and downloading our high-quality tracks, allow us to point you in the right direction. Head on over to our production genre page to discover playlists such as comedy, drama and TV music themes; alternatively, you can

              Explore our catalogue via our albums, composers and playlists pages.

              Contents:

              • What is intro music, and why might you need it?
              • How to make intro music
              • Good music for Intros
              • Cool intro music songs to trial
              • News intro music
              • 10 news intro music songs to trial
              • Sports intro music
              • 10 sports intro music songs to trial
              • YouTube intro music
              • Music for YouTube intros
              • 10 YouTube intro music songs to trial
              • Podcast intro music
              • 5 podcast intro music songs to trial
              • Short intro music
              • 5 short intro music songs to trial
              • Great intro music
              • 10 great intro music tracks to trial
              • Intro sounds
              • Good outro music
              • Licensing intro music
              • Downloading intro music

              What is Intro Music, and Why Might You Need It?

              It’s generally a short piece of music that helps to set the tone of your content – from dramatic to comedic, upbeat to newsworthy. The music also acts as an aid to grab the audience’s attention and ready them for watching or listening.

              How to Make Intro Music

              To make intro music, one must be equipped with a DAW (digital audio workstation) software program. Popular DAWs include Apple Logic Pro, Studio One 5, FL Studio and Ableton Live. These programs are the necessary tool you will need to record, edit, produce and manipulate audio.

              When creating a piece of intro music, it’s important to remind yourself of the purpose of the music piece. Say, for instance, you’re looking to create a piece of music to play before the beginning of a radio’s news section, it’s vital that you keep the tone serious in case there’s sensitive information to report. The music also needs to be a little startling to ensure that the listener knows it’s time to pay attention.

              On the other hand, if you’re the producer of a comedy podcast looking to create a piece of intro music, the composition should reflect the light-hearted nature of the project.

              Good Music for Intros

              When you’re priming your audience for your show, film or showreel, what makes good music for intros? We think it’s something that gets their attention and that’s distinctive, but not distracting – maybe think along the lines of BBC News’ intro music: the pulse that runs throughout creates a sense of urgency and timeliness.

              Cool Intro Music Songs to Trial

              When it comes to cool intro songs, why not get ahead of the curve by checking out up-and-coming artists? Here are five of our favourites:

              1.Vibey’ - Lil Yamaha

              2. ‘My Ones’ - Lady Sanity, Cuzn Fred

              3. ‘Off the Ground’ - JDP

              4. ‘Easy Love’ - Nick Kingswell

              5. ‘I Bother’ - Sarah Roston

              News Intro Music

              News intro music is responsible for ensuring the viewer is in the right frame of mind when the presenter informs them about the latest happenings – whether that’s good news or bad news. Thus, news intro music must strike a serious tone to communicate that the show will handle sensitive topics.

              Additionally, news intro music can make a news show appear credible which may help the viewer establish a parasocial relationship with the presenters. If an audience member can learn to trust a news show and its reporters, they’re likely to regularly watch the show and count it as their primary news source.

              The final, and arguably the most important role intro music has to play in a news show is to alert the viewer. On occasion, the news contains pressing information – say, an update on the restrictions in place to stop the spread of coronavirus – thus, the intro music must notify the audience member that it’s time to listen up.

              10 News Intro Music Songs to Trial

              Inspired by the above? Here’s a selection of our News & Current Affairs tracks that you may want to consider for your news production.

              1. ‘Greatness’ – Chris Blackwell

              2. ‘This Just In’ – James Brett

              3. ‘City Skyline’ – Gareth Johnson

              4. ‘World News’ – Terry-Devine King

              5. ‘News Flash’ – James Brett

              6. ‘Vintage News’ – David Tobin, Jeff Meegan, Huw White

              7. ‘Dial Out ’ – Philip Guyler 

              8. ‘Light News Sting’ – Chris Blackwell

              9. ‘Fireflies' – Paul Mottram

              10. 'Twenty Four Hours 6’ – Terry-Devine King

              Sports Intro Music

              Sports intro music could be anything from the music that plays before a tennis match, the intro to a football highlight show or the sting placed at the very beginning of an Olympic Games podcast.

              Most sports intro tracks are highly charged – think electronic sounds, high-octane beats and aggressive rock-inspired rhythms. Essentially, they encapsulate the atmosphere of a sports stadium/venue to help the audience member enjoy the sporting experience, wherever they may be in the world.

              10 Sports Intro Music Songs to Trial

              We have over 200,000 tracks suitable for media projects, and plenty of those are perfect for sports-centric productions – no matter if the focus is motor racing, basketball, football, athletics or another sport entirely. Take a look at just 10 of our favourite compositions from our sports playlist, below.

              1. ‘Speed Junkie 6’ – Barrie Gledden, John Horrocks

              2. ‘Gator Drive 5’ – Nigel Glockler, Roger Adams

              3. ‘Man of the Match 5’ – Christian Marsac

              4. ‘Going For It 10’ – Tristan Ivemy

              5. ‘The Far Reach 6’ – Jack Baker

              6. ‘Dragons 9’ – Igor Dvorkin, Duncan Pittock

              7. ‘Step Into A Cypher 4’ – Andy Cooper

              8. ‘Typewriter 4’ – Christopher Brooke

              9. ‘Nose Pin 4’ – Adam Drake

              10.  ‘Moving Up 5’ – Benjamin Thompson

              YouTube Intro Music

              If you’re looking to spice up your YouTube content with a catchy piece of intro music, you’ve come to the right place. Audio Network has thousands of unforgettable tunes for you to use at your convenience.

              There are two factors a vlogger should consider when choosing a piece of YouTube intro music. Firstly, the track should complement the tone and topic of your channel. For instance, if your YouTube channel is chiefly centred around travel, you may want to opt for a track that’s redolent of classic action-adventure explorer movies, such as the films from the Indiana Jones franchise.

              Secondly, your intro should tell the audience a little about the vlogger’s personality and music preferences. For example, if you’re a huge fan of country music, you live in the countryside and your vlogs have a pastoral feel, it would be sensible to opt for a country music track. After all, one of the main reasons a viewer may return to your channel is because they relate to, or are inspired by, you, the vlogger.

              Music For YouTube Intros

              To make life easy when it comes to finding YouTube intro music, we’ve hand-picked a huge range of playlists, by topic. Find everything you need, whether you’re looking for intro music for travel, cookery, beauty and fashion, gaming, parenting vlogs and loads more.

              Once you’ve found your ideal intro music for YouTube, then find out how to take it up a notch with our tips and tricks, covering everything from how to improve video quality, to how to run a successful family channel.

