One of the most popular questions I’m asked when it comes to making podcasts – “Does it need to have music?”
In a word, ‘no.’
The slightly more involved version of that answer is this. A well-crafted introduction with music, and perhaps clips of what’s coming up in the show, can entice someone to stick with your episode, and establishes the value of it – the ‘what’s in it for them’, right out of the gate.
That being said, I’ve yet to hear someone dissing a podcast due to the fact ‘they couldn’t listen past the opening few seconds once they realised there was no music at all, because theme tunes ARE LIFE, DAMMIT!’
I’ve had to think about this a lot, and here’s what I recommend.
If using music ADDS to the overall quality and appeal, do it. If not, don’t.
It’s honestly not that big of a deal.
You’ve got a very finite period to impress your listener. Use it the best way you can.
If you decide that will include music, there are a couple of things you need to know, in addition.
- Forget using your favourite song
- Make sure you’ve bought the appropriate licenses to use any.
Just recently one of the podcast platforms decided to try and find a way of allowing you to use music in its structure when making a podcast . It’s still in its infancy, and as such, I think, sounds unnatural and clunky, so it’s best left alone.
That’s been the first attempt of its kind to allow that sort of thing. Otherwise the advice is to steer clear altogether of any kind of hit, because technically you need artist permission or to have paid the appropriate fees which I assure you you haven’t, can’t and won’t.
You can still use music though, but you’ll most likely have to buy it from an online directory of some kind and when you do, be careful to make sure you’ve bought the appropriate license for usage with your podcast.
I usually pay around 30 to 50 pounds which allows me to use the music on my podcast and for a theme with clips on social media when I make trailers for the show. I tend to use the music available at Audio Network.
Remember, the right production with a piece of music can reap rewards. In fact, when done brilliantly, it can be the talking point of the entire piece.
For this example, let me delve into the world of Netflix and one of its biggest ever shows – Stranger Things.
It’s the show which has provided a vehicle of resurgence for Kate Bush, using her song Running Up That Hill, to finally produce a number 1 hit from it.
The level of artistry here is absolutely mind blowing and it’ll win awards on its own simply for this musical structure, but listen to how they’ve blended the two (Stranger Things theme and Kate Bush’s song) to deliver maximum impact in the trailer for Volume 2 of Season 4.
John Mellis is a radio and audio professional with over thirty years of experience in those sectors. Today, he operates in a variety of roles as a presenter for Global Media’s Smooth Radio across the UK, a BBC contributor and as a creator and host of multiple podcasts designed to promote the businesses and business owners who commission them. In this weekly Tip Sheet he introduces the concepts and building blocks for designing your own business podcast. You can subscribe to it below, as well as downloading John’s free ebook ‘Pitch Perfect Podcasts’ and sign up for the online course ‘Win Business Podcasting’ which takes you from newbie to nerd at your own pace so you can conceive, record and publish a business podcast of your own. Let’s make great conversation!
Sign up for our weekly Business Podcasting Tip Sheet below.
Got A Podcast Idea And Need Help?- Book A Discovery Call With John