Commercial music, also known as advertising music or background music, is a type of music that is used in various forms of media such as television, radio, movies, and advertisements. This type of music is specifically designed to enhance the atmosphere and mood of a scene or commercial, and it often plays a crucial role in the success of a marketing campaign. From upbeat pop tunes to smooth jazz melodies, commercial music spans a wide range of genres and styles. In this article, we will explore the world of commercial music and delve into the different types of music that are commonly used in advertising and media.

Understanding Commercial Music

Definition of Commercial Music

Commercial music refers to music that is produced and sold for commercial purposes, such as advertising, film, television, and video games. It is designed to appeal to a broad audience and can include a wide range of genres, styles, and sounds.

Commercial music is typically produced by professional songwriters, composers, and musicians who work with music producers, advertising agencies, and media companies to create music that meets the specific needs of their clients. This type of music is often used to create a certain mood or atmosphere, to evoke emotions, or to enhance the overall impact of a visual medium.

In the world of advertising, commercial music is used to promote products and services, to create brand identity, and to enhance the overall effectiveness of an advertising campaign. In film and television, commercial music is used to set the tone and mood of a scene, to enhance the emotional impact of a scene, or to create a sense of tension or suspense. In video games, commercial music is used to create an immersive gaming experience and to enhance the overall impact of the game.

Overall, commercial music plays a vital role in the world of advertising and media, helping to create a more engaging and memorable experience for audiences around the world.

Characteristics of Commercial Music

Commercial music, also known as “advertising music” or “background music,” is specifically composed for use in advertisements, media, and other commercial contexts. This type of music has several key characteristics that make it effective for its intended purpose.

One of the primary characteristics of commercial music is its ability to evoke specific emotions and moods in listeners. This is achieved through the use of catchy melodies, simple structures, and familiar chord progressions, which are designed to grab the audience’s attention and create a memorable experience.

Another important characteristic of commercial music is its versatility. This type of music can be adapted to fit a wide range of contexts and purposes, from upbeat and energetic tracks for product launches to calm and soothing melodies for background music in restaurants and stores.

In addition, commercial music often incorporates a wide range of instrumentation and musical styles, allowing it to appeal to a broad audience. This can include elements of pop, rock, electronic, and hip-hop music, among others.

Finally, commercial music is typically designed to be easily memorable and catchy, with repetitive hooks and melodies that stick in the listener’s mind. This helps to create a lasting impression and increases the likelihood that the audience will remember the product or message being advertised.

Overall, the characteristics of commercial music make it an effective tool for advertisers and media professionals looking to create memorable and impactful content.

Examples of Commercial Music

Jingles

Jingles are short, catchy melodies or tunes that are used in commercials to promote a product or service. They are often played repeatedly and are designed to be memorable, so that the audience can easily recall the brand or company being advertised. Jingles are often composed specifically for a commercial campaign and are usually written to fit the brand’s image or message.

Background Music

Background music is used in commercials, movies, and video games to create a certain mood or atmosphere. It is usually played at a low volume to ensure that it does not distract from the main message or action on screen. Background music can be anything from classical music to pop music, and is often chosen to complement the visuals or enhance the emotional impact of a scene.

Soundtracks

Soundtracks are musical compositions that are used in movies, TV shows, and video games to accompany the action on screen. They are often composed specifically for the project and are designed to evoke certain emotions or moods. Soundtracks can range from classical music to rock, hip-hop, or electronic music, and are often used to create a sense of drama or tension.

Theme Songs

Theme songs are musical compositions that are used as the opening or closing credits of a TV show, movie, or video game. They are often designed to be memorable and iconic, and are used to set the tone for the project. Theme songs can be anything from jazz to rock, and are often composed specifically for the project. They are an important part of the overall branding and marketing of a TV show, movie, or video game.

The Most Common Types of Commercial Music

Pop Music

Pop music is a beloved genre of commercial music that has gained immense popularity worldwide. The genre is known for its catchy melodies, simple structures, and the extensive use of electronic instruments. Pop music is a versatile genre that can be easily adapted to fit any commercial or media context.

