IN CONVERSATION WITH CRAIG EDMONDSON

As podcasts continue to evolve and compete with film and television, music has become essential in creating truly immersive storytelling.

We spoke with freelance sound designer Craig Edmondson about how he uses music to shape tone, build tension, and craft cinematic listening experiences.

From true crime to comedy, Craig shares insight into the careful curation behind every scene - and why the right track can make all the difference.

Podcasts are becoming more cinematic in their storytelling, often drawing from TV production techniques. Why do you think music is so essential in creating that immersive, TV-like experience for listeners?

For me, music is just as crucial as the narration itself; it sets the entire tone of the series. We're so accustomed to hearing high-quality music nowadays that anything below that standard stands out immediately.

Choosing the wrong track for a scene can completely alter its mood, so I invest a lot of time curating a library of music for each series I work on.

In your work with The Pitcairn Trials, what role does music play in shaping the mood and emotional arc of an episode? Are there specific examples where music has really elevated the content?

Music elevates every scene, whether it’s a subtle drone building tension or a grand cinematic score, every moment matters.

A friend of mine in the industry recently listened to The Pitcairn Trials and thought the music was composed specifically for it. That feedback tells me I’ve succeeded in choosing the perfect music to complement the series. Everything feels cohesive, even the lighter scenes, maintaining a seamless connection to the overall tone.

When sourcing music for podcasts, what key factors do you consider to ensure the track compliments the story and resonates with the target audience?

The first thing I do is try to get access to the scripts as early as possible, usually long before the narration is recorded so I can really understand the story.

I work across a wide range of genres, from true crime to children’s stories to comedy. It’s incredibly helpful to have a conversation with the team behind the podcast to get a sense of the tone and understand if they have any specific expectations or ideas.

I can spend a long time searching for the perfect track for a particular scene, but when I finally find the right one, it always feels rewarding knowing the time and effort was worth it.

What are the key music trends you're seeing in podcasting right now?

As you mentioned, podcasts are now competing with film and TV in many ways, and listeners have high expectations.

With so many options available, if they’re not hooked right away, they’ll quickly move on. My job is to capture their attention from the start and keep them engaged throughout.

The podcasting landscape is constantly evolving. What do you think are the most significant challenges and opportunities facing the podcast industry right now, particularly for producers looking to stand out in an increasingly crowded market?

The biggest threat is likely AI. While it's still bubbling in the background, it certainly feels like it's creeping closer to our jobs. That said, I believe people still crave a human touch, something with heart that knows how to connect with emotions. So, maybe AI still has some way to go before it can truly replace that.

Opportunities will always exist; the industry is generally a great place to be, and it's a rewarding job. There are a lot of talented producers out there, all vying for the same opportunities. But I think the key is to keep going, build connections, create great audio, and of course, use fantastic music!