subject: Music and Sound Effects - An Audio Smorgasbord branding [print this page] Music and Sound Effects - An Audio Smorgasbord branding
Many podcasts have introductory music, music that heralds segments, music beds underneath segments, and closing or outro music. Often, the music selected will be based upon a theme and vary throughout the podcast. This is known as theme and variation.For instance, the intro music, which is also the music that is most associated with your podcast, is the main theme that the remaining music revolves around. The outro music should nearly mirror the intro music with a more subdued variation, finishing with a cadence or fading out to end the show.Sound effects can be interspersed throughout the show while you are speaking, or can be nestled into the musical theme and variations. When selecting sound effects, make sure that they are appropriate to your show and are used sporadically to compliment your podcast.There are a few options for acquiring music and sound effects. You can purchase royalty-free music and sound effects, hire a composer to create custom work for your podcast, or compose your own music.
Voice Imaging - Voice-over for Your Podcast.To give your podcast a leg up and some major audio impact, consider hiring a professional voice-over talent to provide imaging for your podcast. Imaging packages can include podcast introductions, segment announcements, and full music production as well as sound effects. Employing the talents of a professional imaging voice talent will complete the branding of your show, giving your audience a consistent voice that they associate with your podcast and listen for each week.When selecting a voice for the introduction and additional imaging, aim to choose a voice that is complimentary to the voice of the host. Sometimes it is effective to have an imaging voice of the opposite gender introducing the show and the host. Entertainment and corporate podcasts will use this tactic to separate segments and to build brand recognition as well as define the voice of their company or organization. The imaging voice should be in line with the podcast theme and audience.A good example of a complimentary imaging voice to both the show and host is the IV Podcast imaging voice talent. His voice, just like the podcast and company, is friendly, clear, confident, genuine, and crisp. A male voice was selected purposefully to compliment the voice of the female host and her voice type. With that said, many listeners do appreciate hearing the voices of everyday people. Don't be discouraged that you may not have a "radio voice". With good content and a clear message, you will connect with your audience.
Summary - Key Points About Branding.In this chapter, we talked about how important it is to make your podcast stand out by branding all aspects of your show. Refer back to this branding guide to as you progress in your podcast planning. When inspiration strikes, have a good brainstorm and jot down as many ideas about your podcast vision as possible and use the results to brand your podcast.