One of the key features of pop music is its catchy melodies. These melodies are often repetitive and easy to remember, making them perfect for commercials, TV shows, and movies. The simplicity of the structures in pop music also makes it easy to incorporate into different types of media.

Pop music’s use of electronic instruments has played a significant role in its popularity. The genre’s use of synthesizers, drum machines, and other electronic instruments has allowed it to keep up with the latest technology trends. This has made it a popular choice for commercials and media that require a modern and upbeat sound.

Another reason why pop music is so popular in commercials and media is its ability to evoke emotions. Pop music has the power to make people feel happy, sad, or nostalgic, depending on the lyrics and melody. This makes it an excellent choice for commercials that want to create a specific emotional response in their audience.

In conclusion, pop music is a versatile and popular genre of commercial music that is widely used in commercials, TV shows, and movies. Its catchy melodies, simple structures, and use of electronic instruments make it an excellent choice for creating an upbeat and energetic atmosphere.

Rock Music

Rock music is a genre of commercial music that is known for its heavy use of electric guitars, drums, and bass. This genre of music is often used in commercials and movies to convey a sense of rebellion, edginess, or adventure.

Some of the most popular subgenres of rock music that are commonly used in advertising and media include:

• Classic Rock: This subgenre of rock music is characterized by its use of electric guitars, bass, and drums. Classic rock is often used in commercials to evoke a sense of nostalgia and to convey a sense of timelessness.
• Alternative Rock: Alternative rock is a subgenre of rock music that emerged in the 1980s and 1990s. This subgenre is characterized by its use of distorted electric guitars, bass, and drums. Alternative rock is often used in commercials to convey a sense of rebellion and to appeal to a younger audience.
• Heavy Metal: Heavy metal is a subgenre of rock music that is characterized by its use of distorted electric guitars, bass, and drums. Heavy metal is often used in commercials to convey a sense of power and strength.

Overall, rock music is a versatile genre of commercial music that can be used to convey a wide range of emotions and themes in advertising and media.

Electronic Music

Electronic music is a genre of commercial music that is produced entirely or partly with electronic equipment, such as synthesizers, drum machines, and computers. It is a broad range of percussive electronic instruments created largely for nightclubs, festivals, and festivals.

Subgenres of Electronic Music

Electronic music has many subgenres, including:

• Techno: characterized by a repetitive, often hypnotic beat and a focus on technology and machines.
• House: a genre of electronic dance music that originated in Chicago in the 1980s, characterized by a 4/4 beat and a emphasis on melody and harmony.
• Trance: a genre of electronic dance music that originated in Europe in the 1990s, characterized by a repetitive, often hypnotic beat and a focus on melody and atmosphere.
• Dubstep: a genre of electronic dance music that originated in the UK in the late 1990s, characterized by a deep, wobbly bass and a focus on the low end of the frequency spectrum.

Uses of Electronic Music in Advertising and Media

Electronic music is commonly used in video games, commercials, and movie soundtracks to create a futuristic or high-tech atmosphere. Its unique sounds and rhythms can evoke a sense of technology, innovation, and energy, making it a popular choice for advertisers and media producers looking to create a cutting-edge image. Additionally, electronic music’s ability to create a sense of movement and momentum makes it well-suited for action scenes and sports events.

Jazz Music

Jazz music is a genre of commercial music that originated in the African-American communities of the southern United States. It is characterized by its improvisational nature, syncopated rhythms, and use of brass and woodwind instruments.

One of the main reasons why jazz music is commonly used in commercials and movies is to create a sophisticated or elegant atmosphere. Its complex harmonies and melodies give it a sense of class and refinement that is often associated with high-end products and services.

In addition to its use in commercials, jazz music is also commonly used in the background of news programs and documentaries. This is because it conveys a sense of importance and authority, which is often associated with serious and informative content.

However, it’s important to note that not all jazz music is created equal when it comes to commercial use. In fact, some types of jazz music are more effective than others when it comes to capturing the attention of consumers. For example, upbeat and energetic jazz music is often used to promote fast-paced and exciting products, while smooth and mellow jazz music is often used to promote relaxing and calming products.

Overall, jazz music is a versatile genre of commercial music that can be used in a variety of contexts to convey different emotions and messages. Whether it’s used to create a sophisticated atmosphere or to convey a sense of importance and authority, jazz music is a popular choice for advertisers and media professionals alike.