              10 YouTube Intro Music Songs to Trial

              Need inspiration right now? Check out these 10 tracks, which would make great YouTube intro music:

              1. ‘You Know It's Time’ - Peo Haggstrom, Jamie Elder

              2. ‘Autoschediasm’ - Raithe Laurence

              3. ‘Party Hunt’ - Julian Emery, Jeremy Wheatley

              4. ‘Born To Be A Winner’ - William Davies, Dag Torgersbraten

              5. ‘Jupiter Beach’ - Alexis Smith, Joe Henson, Pete Davis

              6. ‘Cosmic Ocean’ - Barrie Gledden, Daniel Goldman

              7. ‘Anode’ - Noah Sorota

              8. ‘Narrow Escape’ - Bob Bradley, Thomas Balmforth

              9. ‘My Mistake’ - Jason Rebello

              10. ‘New Perspectives’ - David Kelly

              Podcast Intro Music

              Think of your favourite podcasts – we’re willing to bet that the intro and outro music is one of the first things that come to mind about them. A podcast’s intro music immediately sets the mood, whether the subject is comedy or TV, true crime or wellness. The intro acts as a theme tune, so the main question you have to ask is: does the music you’ve chosen fit your content like a glove? Try selecting five to 10 possible tracks, and putting them with some extracts to see what works best.

              Five Podcast Intro Music Songs to Trial

              Here are five of our favourite tracks for podcast intro music. Looking for more support in finding the best podcast intro music? Read our expert guide.

              1. ‘Grey Goose’ – Igor Dvorkin, Duncan Pittock, Ellie Kidd

              2. ‘Vibrant Heritage’ – Paul Mottram

              3. ‘Curiosity Shop’ – David O’Brien

              4. ‘Eon Expansion’ – Noah Sorota

              5. ‘Cold Feet’ - Richard Lacy

              Short Intro Music

              We have amazing news if you’re looking for short intro music – all our tracks come in a variety of different lengths – anything from five-second stings to half a minute, so you’re spoilt for choice. Search our huge catalogue by ‘duration’ to find exactly what you need.

              Five Short Intro Music Songs to Trial

              1. ‘Cosmic Ocean’ - Barrie Gledden, Daniel Goldman

              2. ‘Anode’ - Noah Sorota

              3. ‘Narrow Escape’ - Bob Bradley, Thomas Balmforth

              4. ‘My Mistake’ - Jason Rebello

              5. ‘New Perspectives’ - David Kelly

              Great Intro Music

              Pleasant intro music is all well and good, but sometimes you want a great piece of intro music that forces the listener to stop in their tracks and pay attention to the media that you’ve created – whether that’s a podcast, a television show, a radio series or something else.

              What exactly is great intro music? Well, it’s music that makes an impact – tracks and stings that are memorable and give the project personality from the offset. It’s the jazzy, soul-stirring music that plays during the opening credits of Monsters Inc; it’s the theme tune to BBC News; it’s the short composition that plays at the beginning of each episode of Schitt’s Creek.

              10 Great Intro Music Songs to Trial

              No matter what project you’re working on, we’ve got a music track to fulfil your needs. Here are 10 great intro music songs to trial.

              1. ‘Movie Magic’ – David Tobin, Jeff Meegan, Huw White

              2. ‘Boom Choir’ – Igor Dvorkin, Duncan Pittock, Ellie Kidd

              3.‘Phat Salsa 3’ – Tim Garland

              4. ‘Street Racer 4’ – Gareth Johnson

              5. ‘Hope is Alive 12’ – Erick DeVore

              6. ‘Route 66 Vers. 4’ – Barrie Gledden, Richard Kimmings

              7. ‘Sitting On Your Money 12’ – Thomas Evans, Joshua Arcoleo

              8. ‘Milkshake 2’ – Tom Quick

              9. ‘Blue Monday 3’ – Tim Renwick

              10. ‘Made For Days Like These’ – Joshua Arcoleo, Alyusha Chagrin

              Intro Sounds

              Maybe it’s not so much music that you’re on the hunt for as some intro sounds? In that case, our Editors’ Toolkit has everything you need. It’s buzzing with drones and swooshes, pulses, heartbeats and ticks, and cool FX.

              Good Outro Music

              For your outro music, look for something pretty similar to your intro music – whether that’s in terms of the genre, style or mood. You could choose something by the same artist, or search for an instrumental version of a specific intro song. For example, check out the vocal version of Sara Roston’s ‘I Bother’ and the instrumental mix to see how using two versions could be great for giving your project an element of continuity.

              Good Outro Music to Trial

              1. ‘Crunchtime’ - Mark Allaway, Jeff Lardner

              2. ‘Rather Be’ - Josh Oliver, Edward Hogston

              3. ‘Just The Start’ - Martin Felix Kaczmarski

              4. ‘Here Again’ - Sofia Lafuente

              5. ‘How Beautiful’ - Barrie Gledden, Chris Bussey

              Licensing Intro Music

              Looking for a song, instead of an instrumental? Don’t forget that you can’t just use that track that’s notched up a billion Spotify streams – it’s pretty much guaranteed to be under copyright. Licensing an intro song from our catalogue can be a really easy option – search by genre, depending on whether you want a pop song or indie, rock or hip hop.

              Licensing can be a bit of a minefield, but that's why we're here to help - check out the basics over on our Music Copyright page.

              Downloading Intro Music

              Now we’ve taken you through the ins and outs of intro, with everything from intro songs to podcast intro music, YouTube intro music to intro sounds, we're hoping you’re excited about all the possibilities that intro music can offer. So why not sign up for a free trial of our Essential Edit subscription for super-easy, cost-effective music licensing?

              Plus, you’ll never run out of options for new intro music, as we’ve got over 200,000 tracks in our catalogue, AND we put together regular hand-picked playlists to keep all your music choices fresh.

              No matter what content you're creating – from YouTube videos to podcasts, radio and showreels – you’re going to require some sensitively-chosen intro music.

              Intro music is necessary because it gives your project a clear starting point and an element of consistency, which, in turn, contributes to your production’s identity. After hearing your intro music a handful of times, your audience will begin to associate the sound with your output, whether that comes in the form of a radio show, a TV series, a film, a vlog or a podcast.

              Below, we run through everything you need to know about intro music and the different styles you may want to consider for your production. But if you’d rather just get straight into browsing, sampling and downloading our high-quality tracks, allow us to point you in the right direction. Head on over to our production genre page to discover playlists such as comedy, drama and TV music themes; alternatively, you can

              Explore our catalogue via our albums, composers and playlists pages.

              Contents:

              • What is intro music, and why might you need it?
              • How to make intro music
              • Good music for Intros
              • Cool intro music songs to trial
              • News intro music
              • 10 news intro music songs to trial
              • Sports intro music
              • 10 sports intro music songs to trial
              • YouTube intro music
              • Music for YouTube intros
              • 10 YouTube intro music songs to trial
              • Podcast intro music
              • 5 podcast intro music songs to trial
              • Short intro music
              • 5 short intro music songs to trial
              • Great intro music
              • 10 great intro music tracks to trial
              • Intro sounds
              • Good outro music
              • Licensing intro music
              • Downloading intro music

              What is Intro Music, and Why Might You Need It?

              It’s generally a short piece of music that helps to set the tone of your content – from dramatic to comedic, upbeat to newsworthy. The music also acts as an aid to grab the audience’s attention and ready them for watching or listening.

              How to Make Intro Music

              To make intro music, one must be equipped with a DAW (digital audio workstation) software program. Popular DAWs include Apple Logic Pro, Studio One 5, FL Studio and Ableton Live. These programs are the necessary tool you will need to record, edit, produce and manipulate audio.

