Sync Songwriting Demystified: Crafting Music for Screen
You might have crafted a captivating tune, but its suitability for synchronisation could be another story. It's a common scenario. Many songwriters tend to overlook how their music can be woven into someone else's narrative. Often, they're fixated on conveying their own tales, mirroring songs they admire, or aiming to resonate with their dedicated listeners. While this is perfectly valid, it might not necessarily align with the requirements of synchronization. To shed light on this aspect, here are some valuable tips to help you create songs that possess universal appeal and seamlessly fit synchronisation opportunities.
Elevating Your Songwriting for Synchronisation: Supporting the Storyline
If you're aiming to have your music resonate within synchronised contexts, it's crucial to grasp that these songs are designed to amplify narratives, not lead them. For instance, during an emotional scene depicting loss, you won't hear a song explicitly discussing death. Instead, music supervisors seek compositions that capture the essence of emotions tied to such experiences, as the focal point is the journey of those affected. Even in advertising, where messages are often direct, music's role is to enhance the visuals or voiceovers. A song laser-focused on a specific product might not be the ideal choice for an advertisement showcasing that product.
Crafting Universality
When crafting a song intended for integration into a storyline, it's wise to avoid hyper-specific details. This applies broadly to songwriting but becomes particularly important in the realm of synchronization. If the objective is to forge a connection with listeners, your lyrics should carry a sense of relatability. Consider the phrase "Cherishing my moments with Emily." While this might immerse listeners in your connection with Emily, its universal resonance could be limited. On the other hand, "Cherishing my moments" starts to broaden the scope, even though it still emphasizes personal experiences. Shifting to "Bringing joy to my life" introduces a gender-neutral aspect while expanding the context beyond romance. This sentiment could apply to anyone—a friend, a family member, or even a beloved pet. Yet the most versatile phrasing is "Bringing joy to me," which adapts to various scenarios like romantic sequences, commercials, and more. This example underscores how specific details might restrict a song's relatability for both listeners and music supervisors.
Maintaining Clean Content
While explicit content is more prevalent these days, its presence can hinder synchronisation possibilities, especially in advertising or network television. Profanity isn't limited to explicit language—it can manifest in various offensive expressions that don't rely on specific words. If your song includes minor profanity in certain lines, you could consider creating a sanitized version suitable for television use. This usually involves muting vocals during the offensive word or replacing it with a more appropriate term. However, this approach is worth exploring only if your song maintains a generally inoffensive tone. Alternatively, if your song contains explicit content, it might be more prudent to retain its original form and target platforms that accommodate such content, such as film, cable TV, and streaming services.
Embracing Authenticity
Attempting to portray a persona that doesn't align with your true self isn't recommended. Instead, leverage your unique voice and identity to your advantage. While synchronization trends exist, authenticity tends to resonate even more with music supervisors than imitation. If the suggestions mentioned earlier don't align with your creative style, don't hesitate to disregard them and create a song that holds personal significance for you. Seek opportunities where your story complements a production's themes. Share your song with the music supervisor of a show that inspired you, explaining how it mirrors your own experiences. Your thoughtfulness will be appreciated, and if your song truly strikes a chord, you might see it featured in your favorite show, accompanied by a satisfying sense of accomplishment.
In Conclusion…
Remember that you're not on this journey alone. The world of song synchronization offers myriad opportunities for your music to shine. By understanding the dynamics of narrative support, crafting universally relatable lyrics, maintaining a clean tone, and embracing your authenticity, you're equipping yourself to navigate this intricate landscape successfully. It's about creating an emotional connection that resonates with both listeners and the visual context of various media platforms. Your music holds the power to amplify the stories being told, making a lasting impact in the realm of synchronisation.
In your journey to create music that resonates on screen, don't forget the power of continuous growth. Consider honing your skills further through our immersive songwriting and production workshops. Whether you're a seasoned songwriter or just starting, our workshops provide valuable insights, hands-on experience, and a supportive community to help you thrive in the world of music creation.
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