The Music & Sound Focus

From music video maestros and the commissioners who find them, to composers and audio engineers who love to delight our ears, take a deep dive into the world of sound.

Insight

Commission control; how promo commissioners see the music video world

Last year our contributing editor (and sometime commissioner), David Knight, spoke to some of his contemporaries about the state of the promo business and the role of the commissioner. This month, during our Music Video focus, we thought it a perfect time to revisit the insightful piece.

Talent

Henry Scholfield on the moving world of music videos

From sundry synchronised Will Youngs to complex camera choreography for Wiley and Stormzy, Henry Scholfield has always found new and exciting ways to drag the viewer into his work. Tim Cumming speaks to the Caviar director about finding the emotional connection in his artist-driven promos.

Craft

How Tony Hawk helped create the sound of skateboarding

To kick off this month's Music & Sound special, we talk to directing duo Bonamaze who recently created a film sampling skateboard sounds.

Talent

Emmanuel Adjei on the Dark Ballet of music videos

Off the back off two showstopping promos for Madonna, David Knight speaks to the Amsterdam-based director about his ability to craft films with depth and imagery that burns in the memory.

Craft

Reluctant superheroes take flight in new album artwork

Artist JAKe Detonator's collaboration with Chali 2na and Krafty Kuts for their new album has brought forth a superhero for a new musical age. Tim Cummins listens in as JAKe explains the concept and how a misheard lyric kicked it all off.

Insight

From sound to sensory experiences; how 5G will impact advertising

GCRS's Lead Audio Developer, Mirren Malcolm-Neale, and Finance and Technical Director, Ivor Taylor, examine the impact the introduction of 5G will have on what brands and creators can do.

Insight

How to... make braver (and better) music choices for your ads

Don't know your Smiths from your Jesus Jones? Your Chainsmokers from your Unchained Melody? Fear not, Rachel Wood, founder and owner of Woodwork Music, is here to help you make the most from your musical choices.

Insight

How to... listen, not hear

Jungle Studios’ Chris Turner on immersing listeners with binaural recordings, triggering episodic memories and how it affects the future of audio.

Insight

Jingles all the way: why adland’s past should be its future

In this month's column, inspired by the ear-wormery of a recent commercial, Amy Kean examines the aural effectiveness of the much maligned but highly infectious advertising jingle.

Inspiration

On My Radar: Gary Hilton

The Co-Founder of GAS Music talks classic albums, the majesty of David Byrne and the need for 'real stuff'.

Insight

How to... positively influence your mental well-being with sound

MassiveMusic's James Bargent talks us through the apps, tracks and social events that use audio to sooth your racing mind.

Inspiration

Lina Tebbs: A Few Of My Favourite Things

Continuing our Music & Sound Focus, the Global Head of Business Development & Marketing at Felt Music takes us through a few bits and bobs from her workspace, such as a tiny companion and some delicious pencils.

The Photography & Cinematography Focus

In a cacophonous digital culture that bombards us with a stream of personal image-sharing and branded visuals, it can be hard for photography to stand out. This month, shots pulls focus on the DPs and photographers whose work sets the optic nerves a-tingle and considers the input of non-human image generators.

The Inspiration Focus

What are the cultural artefacts, random objects, rituals and synaptic sparks that generate fresh ideas? We talk to some of ad land’s most innovative thinkers about creative inspiration. What it is, where they find it and do the AI bots have it too...

The YDA 2024 Focus

The rising stars who won Golds in this year’s Young Director Award share with shots the origins and ideas and behind their films, the production highs and lows and what they’re planning next.

The Music and Sound Focus

With sometimes just seconds to tell a story and set tone, the aurals – as well as the visuals – need to be spot on in ads. This month we sound out the musical maestros and foley funsters worth listening out for.

+ membership

Access the world's largest advertising database. With an intuitive toolset that helps you explore, present and collaborate more effectively.

Learn More