              When creating a piece of intro music, it’s important to remind yourself of the purpose of the music piece. Say, for instance, you’re looking to create a piece of music to play before the beginning of a radio’s news section, it’s vital that you keep the tone serious in case there’s sensitive information to report. The music also needs to be a little startling to ensure that the listener knows it’s time to pay attention.

              On the other hand, if you’re the producer of a comedy podcast looking to create a piece of intro music, the composition should reflect the light-hearted nature of the project.

              Good Music for Intros

              When you’re priming your audience for your show, film or showreel, what makes good music for intros? We think it’s something that gets their attention and that’s distinctive, but not distracting – maybe think along the lines of BBC News’ intro music: the pulse that runs throughout creates a sense of urgency and timeliness.

              Cool Intro Music Songs to Trial

              When it comes to cool intro songs, why not get ahead of the curve by checking out up-and-coming artists? Here are five of our favourites:

              1.Vibey’ - Lil Yamaha

              2. ‘My Ones’ - Lady Sanity, Cuzn Fred

              3. ‘Off the Ground’ - JDP

              4. ‘Easy Love’ - Nick Kingswell

              5. ‘I Bother’ - Sarah Roston

              News Intro Music

              News intro music is responsible for ensuring the viewer is in the right frame of mind when the presenter informs them about the latest happenings – whether that’s good news or bad news. Thus, news intro music must strike a serious tone to communicate that the show will handle sensitive topics.

              Additionally, news intro music can make a news show appear credible which may help the viewer establish a parasocial relationship with the presenters. If an audience member can learn to trust a news show and its reporters, they’re likely to regularly watch the show and count it as their primary news source.

              The final, and arguably the most important role intro music has to play in a news show is to alert the viewer. On occasion, the news contains pressing information – say, an update on the restrictions in place to stop the spread of coronavirus – thus, the intro music must notify the audience member that it’s time to listen up.

              10 News Intro Music Songs to Trial

              Inspired by the above? Here’s a selection of our News & Current Affairs tracks that you may want to consider for your news production.

              1. ‘Greatness’ – Chris Blackwell

              2. ‘This Just In’ – James Brett

              3. ‘City Skyline’ – Gareth Johnson

              4. ‘World News’ – Terry-Devine King

              5. ‘News Flash’ – James Brett

              6. ‘Vintage News’ – David Tobin, Jeff Meegan, Huw White

              7. ‘Dial Out ’ – Philip Guyler 

              8. ‘Light News Sting’ – Chris Blackwell

              9. ‘Fireflies' – Paul Mottram

              10. 'Twenty Four Hours 6’ – Terry-Devine King

              Sports Intro Music

              Sports intro music could be anything from the music that plays before a tennis match, the intro to a football highlight show or the sting placed at the very beginning of an Olympic Games podcast.

              Most sports intro tracks are highly charged – think electronic sounds, high-octane beats and aggressive rock-inspired rhythms. Essentially, they encapsulate the atmosphere of a sports stadium/venue to help the audience member enjoy the sporting experience, wherever they may be in the world.

              10 Sports Intro Music Songs to Trial

              We have over 200,000 tracks suitable for media projects, and plenty of those are perfect for sports-centric productions – no matter if the focus is motor racing, basketball, football, athletics or another sport entirely. Take a look at just 10 of our favourite compositions from our sports playlist, below.

              1. ‘Speed Junkie 6’ – Barrie Gledden, John Horrocks

              2. ‘Gator Drive 5’ – Nigel Glockler, Roger Adams

              3. ‘Man of the Match 5’ – Christian Marsac

              4. ‘Going For It 10’ – Tristan Ivemy

              5. ‘The Far Reach 6’ – Jack Baker

              6. ‘Dragons 9’ – Igor Dvorkin, Duncan Pittock

              7. ‘Step Into A Cypher 4’ – Andy Cooper

              8. ‘Typewriter 4’ – Christopher Brooke

              9. ‘Nose Pin 4’ – Adam Drake

              10.  ‘Moving Up 5’ – Benjamin Thompson

              YouTube Intro Music

              If you’re looking to spice up your YouTube content with a catchy piece of intro music, you’ve come to the right place. Audio Network has thousands of unforgettable tunes for you to use at your convenience.

              There are two factors a vlogger should consider when choosing a piece of YouTube intro music. Firstly, the track should complement the tone and topic of your channel. For instance, if your YouTube channel is chiefly centred around travel, you may want to opt for a track that’s redolent of classic action-adventure explorer movies, such as the films from the Indiana Jones franchise.

              Secondly, your intro should tell the audience a little about the vlogger’s personality and music preferences. For example, if you’re a huge fan of country music, you live in the countryside and your vlogs have a pastoral feel, it would be sensible to opt for a country music track. After all, one of the main reasons a viewer may return to your channel is because they relate to, or are inspired by, you, the vlogger.

              Music For YouTube Intros

              To make life easy when it comes to finding YouTube intro music, we’ve hand-picked a huge range of playlists, by topic. Find everything you need, whether you’re looking for intro music for travel, cookery, beauty and fashion, gaming, parenting vlogs and loads more.

              Once you’ve found your ideal intro music for YouTube, then find out how to take it up a notch with our tips and tricks, covering everything from how to improve video quality, to how to run a successful family channel.

              10 YouTube Intro Music Songs to Trial

              Need inspiration right now? Check out these 10 tracks, which would make great YouTube intro music:

              1. ‘You Know It's Time’ - Peo Haggstrom, Jamie Elder

              2. ‘Autoschediasm’ - Raithe Laurence

              3. ‘Party Hunt’ - Julian Emery, Jeremy Wheatley

              4. ‘Born To Be A Winner’ - William Davies, Dag Torgersbraten

              5. ‘Jupiter Beach’ - Alexis Smith, Joe Henson, Pete Davis

              6. ‘Cosmic Ocean’ - Barrie Gledden, Daniel Goldman

              7. ‘Anode’ - Noah Sorota

              8. ‘Narrow Escape’ - Bob Bradley, Thomas Balmforth

              9. ‘My Mistake’ - Jason Rebello

              10. ‘New Perspectives’ - David Kelly

              Podcast Intro Music

              Think of your favourite podcasts – we’re willing to bet that the intro and outro music is one of the first things that come to mind about them. A podcast’s intro music immediately sets the mood, whether the subject is comedy or TV, true crime or wellness. The intro acts as a theme tune, so the main question you have to ask is: does the music you’ve chosen fit your content like a glove? Try selecting five to 10 possible tracks, and putting them with some extracts to see what works best.

              Five Podcast Intro Music Songs to Trial

              Here are five of our favourite tracks for podcast intro music. Looking for more support in finding the best podcast intro music? Read our expert guide.

