Music on CSI

[Casey H]

OK, I feel dumb asking this, but can someone tell me a bit about the type of music they use on the show, "CSI"... I never watch it (I'm a Law & Order re-run man)... A music supervisor I know is looking for songs along those lines... Of course, if I've never even seen the show and have songs that are a bit dated, my chances are slim... Casey

[davewalton]

One of my favorite shows and some of my favorite music. "Downtempo Electronica" is the general description. Dark, synthesized music with orchestral elements and modern electronic rhythms and grooves. John Keane composes most of the music but they also license a bunch a tracks each season from a variety of bands. Listen to stuff from Crystal Method, Massive Attack, and Prodigy to get an idea.We're all egomaniacs here, so hopefully everyone will understand as I'm unable to pass up an opportunity to post some "CSI" style music of mine for reference. Davewww.DaveWaltonMusic.com/MyMusic/Stalker.mp3www.DaveWaltonMusic.com/MyMusic/Sleuth.mp3

[mani]

I don't know how this music is properly defined Casey. It is electronic. It's mostly downbeat and repetitive and tends not to have much in the way of melody or structure as far as I can make out. Very modern and slick sounding. I've seen Matto refer to it as 'process music' (ie. when they're doing the forensics montage scenes). I myself have written a few pieces that I think fall into this category but because it's not a 'genre' per se have not really seen TAXI listings looking for this stuff. It's a bit frustrating actually! Anyway, maybe Matto could fill you (and me!) in a bit more on this.Edit: Dave posted his reply while I was writing mine so I'll just add that I don't really think most of the music in this show sounds like the acts he mentioned! They are in the same ballpark alright but to my ears there is something fundamentally different about the approach. (Sorry Dave! )

[davewalton]

Quote:Edit: Dave posted his reply while I was writing mine so I'll just add that I don't really think most of the music in this show sounds like the acts he mentioned! They are in the same ballpark alright but to my ears there is something fundamentally different about the approach. (Sorry Dave! ) Mani is correct... sort of. John Keane's music doesn't sound like the acts I mentioned but CSI licenses music from those acts just to name a few. This person put together a pretty interesting list http://members.aol.com/jrd203/csi-music.htm

[nomiyah]

I've seen quite a few listings for electronica songs with and without vocals.

[nomiyah]

Quote:We're all egomaniacs here, so hopefully everyone will understand as I'm unable to pass up an opportunity to post some "CSI" style music of mine for reference. Davewww.DaveWaltonMusic.com/MyMusic/Stalker.mp3www.DaveWaltonMusic.com/MyMusic/Sleuth.mp3Sounds good Dave. I don't know if it's electronica but it definitely sets a mood.

[matto]

Dave's two link are pretty good examples. I think in general John Keane's stuff has a tad more "strange" elements in it, the kind of stuff that Native Instruments' Reaktor Modular Synth is really known for. John uses that quite extensively. Basically think of Dave's cues, with a sprinkling of the strange craziness of those recent and current Hummer ads mixed in...That's the sound.matto

[Casey H]

Thanks to all who responded, much appreciated! Casey

[Casey H]

Hey Dave I listened to those 2 tracks... Very good stuff... excellent film/TV backing tracks... Casey