The Importance of Music in Advertising

The Psychology of Music in Advertising

Emotional Responses to Music

Music has the power to elicit strong emotional responses from consumers. Studies have shown that music can trigger feelings of happiness, sadness, nostalgia, and even fear. By tapping into these emotions, advertisers can create a more memorable and impactful advertisement.

Memory Retention

Music has a unique ability to stick in the mind of consumers. Advertisers often use catchy jingles or well-known songs to ensure that their message is remembered long after the advertisement has ended. This can lead to increased brand recognition and a greater likelihood of repeat business.

Brand Association

The type of music chosen for an advertisement can also communicate certain values and associations with a brand or product. For example, a luxury car brand may choose to use classical music in their advertisements to evoke a sense of sophistication and exclusivity. On the other hand, a fast-food chain may use upbeat pop music to create a feeling of fun and excitement. By making these deliberate choices, advertisers can shape the way consumers perceive their brand.

The Effectiveness of Music in Advertising

Studies have shown that music can significantly increase the effectiveness of an advertisement. By up to 40%, music can help create a memorable and engaging experience for the viewer, making them more likely to remember the brand or product being advertised. Here are some reasons why music is so effective in advertising:

• Emotional Connection: Music has the power to evoke emotions in people. By selecting the right type of music, advertisers can create an emotional connection with the audience, which can increase the likelihood of them buying the product or service being advertised.
• Memory Retention: Music is a powerful tool for memory retention. When a catchy tune or jingle is used in an advertisement, it can stay in the viewer’s mind long after they have seen the ad. This can lead to increased brand recognition and recall, making it more likely that the viewer will consider the product or service when they need it.
• Brand Image: Music can help to shape the image of a brand. By selecting the right type of music, advertisers can create a specific image for their brand. For example, a luxury car brand might use classical music to create an image of sophistication and elegance.
• Attention-Grabbing: Music can help to grab the viewer’s attention. When an advertisement is played with music, it can be more engaging and attention-grabbing than an advertisement without music. This can increase the chances of the viewer paying attention to the advertisement and its message.

Overall, the effectiveness of music in advertising cannot be overstated. It can help to create a memorable and engaging experience for the viewer, increase emotional connection, memory retention, brand image, and attention-grabbing. All of these factors can lead to increased sales and brand recognition for the advertiser.

FAQs

1. What is commercial music?

Commercial music refers to music that is created for the purpose of advertising, promoting, or enhancing a product, service, or brand. It is used in various forms of media, including television, movies, commercials, and video games. Commercial music can take many different forms, from catchy jingles to full-length songs.

2. What are some examples of commercial music?

There are many examples of commercial music, including popular songs that are used in commercials, such as “I Will Always Love You” by Whitney Houston, “Happy” by Pharrell Williams, and “Just Dance” by Lady Gaga. There are also jingles, which are short, catchy melodies that are used to promote a brand or product, such as the M&M’s jingle or the McDonald’s “I’m Lovin’ It” theme. Additionally, original music is often composed specifically for commercials or media projects.

3. How is commercial music different from other types of music?

Commercial music is different from other types of music in that it is created specifically for commercial purposes. While other types of music may be created for artistic or personal expression, commercial music is designed to promote a product or brand. This means that commercial music often follows specific guidelines and requirements, such as being catchy and memorable, and fitting within a specific time frame. Additionally, commercial music may be adapted or modified to fit the needs of a particular commercial or media project.

4. Who creates commercial music?

Commercial music can be created by a variety of professionals, including songwriters, composers, and music producers. Many commercial music projects involve a team of professionals working together to create the final product. In some cases, a commercial music company or agency may be hired to create a specific piece of music for a commercial or media project.

5. How is commercial music used in advertising?

Commercial music is used in advertising to create an emotional connection with the audience and to enhance the overall message of the advertisement. Music can be used to create a specific mood or atmosphere, to highlight certain products or features, or to make the advertisement more memorable. In many cases, commercial music is used in conjunction with visual elements, such as images or video footage, to create a cohesive and impactful advertisement.

Commercial type music