              1. ‘Grey Goose’ – Igor Dvorkin, Duncan Pittock, Ellie Kidd

              2. ‘Vibrant Heritage’ – Paul Mottram

              3. ‘Curiosity Shop’ – David O’Brien

              4. ‘Eon Expansion’ – Noah Sorota

              5. ‘Cold Feet’ - Richard Lacy

              Short Intro Music

              We have amazing news if you’re looking for short intro music – all our tracks come in a variety of different lengths – anything from five-second stings to half a minute, so you’re spoilt for choice. Search our huge catalogue by ‘duration’ to find exactly what you need.

              Five Short Intro Music Songs to Trial

              1. ‘Cosmic Ocean’ - Barrie Gledden, Daniel Goldman

              2. ‘Anode’ - Noah Sorota

              3. ‘Narrow Escape’ - Bob Bradley, Thomas Balmforth

              4. ‘My Mistake’ - Jason Rebello

              5. ‘New Perspectives’ - David Kelly

              Great Intro Music

              Pleasant intro music is all well and good, but sometimes you want a great piece of intro music that forces the listener to stop in their tracks and pay attention to the media that you’ve created – whether that’s a podcast, a television show, a radio series or something else.

              What exactly is great intro music? Well, it’s music that makes an impact – tracks and stings that are memorable and give the project personality from the offset. It’s the jazzy, soul-stirring music that plays during the opening credits of Monsters Inc; it’s the theme tune to BBC News; it’s the short composition that plays at the beginning of each episode of Schitt’s Creek.

              10 Great Intro Music Songs to Trial

              No matter what project you’re working on, we’ve got a music track to fulfil your needs. Here are 10 great intro music songs to trial.

              1. ‘Movie Magic’ – David Tobin, Jeff Meegan, Huw White

              2. ‘Boom Choir’ – Igor Dvorkin, Duncan Pittock, Ellie Kidd

              3.‘Phat Salsa 3’ – Tim Garland

              4. ‘Street Racer 4’ – Gareth Johnson

              5. ‘Hope is Alive 12’ – Erick DeVore

              6. ‘Route 66 Vers. 4’ – Barrie Gledden, Richard Kimmings

              7. ‘Sitting On Your Money 12’ – Thomas Evans, Joshua Arcoleo

              8. ‘Milkshake 2’ – Tom Quick

              9. ‘Blue Monday 3’ – Tim Renwick

              10. ‘Made For Days Like These’ – Joshua Arcoleo, Alyusha Chagrin

              Intro Sounds

              Maybe it’s not so much music that you’re on the hunt for as some intro sounds? In that case, our Editors’ Toolkit has everything you need. It’s buzzing with drones and swooshes, pulses, heartbeats and ticks, and cool FX.

              Good Outro Music

              For your outro music, look for something pretty similar to your intro music – whether that’s in terms of the genre, style or mood. You could choose something by the same artist, or search for an instrumental version of a specific intro song. For example, check out the vocal version of Sara Roston’s ‘I Bother’ and the instrumental mix to see how using two versions could be great for giving your project an element of continuity.

              Good Outro Music to Trial

              1. ‘Crunchtime’ - Mark Allaway, Jeff Lardner

              2. ‘Rather Be’ - Josh Oliver, Edward Hogston

              3. ‘Just The Start’ - Martin Felix Kaczmarski

              4. ‘Here Again’ - Sofia Lafuente

              5. ‘How Beautiful’ - Barrie Gledden, Chris Bussey

              Licensing Intro Music

              Looking for a song, instead of an instrumental? Don’t forget that you can’t just use that track that’s notched up a billion Spotify streams – it’s pretty much guaranteed to be under copyright. Licensing an intro song from our catalogue can be a really easy option – search by genre, depending on whether you want a pop song or indie, rock or hip hop.

              Licensing can be a bit of a minefield, but that's why we're here to help - check out the basics over on our Music Copyright page.

              Downloading Intro Music

              Now we’ve taken you through the ins and outs of intro, with everything from intro songs to podcast intro music, YouTube intro music to intro sounds, we're hoping you’re excited about all the possibilities that intro music can offer. So why not sign up for a free trial of our Essential Edit subscription for super-easy, cost-effective music licensing?

              Plus, you’ll never run out of options for new intro music, as we’ve got over 200,000 tracks in our catalogue, AND we put together regular hand-picked playlists to keep all your music choices fresh.

              DISCOVER

              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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              THE ULTIMATE GUIDE TO INTRO MUSIC 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'.

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                This page was updated 07/03/2024.

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                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.

                  Want to Find Out More about the Classical Collection’s Composers?

                  FUN FACTS ABOUT CLASSICAL MUSIC
                  DISCOVER THE CLASSICAL COMPOSERS

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                  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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                  DIFFERENT TYPES OF ORCHESTRAL MUSIC

                  A COMPLETE GUIDE TO DIFFERENT TYPES OF ORCHESTRAL MUSIC

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                    Interested in facts about the orchestra industry? Don’t know your arias from your overtures? Our guide will demystify the top classical music forms.Ever felt daunted by orchestral music? If you’ve never formally studied it, it can be hard to know where to start. What’s the difference between a symphony and a concerto? Who sings an aria? How many members are there in a chamber group?

                    W’re also keen to remind you that we’re a production music catalogue with orchestral music of every style imaginable – including action orchestral, horror orchestral, romantic orchestral and more. All of our high-quality orchestral tracks – composed by some of the best musicians in the world – are ready to be licensed for use worldwide, and can be used in anything from a podcast to an advertisement to a blockbuster. Without further ado, let’s get on with the guide.

                    Different Types Of Orchestral Music: Your Guide

                    • What Is Orchestral Music
                    • Different Types of Orchestral Music/ Types of Symphony Genres
                      • Classical Orchestra
                      • Orchestral Pop
                      • Orchestral Hip Hop
                      • Electronic Orchestra
                      • Orchestral Jazz
                    • The Top Types of Orchestral Music
                      • Overture
                      • Symphonic Poem
                      • Symphony
                      • Concerto
                      • Ballet
                      • Opera
                        • Types of Opera
                      • Chamber Music
                        • Types of Chamber music

                    What Is Orchestral Music?

                    Simply put, orchestral music is music created by an ensemble of instruments called – you guessed it – an orchestra. Instruments from different families come together to form the orchestra, which means you can expect to hear the sounds of string instruments, percussion instruments, brass instruments and woodwind instruments in an effective orchestral piece.

                    Typically, an orchestra usually consists of around 70-100 musicians, and these orchestras are often called symphony or philharmonic orchestras. The term philharmonic is made up of two Greek words: Philos which means ‘to love’ and harmonikos which means ‘harmony’.

                    If an orchestra consists of less than 50 musicians, the correct term for this type of orchestra is a chamber orchestra. In French, chamber means room, which makes sense considering an orchestra of this size would fit comfortably inside one room.

                    Is Orchestra a Genre?

                    Although bands are commonly associated with rock music, you would not call a band a genre. The same goes for an orchestra: although orchestras are commonly associated with classical music, it is not appropriate to categorise orchestra as a genre. Also, like a band, an orchestra can embrace a wide variety of genres. Discover just five of those genres below.

