Jingle, Musical Themes and Slogan Writing
There aren’t that many musicians around who deeply understand the world of marketing, and what needs to conveyed in a jingle. I’ve got 2 degrees in marketing, and have done this work for many years. While jingles are less common today than in the past, mainly because radio has largely been overtaken by the internet, jingles can be used online too.
Jingles add a musical element to an add that helps a person’s brain remember it. It will make your name, brand and message more familiar, and help to rapidly increase trust.
The trick is to get an original message, and simple, catchy tune. You hear “Pop pop fizz fizz, oh what a relief it is” and next thing you know you have heartburn and you need the Alka Seltzer.
But there’s more than jingles today. Think of all the podcasts, YouTube ads, video games and streaming services that use musical ads or themes. As a Calgary songwriter, I’m happy to see my music go around the world!
Music for Film, Television, Video, and other Content – Composing, Scoring, Performing
Although I am a Calgary Songwriter, I have an IMDB profile for custom songwriting and film scoring. This work has included composing original music, performing it, recording it and ensuring the length/timing fits precisely with the actors and action of what’s on screen.
This year I also began custom songwriting with a publisher who has asked me to write a series of songs to help French-speaking children learn English vocabulary. They love the songs….and as a Calgary Songwriter, I love the thought of young kids in Quebec singing my funny little tunes in class. I’m hoping one day to go down to those Quebec schools and sing them with the kids. Too fun.
The Custom Songwriting Process
This is so I can understand your needs, i.e. what kind of song and time frame you’re working with, what level of style/production is needed, and what file formats you need (e.g. do you need a karaoke version without vocals, a record, a fully produced CD and jacket with lyrics?).
I’ll provide a proposal – it may include writing only, and/or performing and recording, depending on your needs. Fees will depend on workload, turnaround, etc., and whether all the performance rights go to you, or not, (e.g. I may want to put the song on a future album of mine, if that’s allowable.). Typically, song commissions start around $2000 (small, personal project, minimal production). But if you’re on a tight budget, and have a GREAT story, I may want to write the song anyway…so we could likely make a deal. I’m a little less flexible on price when a song is for commercial purposes – but I do love doing these projects. I usually ask for a 50% deposit to begin.
Then we have a deeper discussion session. This is to hear your personal or business story and what your song or jingle should convey. Could be by phone, Zoom in person – e.g. if it’s for your grandma, I might like to meet her and record her story. If it’s for a business, I’ll check out your brand, marketing message, and what you’re intending to use the jingle for. I am a Calgary Songwriter, so if you’re based here, I’d love to meet in person.
Then I’ll provide a concept outline – the “hook” concept, structure, and perhaps a melody option or two. We’ll discuss any adjustments needed.
Then I’ll flesh out the rest of the song, and record a full rough draft. I may perform this with vocals/piano or vocals/guitar, or no vocals, depending on your needs. I also might add harmonica and percussion, if appropriate.
Once the full rough lyrics/melody are approved, we go to recording. If you’d like me to sing it, I’ll do that – or, I can get other singers/performers I work with (there are lots of good ones in Nashville). If you’re getting a jacket design, this will also be done by my team.
You’ll get your song! This may be digital files sent using a Dropbox, or it could be burned to CD or vinyl.The whole songwriting and recording process take 4 – 6 weeks, so if you’ve got an idea, contact me sooner than later.
My intent is that you’re completely delighted with your song, jingle or musical tracks, whatever the purpose. If its something I can’t do, or can’t do well, I’ll simply refer you to someone who can. So don’t be shy to ask!
