Help me interpret "Promo Music" listing

[kevinmathie]

Hi all,I'm sure you all have read this listing:Quote:UPTEMPO, CONTEMPORARY PROMO MUSIC (:10, :15, :30 versions) -- are needed by an East Coast Music Library/Publisher... He's open to current-sounding tracks that are in line with what is being used for News Programs, MTV, CourtTV, Lifetime -- and everything in between...Hummingbird has a thread on this in Peer to Peer, but I'm still having a hard time grasping what it is that's being called for. When I watched CourtTV and Lifetime, nothing was really standing out to me, which makes me think I'm looking for the wrong thing.Are these designed to be used as background music beds under announcements for upcoming shows, like "...And on the next Saturday Night Solution, watch our team of forensic scientists crack the case of the Killer Babboon -- on the next...Forensic Files!"Or, is it more thematic material that would be used as intros and outros to programs? (Which, I guess is actually more "theme music" than "promo music," isn't it?)Or, am I missing the boat completely?Thanks!Kevin

[mazz]

Kevin,In the spirit of "an example is worth a thousand words" here's my take on promo music:http://www.johnmazzei.com/song/3 Sort of like "on the next episode of......"As contrasted by my take on "theme music":http://www.johnmazzei.com/song/7These were both picked up by my publisher so I'm assuming they feel the same way. Others may have different interpretations but maybe these will offer fodder for discussion.Good luck,Mazz

[kevinmathie]

Hey Mazz,Thanks! Those examples help a lot! I appreciate it.I see (hear) what you mean about the difference between promo music and theme music. I'm not sure I can articulate the difference, but I do recognize it. And, more specifically, the promo music that I'm hearing on CourtTV is starting to pop out to me now that I know what I'm listening for! That's a big learning step. Thank you.Hmmm... Now, I'm on a quest to articulate the difference -- which is my Music Theory mindset taking over and wanting to analyze what's going on.'K... I'm going to try creating my own Promo music this weekend. I may see you all in the Peer to Peer section in the couple of days.

[mazz]

Kevin,I'm going to step out on a limb here and say that generally I've noticed that promo music has talking over it almost the whole time and is generally less melodic (staying out of the way of the voice) while theme music has a bit of a "theme", "hook" or "melody" to it before the talking comes in announcing the show. (I used quotes because those are meant to be very general usages of those words).A lot of promo music these days, particularly under dramatic announcements, is very rhythmic in nature. Pounding drums are very hip right now. Of course, a big "sting" ending is obligatory.Looking forward to hearing your versions!Mazz

[kevinmathie]

Quote:Of course, a big "sting" ending is obligatory.Interesting! I don't think I would have noticed this if you hadn't pointed it out, but I've been listening to an hour of CourtTV, and you're right. In fact, I've noticed that several tracks have stinger-like beginnings like your "Strength In Numbers" cue has. I don't know if "stinger" is the right term, but it's a strong deliberate beginning on the downbeat which starts the rhythmic groove. Sort of a 1-2-3-4, 1-2-3-4...