                    Different Types of Orchestral Music / Types of Symphony Genres

                    • Classical Orchestra
                    • Orchestral Pop
                    • Orchestral Hip Hop
                    • Electronic Orchestra
                    • Orchestral Jazz

                    Classical Orchestra

                    As mentioned above, the most recognised genre of orchestral music is classical orchestra music. Classical music follows traditional forms of making music. Strictly speaking, classical music describes music composed during the Classical period of 1750-1820. The most famous composers of this time were Mozart, Bach and Beethoven.

                    Orchestral Pop

                    Orchestral pop is, quite simply, pop music that’s performed by an orchestra. Personally, the sub-genre reminds us of the most recent James Bond theme tunes – including Adele’s Skyfall, Sam Smith’s Writing on the Wall and Billie Eilish’s No Time to Die; but if you’re not a fan of the spy franchise, you may be more familiar with pop songs such as Clean Bandit’s Rather Be and Ariana Grande’s ghostin.

                    Orchestral Hip Hop

                    When hip hop rhythms are created by an orchestra, the song can be categorised as orchestral hip hop. The sub-genre has been growing ever since the 90s, and has blessed us with anthems such as Coolio and L.V.’s Gangsta's Paradise and Kanye West’s Flashing Lights.

                    Electronic Orchestra

                    The electronic orchestra genre consists of compositions that are either performed by an orchestra and later manipulated electronically, or combine orchestral instruments with electronic instruments. One of the best examples of electronic orchestra music is Daft Punk’s score for Disney’s Tron Legacy that was created with an 85-piece orchestra and electronic instruments.

                    Orchestral Jazz

                    The genesis of orchestral jazz dates back to New York City’s 1920s jazz scene. This structured style of jazz is created when an orchestra embraces the rhythms of New Orleans jazz whilst sticking to their European practices. This genre is comparable to the sounds of another sub-genre of jazz, big band jazz.

                    The Top Types of Orchestral Music

                    Now that we’ve covered the basics, We’re going to look at the top types of orchestral music, including:

                    • Overture
                    • Symphonic Poem
                    • Symphony
                    • Concerto
                    • Ballet
                    • Opera
                    • Chamber Music

                    For an instant overview, check out our ultimate classcal playlist, which features a range of the best orchestral pieces by celebrated composers.

                    The Overture

                    In the earliest days of music being performed, the overture signalled when the audience should take their seats (much as the bell being rung in the concert hall does today). Now, the overture is usually a musical work’s orchestral introduction – the word comes from the French, ouverture, or ‘opening’.

                    The overture originated in 17th Century opera as a sung prologue – or a short instrumental flourish. Jean-Baptiste Lully was the first major to use a full-scale overture, in works such as his opera Thésée. The form he used was then imitated not only by opera composers such as Henry Purcell (Dido and Aeneas), but also in oratorios – such as Handel’s Messiah.

                    Lully’s form became known as the ‘French overture’. Alessandro Scarlatti was the originator of the ‘Italian overture’; it’s in three sections from quick, to slow, and back to quick, and served as a model for the earliest, three movement, symphonies.

                    Later operatic overtures helped to prepare the audience for the play’s plot; merging the music into the opening act, instead of closing before the curtain rises was a technique that Wagner used in his later operas, such as Tristan und Isolde.

                    Concert overtures became established in the 19th century as independent, one-movement works, the first of which is generally regarded as Felix Mendelssohn’s A Midsummer Night’s Dream (1826); his overture The Hebrides – also known as Fingal’s Cave – is another celebrated example of the form.

                    The Symphonic Poem

                    In the 1850s, the concert overture began to be overtaken by the symphonic poem. This was a form devised by Franz Liszt in works that began as overtures. As a form, it was taken up by more ‘progressive’ composers, such as Camille Saint-Saens, Richard Strauss and Arnold Schoenberg.

                    The Czech composer Smetana was one of the great proponents of the symphonic poem. His set of six, published under the title of Ma Vlast is agreed to be his best. Composed between 1872 and 1879, the cycle presents selected episodes and ideas from Czech history.

                    symphonic poem

                    Symphony

                    Loosely, a ‘symphony orchestra’ is a large group of string, brass, woodwind and percussion players – so a work written for this kind of ensemble is known as a symphony. These large-scale orchestral works are intended to be played in concert halls and are usually in four movements.

                    The standard classical form is:

                    • First movement – allegro (brisk and lively) in sonata form
                    • Second movement – slower and more lyrical
                    • Third movement – an energetic minuet (a dance)
                    • Fourth movement – allegro – a rollicking finale, to show off the orchestra’s prowess

                    orchestra in studio 2 abbey road studios audio network

                    The Sonata Form

                    The sonata has two musical themes, or melodies – the first, usually loud and forceful; the second, quiet and lyrical. The first theme is introduced and then the softer second theme comes in – as this section’s purpose is to expose the two melodies, it’s known as the ‘exposition’.

                    The ‘development’ follows – the composer varies and makes musical associations between the two themes.

                    Finally, the main themes are restated in a slightly different form in the ‘recapitulation’ section.

                    For great examples of piano sonatas, listen to Beethoven’s Moonlight sonata, or Mozart’s Sonata in C, or explore the fantastic symphonic collection.

                    sonata form flicr

                    Concerto

                    The concerto features a solo instrument – such the piano, violin, flute or cello - and an orchestra, showcasing what they can do both independently and together. Concertos have three movements – fast, slow, fast.

                    For an introduction to concertos, listen to the stately baroque of Bach’s Brandenburg 4, Elgar’s Cello Concerto, or Mozart’s Clarinet Concerto.

                    Finally, the main themes are restated in a slightly different form in the ‘recapitulation’ section.

                    concerto picture flickr

                    Ballet

                    For dramatic orchestral music, look no further than the best ballet scores. Tchaikovsky’s Swan Lake (1876) was a game-changer in terms of ballet music, as it marked the first time an exclusively symphonic composer had composed a ballet score. Prokofiev’s Romeo and Juliet is another ballet that you might know as much for its music as its dance moves. A suite is usually a selection of short movements taken from a ballet - what would the festive period be without a performance of The Nutcracker Suite?

                    ballerinas on stage

                    Opera

                    If you’re looking for intense orchestral music, then opera has plenty to choose from. The difference between an opera and a musical is that operas are generally entirely sung, while musicals combine singing with spoken dialogue. Most agree that Monteverdi was the ‘founding father’ of opera, and his L’Orfeo (c1607) ranks as the first great opera. For dramatic intensity, look to Verdi’s Rigoletto or perhaps his most performed work, La Traviata, which contains all the elements of operatic drama: a beautiful, fallen-woman heroine, grand party scenes, a troubled father and a deathbed scene.

                    Opera songs are known as arias, many of which have been used over the years commercially and in films.

                    Popular Operas

                    'O Mio Babbino Caro', Giani Scicci, Puccini

                    ‘O Mio Babbino Caro’ (Oh My Dear Papa) is a emotional soprano aria from Puccini’s Giani Scicci sung by young protagonist Lauretta, who is begging her Father to help her get married to the lover of her life, Rinuccio. This piece has earned wide acclaim for its emotional effect, just see for yourself this two-year old getting emotional whilst listening to Puccini:

                    ‘La donna è mobile’, Rigoletto, Verdi

                    ‘La donna è mobile’, from one of Verdi’s most popular operas, Rigoletto. This canzone is often thought to be the centrepiece of the opera, occurring at a turning point in a much-loved story of deceit, love lust and desire. Musical themes established in the short ‘La donna è mobile’ repeat throughout the opera, driving the tale forward.

