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DIY "Spend Rock"
Kickin' out the corporate jams. Somebody's gotta do it ...
The other day, a fellow from the Detroit branch of an MI/NYC advertising firm sent me (and a number of my local songwriter cronies) an e-mail soliciting us to write original music for use in commercials. Is it a good deal? I wouldn't know. Like most musicians, I don't think about the business end much. When any kind of licensing deal comes my way I generally just take the money. And it doesn't happen very often so, fuck it, let's go cash the check.
Though I'm sure we've all fantasized about writing for commercials (mostly about the "getting paid" part) I've never really thought about what it would entail to write music solely for the purpose of hocking junk on TV and radio. In order to spell out for us burgeoning capitalists exactly what they're looking for, the firm e-mailed a memo full of helpful hints, key words, themes and phrases they'd like to see.
It starts out predictably enough, then gets weird. But mostly it's hilarious. Here are the "hints" in their unexpurgated glory:
Songs for Commercials
Below are some lyrical categories, concept, styles and key words to focus on.
Energy – High energy, fun, upbeat, driving, exciting, catchy
Anthemic – U2 is a great example of this. Agencies always want to use their songs because they are so powerful. Also "Bittersweet Symphony" by The Verve is used quite often as a model. Songs with great instrumental builds like "Clocks" by Coldplay.
Best – "being the best," "better than everyone else," "#1," "amazing," "fantastic," "special," "extraordinary," "perfect."
Happy & Fun – "feeling good," "good times," "partying," "being happy," "having the time of your life."
Though I'm sure we've all fantasized about writing for commercials (mostly about the "getting paid" part) I've never really thought about what it would entail to write music solely for the purpose of hocking junk on TV and radio. In order to spell out for us burgeoning capitalists exactly what they're looking for, the firm e-mailed a memo full of helpful hints, key words, themes and phrases they'd like to see.
It starts out predictably enough, then gets weird. But mostly it's hilarious. Here are the "hints" in their unexpurgated glory:
Songs for Commercials
Below are some lyrical categories, concept, styles and key words to focus on.
Energy – High energy, fun, upbeat, driving, exciting, catchy
Anthemic – U2 is a great example of this. Agencies always want to use their songs because they are so powerful. Also "Bittersweet Symphony" by The Verve is used quite often as a model. Songs with great instrumental builds like "Clocks" by Coldplay.
Best – "being the best," "better than everyone else," "#1," "amazing," "fantastic," "special," "extraordinary," "perfect."
Happy & Fun – "feeling good," "good times," "partying," "being happy," "having the time of your life."
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