Since day one, Audio Network has built a rich catalogue of music that covers every genre, mood, and moment - from sweeping orchestral pieces to unforgettable hits.
To celebrate this journey, our founder Andrew Sunnucks has curated a special Founder's Favourites playlist, selecting tracks that hold unique stories and memories for him.
Here, Andrew shares the stories behind these standout tracks - from iconic studio sessions to surprising moments of inspiration...
Asking me to compile a list of my favourite Audio Network tracks is like asking a parent to choose between children. Most of our output over the past 25 years has been written by my friends.
I decided, the only hope was to list tracks which have a story worth telling, and so that is what I decided to do, and these are the stories.
Whistling Willie
I have fond memories of recording this with the strings of the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra. Ray Davies was a genius at vintage string writing because he’d played with all the greats from the era. He conducted one rehearsal take of this, threw the score over his shoulder and said, “move on, that’s the best you’re going to get out of this lot”.
Mars
This was one of the first large orchestral tracks we did. I asked Terry and Nick to build the track in clear sections from the slow legato strings and harp through to the big finale with choir, percussion and full orchestra. It was an immediate hit when we released it and still sounds great nearly 17 years after we recorded it.
Sideways Like a Crab
This track has become really quite legendary and even has its own Facebook page where editors discuss where they’ve used it – it might even have been a bit over-used at one point! I saw the whistler perform with the Ukulele Orchestra of Great Britain (yes, really) and booked him for the session and the track led to a series of crustacean themed titles. See Lobster Tureen!
Book Of Secrets
Both of the composers on this track, David O’Brien and Chris Egan are old friends of ours and both work in very different areas of composition. It was lovely to bring them together to collaborate on this and I think the results speak for themselves.
The Sundance Singers
One of the very early sessions for Audio Network in about 2002. All the parts are sung by just 2 singers, Ben Parry and Joanna Forbes who were both in the Swingle Singers. The idea arose from some jingles Paul Mottram and I did for the Steve Wright in the Afternoon show on Radio 1 back in 1990. We continue to work together 35 years on.
Bosque Renewed
We very occasionally re-record earlier works to bring them up to date. This track was popular, I think partly because of its quirky 5/8 metre which keeps the listener on edge, but the original version had sampled instruments – and our rule is to do everything for real, so we did! The piano part is very tricky and it was a challenging session, but it remains an intriguing track.
Sturm und Drang
As I remember it, Paul wrote this partly inspired by Vivaldi’s storms sections in Four Seasons. I remember the session well because it was one of our earlier Abbey Road sessions with the RPO and the fire alarm went off and we all had to wait in the car park. Stressful when we had a lot to record.
The Flag
Written by Oliver Ledbury, this was to replicate an American fanfare/remembrance scene. I remember thinking how well Oliver had interpreted and executed the brief.
Hidden Past
No list of mine would be complete without a few Terry Devine-King tracks. Terry is a very old friend and we’ve worked together since 1990. He can turn his hand to a huge variety of styles and remains one of the company’s most popular composers. There’s something about this track’s melody which I think is just about perfect.
Lambeth Lady
John Etheridge played guitar with Stephane Grappelli so there really is no one better to get to do a Hot Club project. We recorded this in a tiny studio in Leytonstone, East London with the amazing Chris Garrick on violin.
Gimme That Swing
A few years’ ago there was a huge craze for Electro Swing and this was one of the tracks we did with Bob Bradley, Steve Dymond and singer Cissie Redgwick. I loved the style which combines vintage swing with an electro edge.
Lobster Tureen
We had a phase of naming tracks after crustations! Don’t ask me why, but after the success of Sideways Like a Crab, we had Prawn in the USA, Prawn to be Wild and this one, Lobster Tureen. You have to understand that we have to come up with a lot of titles so we should be forgiven for sometimes exploring unlikely themes! Recording with Igor is always hilarious, with frequent mandatory stops for Vodka.
Gingerbread Shoes
I have only ever known two people who totally understand how to do the classic Hollywood 1950s sound. Ray Davies and Andrew Cottee. We recorded this in Abbey Road and the players loved recording it because the arrangements are perfect, easy to play and all ‘fell under the fingers’, which is the ultimate compliment a player can give to an orchestrator or composer.
Cheeky Swing
Dave Bishop (Bish), Bob Bradley, Adam Dennis and Chris Egan are all old friends and this project came about to showcase the talents and adaptability of all of them. Somehow the performances all sound so fresh it reminds me of the fun we had on the sessions. I am particularly proud of the way Audio Network brings people together, creates new friendships and collaborations which makes music that none of them would have done individually.
Speed Kills
This is a newer recording than most on my list. The Flight have a way of creating their own electronic palettes and not relying on simple ‘out of the box’ sounds that everyone else uses. Their music always sounds different as a result and it is a good reminder not to be lazy, but to work on every sound and make your own.
Swing That Shoe
I did this track with Terry before Audio Network even started. We did it in about 1998 in my and Terry’s old studio in Wardour Street, London. I think we must’ve re-recorded it for Audio Network, because I remember Chris Blackwell played the back of a chair for the drums and it doesn’t sound like that any more! Steve Sidwell is on trumpet.
For Our Time
Another example of Terry’s ability to write a great tune. I had discussed with Terry the need to find new and interesting sounds to combine with piano to create memorable textures and timbres. Terry responded by using a harp, dulcimer and woodwind which he weaves into the tune. We recorded it on a boiling day at Abbey Road and the air conditioning broke down.
Don’t Stop
I love the vibrancy and life in this track. Bob Bradley is brilliant at making music really vibe and his collaboration with Little Violet was a masterclass in arranging for a classic instrumental line-up and giving it a really contemporary groove.
Numb
This was a really early Audio Network track and the first project I did with Bob Bradley in 2004. At that time Bob’s use of a muted trumpet with drum loops was really ground breaking.
Riverside Jaunt
I included this track because it was so well used in the late 2000s and I thought there’d be lots of people who’d enjoy a bit of nostalgia. Tim Garland plays the clarinet brilliantly on it – but told us he wasn’t a clarinet player! I beg to differ.
Each of these tracks carries a unique story, born from exceptional collaborations and moments of creative inspiration. They embody the heart of Audio Network - music made with passion, precision, and purpose.
And beyond their stories, they’re perfectly crafted for content - delivering authenticity, emotion, and impact to bring any brief to life.
Explore The Founders Favourites playlist today.
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!