                    ‘Habanera’,Carmen, George Bizets

                    Habanera from Carmen – also known as ‘Love is a Rebellious Bird’ is an aria sung by the lovestruck femme fatale title character. Carmen sings how ‘Love is a rebellious bird that none can tame’.

                    Types of Opera

                    Opera Seria

                    Opera Seria is an Italian term that literally translates into ‘serious opera’; naturally, this refers to the weighty, humourless type of operas that were popular during the 1700s such as Mozart’s Idomeneo and Vivaldi’s L'Olimpiade. Apart from being serious, an Opera Seria is defined by its lack of spoken dialogue, emphasis on grand vocals and tragic or heroic narrative.

                    Opera Buffa

                    Opera Buffa is the Italian term for ‘funny opera’, a type of opera that’s also known as ‘comic opera’. An Opera Buffa is usually more grounded than an Opera Seria and therefore features relatable characters and an everyday plot. Examples include Menotti’s Amelia Goes to the Ball, Bizet’s Don Procopio and Ristori’s Calandro.

                    Opera Semiseria

                    As you may have suspected, Opera Semiseria is the Italian phrase for ‘semi-serious opera’. It is a midway point between an Opera Seria and Opera Buffa that became popular during the 1800s; it combines emotion with humour to keep an audience entertained. Famous examples of Opera Semiseria include Donizetti’s Linda di Chamounix, Bellini’s Adelson e Salvini and Paer’s Leonora.

                    Opera Comique

                    French opera style Opera Comique alternates between spoken dialogue and musical numbers – much like a modern-day musical. This type of opera shares its name with a Parisian theatre which was founded under the reign of Louis XIV in 1714. Although its name seems to suggest that this type of opera is always comedic, some of the most famous operas are in fact tales of tragedy – take Bizet’s Carmen, for example.

                    Grand Opera

                    A Grand Opera is a spectacular type of opera of four or five acts that originates from the 1800s. Often revolving around a historic event or a dramatic tale, a grand opera is comparable to an Opera Seria as it takes on a serious tone and features no spoken dialogue. Early examples of Grand Opera include Auber’s La Muette de Portici, Halévy’s La Juive and Donizetti’s Dom Sébastien, Roi de Portugal.

                    Chamber Music

                    Chamber music is composed for smaller ensembles of instruments – as it was originally intended to be played in a ‘chamber’ at home. The standard arrangement of instruments for chamber music include the string quartet (two violins, a viola and a cello) and a woodwind ensemble, often accompanied by a piano or harpsichord.

                    The small number of musicians gives chamber music its characteristic intimacy and subtlety. Explore different chamber music moods with a peaceful Lullaby from Brahms, Mozart’s thoughtful Eine Kleine Nachtmusik Romanze, or have some fun with Saint-Saëns’ Donkeys as the quartet make asses of themselves as part of the Carnival of the Animals.

                    Types of Chamber Music

                    Historical Chamber

                    Historical Chamber Music is inspired by the era in which chamber orchestras had their inception – during the medieval period. Often, a chamber orchestra would be accompanied by a folk singer who would sing over the rustic rhythms created by the musicians. Our collection of historical chamber tracks includes Ian Hughes’ Courtesans, Royal Consent and Gloriana, all of which you can find over on our Orchestral, Small Ensemble, Historical page.

                    Elegant Chamber

                    Elegant Chamber Music is thoughtful and soothing: it combines the transportive sounds of the world’s most angelic instruments and vocals to create a touching composition. Frequently optimistic, music of this style is used in media projects to cause the listener to reflect on the narrative. Our collection of Elegant Chamber Music features eight beautiful tracks composed by Gallant, Meegan, Tobin and Kelly, including New World, Butterfly Dream and Lullaby for Dolly.

                    Light, Playful Chamber

                    Chamber orchestras are ideal for performing light, playful compositions that are suitable for use in fairytales, comedies, romances and other jocund genres. The sprightly rhythms of this style of Chamber Music evokes images of mythical creatures, friendly beings, sweet animals and enchanted settings. Our collection of Robert Bruce’s Light, Playful Chamber Ensembles includes pieces named Applause, Applause, Clockwork and Ladies in Waiting.

                    Classical Chamber

                    Chamber orchestras are ideal for performing light, playful compositions that are suitable for use in fairytales, comedies, romances and other jocund genres. The sprightly rhythms of this style of Chamber Music evokes images of mythical creatures, friendly beings, sweet animals and enchanted settings. Our collection of Robert Bruce’s Light, Playful Chamber Ensembles includes pieces named Applause, Applause, Clockwork and Ladies in Waiting.

                    How to License the Best Orchestral Music

                    Looking to license orchestral music? This can sometimes be a challenge because of sound recording copyright.

                    Audio Network, however, has a huge variety of specially recorded orchestral music, from chamber music to full symphony orchestras, which is simple and fast to license. The breadth of classical music means that you can find the perfect track for any sort of content:

                    • Epic orchestral music – with everything from thrilling action featuring urgent strings and soaring brass to majestic and poignant memorials, go epic to create blockbusters and superhero soundtracks or trailers.
                    • Dramatic orchestral music, with high-octane percussion, heroic brass and triumphant choirs is ideal for soundtracking those huge, edge-of-the-seat moments to wow your audience on both the small and big screen
                    • Intense orchestral music comes into its own when you’re building the atmosphere and tension for horror movies.

                    Or check out Wagner’s Ride of the Valkyries, as it was used to spine-tingling effect in Francis Ford Coppola’s Apocalypse Now.

                    DIFFERENT TYPES OF ORCHESTRAL MUSIC

                    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 12/03/2024.

                    A COMPLETE GUIDE TO DIFFERENT TYPES OF ORCHESTRAL MUSIC Read More »

                    BEST TV SHOW SOUNDTRACKS

                    BEST TV SHOW SOUNDTRACKS

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                      A television soundtrack has several responsibilities: it must aid the visuals in setting the scene, establish the scene's mood, provide the audience with insight into the internal feelings of the character(s) in subject, and hint at the show’s latest direction. Bearing all of this in mind, it’s essential that a television production is picky about their choice of music.

                      Whether you’re seeking inspiration for an upcoming television project or simply interested in working your way through the TV shows featuring the best music, we welcome you to explore our list of best TV show soundtracks, below. For each show, we will touch on the plot, the genre of the soundtrack and our favourite musical moment to appear within the show.

                       We will also take the opportunity to bring various playlists in our catalogue to your attention, just in case you’re in the market for some production music tracks for your next project.

