Why is it so hard to identify Library music?
Why is it so hard to identify Library music?
Library music, also known as production music or stock music, is a specialized form of music that is created specifically for use in film, television, and broadcasting. Unlike commercially released music, library music is not intended for sale to the general public. It serves as a resource for production companies, who can license and use the music in their projects. However, identifying library music and its creators can be a challenging task for several reasons.
The Non-commercial Nature of Library Music
Library music is produced with the primary goal of economic use in media projects, rather than commercial success. It is created by specialist companies that commission composers to produce music tailored to specific concepts, such as drama, comedy, sport, nostalgia, or futuristic themes. This non-commercial nature means that library music does not receive widespread promotion or marketing like commercially released music, making it less visible to the general public.
The Role of Production Companies and Libraries
Library music is distributed and licensed through specialist libraries and production music companies. These companies curate and package the music, making it available to broadcasters, production companies, and other media outlets. The music is often cataloged and organized based on different genres, moods, and usage scenarios, facilitating easy access for potential users. However, the focus of these companies is primarily on providing a diverse and comprehensive library of music, rather than promoting individual composers or artists.
Ease of Use for Production Companies
Production companies find library music appealing due to its convenience and cost-effectiveness. By utilizing library music, they can avoid the time-consuming process of seeking permission from artists and negotiating licensing fees with publishers. Library music is typically licensed under standard rate-card prices based on usage, providing a straightforward and predictable cost structure for production companies. This ease of use makes library music an attractive option for media projects with limited budgets or tight deadlines.
Widespread Usage and Anonymity
Library music is extensively used in various media productions, including cookery shows, news programs, advertisements, and more. Despite its pervasive presence, the audience is often unaware of the music’s origins or the composers behind it. Library music is designed to seamlessly blend into the background, enhancing the visual content without drawing attention to itself. This anonymity serves the purpose of supporting the narrative or atmosphere of the production while maintaining a consistent and cohesive audio experience.
Evolution of the Library Music Industry
The library music industry has evolved alongside advancements in technology and media distribution. In the past, library music was primarily distributed on vinyl records, providing production companies with physical copies of the music. However, with the advent of CDs and the internet, library music transitioned to digital formats, making it more accessible and easily searchable. The digital era has facilitated the growth of online libraries and platforms, expanding the availability and reach of library music to a global audience.
In conclusion, identifying library music and its creators can be challenging due to its non-commercial nature, the role of production companies and libraries, the ease of use for production companies, the widespread usage without audience awareness, and the evolution of the industry. Library music remains a vital resource for media projects, providing composers with opportunities to contribute their work to various productions while maintaining a level of anonymity.
Sources:
- “The What, How and Why of Library Music” – Red Bull Music Academy Daily (https://daily.redbullmusicacademy.com/2019/08/the-what-how-and-why-of-library-music/)
- “Why is it so hard to identify Library music?” – Music Fans Stack Exchange (https://musicfans.stackexchange.com/questions/6529/why-is-it-so-hard-to-identify-library-music)
- “All About Library Music: Part 1” – Sound on Sound (https://www.soundonsound.com/music-business/all-about-library-music-part-1)
FAQs
Why is it so hard to identify Library music?
What is library music?
Library music, also known as production music or stock music, is specifically created for use in film, television, and broadcasting. It is not intended for commercial sale like other types of music.
How is library music produced and distributed?
Library music is produced by specialist companies that commission composers to create music for specific concepts or themes. These companies package and distribute the music to broadcasters, production companies, and other media outlets.
Why do production companies prefer library music?
Production companies find library music appealing because it eliminates the need to seek permission or negotiate prices with artists and publishers. They can license the music at standard rate-card prices based on usage, making it a convenient and cost-effective option.
Why are library music composers and artists often anonymous?
Library music composers and artists frequently remain anonymous because the focus is on providing a diverse catalog of music rather than promoting individual creators. The anonymity of the music allows it to seamlessly blend into media productions without drawing attention to itself.
Is library music widely used in different types of media?
Yes, library music is extensively used in various media productions, including cookery shows, news programs, advertisements, and more. However, the audience is often unaware of the music’s origins or the composers behind it.
How has the library music industry evolved over time?
The library music industry has evolved alongside advancements in technology and media distribution. It has transitioned from vinyl records to digital formats, making it more accessible and easily searchable. Online libraries and platforms have further expanded the availability and reach of library music.
Can library music composers promote their own work?
While library music composers may have personal projects or bands, they often have contractual agreements that prevent them from openly communicating about their work in library music. This can limit their ability to promote themselves as individual artists.
Can library music be licensed by individuals or non-media-related projects?
Library music is primarily targeted at media-related projects such as films, TV shows, and advertisements. Licensing library music for non-media-related projects or individual use may be possible, but it typically requires negotiation and may have different pricing structures.