What kinds of songs work best for music licensing?

[DesireInspires]

This is a question I am sure many of you ask on a regular basis. After browsing, searching, observing, and struggling, I have found some answers for instrumental cues.

INSTRUMENTALS:
*ELECTRONICA – EDM or TECHNO – super high energy/upbeat – CLUB/DANCE
*POP ELECTRONICA – Uptempo, high-energy
*POP ELECTRONICA – Inspirational, Synthy
*LATIN - Traditional/Miami-Cuban style, Salsa, Merengue, Bachata, etc.
*QUIRKIES/DRAMEDY – Pizzicato strings, Marimbas – funny, cute, sneaky
*ORCHESTRAL/ELECTRONICA hybrids - tension/trailer type music for reality tv
*ORCHESTRAL – Anticipation, pensive, drones, didgeridoo – but not terroristic.
*ORCHESTRAL/POP - Inspirational, Emotional, big swells
*URBAN/TRAP/DIRTY SOUTH – upbeat, Party, Anthemic
*URBAN/ELECTRONICA/CLUB/DANCE – upbeat, Party, Anthemic, Fashion
*URBAN/ORCHESTRAL hybrids – Tension - all tempos
*URBAN POP R&B/DANCE – uptempo only
*URBAN 60’s/70’s FUNK/R&B or DISCO
*NOVELTY/GEO – MARIACHI/Traditional Mexican music, PRE-1980’s instrumentals, but non-Renaissance period, Circus music, Silent movie music, etc.
*PUNK ROCK – super fast/upbeat
*CINEMATIC – MINIMALISM - not too big, too fast or too orchestral/cinematic


Take notes and write to your strengths!