                      Best TV Show Soundtracks: A complete List

                      • Big Little Lies
                      • Gossip Girl
                      • Scandal
                      • The Vampire Diaries
                      • Suits
                      • Sex and the City
                      • Stranger Things
                      • The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel
                      • Friends
                      • Empire
                      • Mad Men
                      • Bridgerton
                      • Glee
                      • Watchmen
                      • The Morning Show
                      • Game Of Thrones
                      • Cowboy Bebop
                      • American Horror Story
                      • The Handmaid's Tale
                      • Lovecraft Country
                      • Westworld
                      • Peaky Blinders

                      Best TV Show Soundtracks: Unpacked

                      Big Little Lies (2017 – 2019)

                      What is the show about?

                      Big Little Lies follows a group of women in Monterey, California who are shaken when a murder takes place in their once-peaceful community.

                      What genre are the soundtracks?

                      Most of the music heard throughout the two seasons of the Big Little Lies soundtrack comes from the soul genre. Featured artists include Michael Kiwanuka, Leon Bridges and Charles Bradley: tranquil voices which make the idyllic Monterey setting appear all the more peaceful.

                      Gossip Girl (2007 – 2012)

                      What is the show about?

                      Gossip Girl focuses on a group of wealthy teenagers who reside in Manhattan, New York City. Drama is created within the group when a mysterious blogger dubbed ‘gossip girl’ exposes secrets about the teenager.

                      What genre are the soundtracks?

                      Each Gossip Girl soundtrack focused on the music that was popular at the time. For example, Bad Romance by Lady Gaga plays during Gossip Girl Season 3 (2009-2010) and Adele’s Rolling in the Deep plays during Gossip Girl Season 4 (2010-2011). Suffice to say, the genre of music can largely be classified as pop.

                      What is the best musical moment?

                      Scandal (2012 – 2018)

                      What is the show about?

                      Scandal centres around Olivia Pope, the ex-White House Communications Director who sets up her own crisis management firm in Washington D.C. Pope, who is hired to protect the reputation of members of the upper class, discovers that her employees are hiding just as many secrets as her clients.

                      What genre are the soundtracks?

                      The Scandal soundtrack predominantly relies on old-school R&B and soul to add some flavour to its episodes. Watch the seven seasons and you’ll hear the likes of Roberta Flack’s Bridge Over Troubled Water, Donny Hathaway’s For All We Know and Aretha Franklin’s Do Right Woman, Do Right Man.

                      What is the best musical moment?

                      Lucifer (2016 – Present)

                      What is the show about?

                      Lucifer follows fallen angel Lucifer Morningstar who moves from Hell to Los Angeles. In LA, Lucifer runs a nightclub named Lux and becomes an LAPD consultant.

                      What genre are the soundtracks?

                      The Lucifer soundtracks are a mixed bag of songs, one episode you might hear the hip hop sounds of 50 Cent and the next you may hear a sugary pop hit, such as Britney Spears’ Oops!... I Did It Again. Our favourite musical moment from Lucifer is when the cast perform covers of instantly recognisable hits.

                      What is the best musical moment?

                      The Vampire Diaries (2009 – 2017)

                      What is the show about?

                      Set in the fictional town of Mystic Falls, Virginia, The Vampire Diaries is primarily concerned with the relationship between teenage girl Elena Gilbert and 162-year-old vampire Stefan Salvatore. Over time, viewers get to know several other members of the town and discover that other supernatural beings such as werewolves and witches also exist in Mystic Falls.

                      What genre are the soundtracks?

                      Indie pop is key to The Vampire Diaries because it imbues the television show with emotion. Some of the most memorable songs from the show are Never Say Never by The Fray, Never Let Me Go by Florence + the Machine and Things We Lost in the Fire by Bastille.

                      Suits (2011 – 2019)

                      What is the show about?

                      Suits focuses on the highs and lows of a New York City law firm. For most of the show, the key story arc revolves around Mike Ross, Harvey Specter’s associate who practises law without a degree.

                      What genre are the soundtracks?

                      By and large, Suits relies on a soundtrack of indie, alternative and new wave music. Tracks of this genre – including When They Fight, They Fight by the Generationals, Chapel Song by Augustines and Fitzpleasure by Alt-J – give the show a grounded feel that helps the audience relate to the various characters.

                      Sex and the City (1998 – 2004)

                      What is the show about?

                      Sex and the City follows four inseparable women based in New York City as they navigate their lives dictated by love, sex and femininity.

                      What genre are the soundtracks?

                      To capture the spirit of New York City the Sex and the City producers opted for a jazz and soul soundtrack featuring famous names such as Frank Sinatra, Ella Fitzgerald, Diana Ross and Gloria Gaynor.

                      Stranger Things (2016 – Present)

                      What is the show about?

                      Set during the 80s in the fictional town of Hawkins, Indiana, Stranger Things centres on a young group of friends (and their parents and siblings) as they witness a slew of supernatural events.

                      What genre are the soundtracks?

                      A large proportion of Stranger Things’ success is down to the nostalgia the TV show has been able to create for the 1980s. Thus, it comes as no surprise that the Stranger Things soundtrack is bursting with 80s pop tracks including, but not limited to, Cyndi Lauper’s Time After Time, The Clash’s Should I Stay or Should I Go and The Police’s Every Breath You Take.

                      The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel (2017 – Present)

                      What is the show about?

                      Amazon’s The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel tells the story of a 1950s Jewish-American housewife, based in New York City, who discovers she has a gift for standup comedy. Miriam ‘Midge’ Maisel follows her newfound passion and performs at comedy gigs across the world.

                      What genre are the soundtracks?

                      To help bring the era to life, The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel relies on tracks that were popular during the 1950s. Songs include Dean Martin’s I’d Cry Like A Baby, Ella Fitzgerald's Isn’t This A Lovely Day and Who’s Sorry Now by Connie Francis.

                      What is the best musical moment?

                      Friends (1994 – 2004)

                      What is the show about?

                      Set in Manhattan, Friends follows the lives of six 20-somethings – Rachel, Ross, Joey, Phoebe, Monica and Chandler – who experience major life events together. Filled with laughs and emotions, the show invites its viewers to feel comforted by the presence of these relatable characters.

                      What genre are the soundtracks?

                      The soundtrack to the ten seasons of Friends features  plenty of upbeat pop and rock, perfect for sit-coms. The soundtrack was made up of a variety of original songs sung by Lisa Kudrow’s character Phoebe, world-renowned pop songs such as Cyndi Lauper’s Girls Just Wanna Have Fun and party songs such as Love Machine by The Miracles. Oh, and each soundtrack also includes a version of the iconic theme tune, I’ll Be There For You by The Rembrandts.

                      Empire (2015 – 2020)

                      What is the show about?

                      2010s TV show Empire pivots around a hip hop and R&B music company named Empire Entertainment. The founder of the company, Lucious Lyon, is forced to choose a successor after being informed of his medical condition, but things get complicated when his ex-wife Cookie is released from prison.

                      What genre are the soundtracks?

                      As mentioned above, the show focuses on a hip hop and R&B music company, and throughout the six seasons there are several performances from both the cast of the show and guest performers. Naturally, the Empire soundtracks revolve around the hip hop and R&B genres.

                      What is the best musical moment?

                      Mad Men (2007 – 2015)

                      What is the show about?

