Authenticity, Style & Vibe
In terms of composing library music for us, it is always good to ask yourself: “What type of music is missing in this library’s catalogue?”
Before you start writing in a new genre, familiarise yourself with the culture behind it and listen to some of the key artists, but also the not so popular ones. This will give you an overall picture and vibe of the genre. We also suggest being aware of the sub-genres.
A few questions to ask yourself and think about:
- When did the genre first emerge?
- Which countries did it originate?
- What are the demographics of the audience?
- Where is it mostly played?
- Who are the key players?
- How is the sound produced and with what instruments?
- How do they get that sound?
- How can I make that sound?
Everyone has certain genres that click most with their talent and skills. If you have an ear for something – trust it! But also, don’t be afraid to take inspiration from other sources – the goal is to produce consistently good and vibey pieces, however you get there.
When considering composing in other genres, make sure you investigate the roots of the genre, rather than simply the artists who have commercialised it. For example: When studying hip hop, you could listen to Dr Dre’s song ‘Natural Born Killaz’ or Will Smith’s ‘Gettin Jiggy With It.’ Both are of good quality, but in terms of culture and authenticity, you would be closer to home focusing on Dr Dre. Unless of course, it was for a teeny hip-hop pop album.