                      Mad Men revolves around New York advertising agency Sterling Cooper (later named Sterling Cooper Draper Pryce) – most especially the company’s Creative Director, Donald Draper.

                      What genre are the soundtracks?

                      Mad Men provides viewers with the complete 1950s/60s Americana experience by relying on a soundtrack brimming with songs popular at the time. To reflect the popular genres at the time, the soundtrack consists of songs from the soul, pop and country folk genres, and more.

                      Bridgerton (2020 – Present)

                      What is the show about?

                      Set in England’s Regency era, Bridgerton follows the various members of the titular family and the rest of The Ton. As the individuals search for love and happiness, an anonymous writer named Lady Whistledown unleashes chaos by spreading gossip about the individuals via her newsletters.

                      What genre is the soundtrack?

                      The soundtrack to the first season of Bridgerton takes modern pop songs – including Ariana Grande’s Thank U Next and Taylor Swift’s Wildest Dreams – and turns them into modern orchestral pieces. These classical arrangements complement the 19th century setting of the television show and provide viewers with additional context.

                      Glee (2009 – 2015)

                      What is the show about?

                      Television show Glee tells the story of the William McKinley High School glee club named New Directions. Led by the hopeful teacher Mr Schue, the collective group of singers tackle the high school’s most pressing problems by using music as their weapon.

                      What genre are the soundtracks?

                      Each Glee soundtrack is jam-packed with covers of acclaimed pop, rock and R&B songs. Some of the most admired Glee vocal covers include a rendition of Tina Turner’s River Deep, Mountain High, Lady Gaga’s Poker Face and Jay-Z’s Empire State of Mind.

                      What is the best musical moment?

                      Watchmen (2019)

                      What is the show about?

                      Acting as a sequel of sorts to Alan Moore’s DC Watchmen comic series/graphic novel, HBO’s Watchmen miniseries is fittingly dark, violent and thought-provoking. The show follows detective Angela Abar (AKA Sister Knight) as she discovers the truth behind a white supremacist group called the Seventh Kalvary.

                      What genre is the soundtrack?

                      The Watchmen soundtrack is completely instrumental and, with the exception of an orchestral rendition of David Bowie’s Life on Mars, all of the songs on the album are composed by Trent Reznor and Atticus Ross. The songs on the soundtrack are influenced by the classic and electronic genres, providing the audience with unique sounds that inject an extra element of tension into the superhero series.

                      What is the best musical moment?

                      The Morning Show (2019 – Present)

                      What is the show about?

                      The Morning Show is an Apple TV+ original that aims to create conversation around the issues of the media industry – most especially, within the news realm. The drama series focuses on the stalwart presenter Alex Levy and her new co-host, Bradley Jackson as they put their differences to one side to tackle a greater evil.

                      What genre is the soundtrack?

                      The Morning Show soundtrack uses emotional pop and indie tracks to provoke its listener to consider the themes of the show. Featured songs include Stronger (What Doesn’t Kill You) by Kelly Clarkson, Grounds for Divorce by Elbow and Truth Hurts by Lizzo.

                      Game of Thrones (2011 – 2019)

                      What is the show about?

                      Simply put, Game of Thrones is about nine houses that battle against one another to rule the mythical land of Westeros whilst an army of supernatural beings threatens to end their existence.

                      What genre are the soundtracks?

                      The eight Game of Thrones soundtracks are all composed by German-Iranian talent Ramin Djawadi, and the genre can be categorised as epic orchestral.

                      What is the best musical moment?

                      Cowboy Bebop (1998 – 1999)

                      What is the show about?

                      Cowboy Bebop is a sci-fi anime show set in 2071 that follows a nonchalant bounty hunter and his teammates as they travel in their spaceship named Bebop.

                      What genre is the soundtrack?

                      The Cowboy Bebop soundtrack is a lot of fun. Filled with whimsical jazz and funk compositions, the soundtrack provides the show with an idiosyncratic sense of character that’s redolent of 70s cop shows.

                      American Horror Story (2011 – Present)

                      What is the show about?

                      American Horror Story is a horror-inspired anthology series that tells a different story every season. Thus far, there have been nine seasons and titles have included Murder House, Coven, Cult and Apocolypse.

                      What genre are the soundtracks?

                      Each season of American Horror Story has its own unique rock-inspired soundtrack that’s dictated by the vibe of the story. But one thing that each season has in common is that Charlie Clouser, member of rock band Nine Inch Nails, creates the theme tune.

                      The Handmaid's Tale (2017 – Present)

                      What is the show about?

                      Dystopian series The Handmaid’s Tale takes place in the totalitarian society of Gilead – a country that was once part of the United States – and follows a brave and rebellious handmaid named June as she fights for justice from inside of the system.

                      What genre are the soundtracks? 

                      The music of The Handmaid’s Tale tells the story just as well as the visuals, as the producers are less concerned with the genre of the music and more concerned with the message it conveys. For this reason, the soundtrack to The Handmaid’s Tale features songs from various genres – including alternative, soul and hip hop.

                      Lovecraft Country (2020 – Present)

                      What is the show about?

                      Lovecraft Country is a television series that concurrently explores the occult and the issues of social injustice within a 1950s setting. The main protagonist of the show is Atticus Freeman who goes searching for his missing father alongside his Uncle George and love interest, Letitia.

                      What genre are the soundtracks?

                      The Lovecraft Country soundtrack is filled with old and new hip hop, R&B and soul songs, including Cardi B’s Money, Rihanna’s Bitch Better Have My Money and Nina Simone’s Sinnerman.

                      What is the best musical moment?

                      Westworld (2016 – Present)

                      What is the show about?

                      Westworld pivots around a futuristic amusement park that sees guests live out their fantasies with life-like robots called hosts. During the first season of the show, some of these hosts seemingly gain consciousness; pretty swiftly, all hell breaks loose.

                      What genre are the soundtracks?

                      The Westworld soundtrack features versions of contemporary pop and rock songs that work well within the theme of the amusement park. For example, within the Western section of the amusement park, a country piano take of songs such as Amy Winehouse’s Back to Black and Radiohead’s No Surprises can be heard.

                      Peaky Blinders (2013 – Present)

                      What is the show about?

                      Based on real events, Peaky Blinders is centred around a Birmingham gangster family, led by the formidable Thomas Shelby, just after the First World War.

                      What genre are the soundtracks?

                      Peaky Blinders is a violent, action-driven series that’s married with a rock soundtrack featuring artists such as Joy Division, David Bowie and Arctic Monkeys.

                      Music For Your Television Project

                      If you’re currently working on your own television project and have been inspired by the soundtracks above, you may want to explore our catalogue of production music tracks.

                      Here at Audio Network, we have over 200,000 tracks ready and waiting to be used by you. If you’re looking for a track from a particular genre, we suggest you head on over to our production genre page; if you want to pick your songs based on the emotions they evoke, we recommend exploring out music via  mood/emotion ; or, if you prefer to select your music based on instruments used in the piece, we suggest you check out the variety of  Instrumentation we have available.

                      MUSIC FOR TV

                      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 24/05/2024.

                      BEST TV SHOW SOUNDTRACKS Read More »