Music is entirely subjective. If a track is licensed frequently or at a high sync fee, then it doesn't mean it's objectively better. It just means its more license-friendly in the current market climate. With that said, here are some best practices we recommend to put you in a position of success on Deep Sounds.
In licensing, music is often used to help serve a visual, dialogue, or voiceover. The right music can enhance the mood or emotion of a project without distracting the viewer or listener. Below are some suggestions to effectively maintain that balance.
Mixing
Avoid excessively loud frequencies. High-mids, for example, are in the same frequency range as the human voice and can be very distracting.
Melodies
Avoid busy melodies. They can sound cool and interesting on their own but can take away from a voiceover or dialogue.
Avoid very high melodies. They can also sound cool but stick out too much and take away from a voiceover or dialogue.
Structure
Avoid abrupt mood changes. Generally try to stay with one mood. If a project needs more than one mood, then the customer can use multiple tracks or look into custom music.
Avoid extended silences. While structurally this can be interesting, a project can feel abruptly empty.
Try adding or taking away parts every 8 bars. This can help maintain a mood or emotion over an extended period of time while staying engaging.
Length
Try to target a length of around 1.5 - 2.5 minutes. Tracks can be shorter or longer, but this is a good, common range.
Additionally, add alternate lengths as other versions with your track. More info on that here.
Whatever duration your track is, the most important aspect is that the track takes you on a journey. Library music can tip-toe a fine line between engaging and repetitive. Ensure that it stays with the former.
When In Doubt
If you're not sure if your track is working for licensing, try muting a pre-existing commercial or scene and play your music over it. This can quickly and easily reveal if your track is or isn't complementing the project.
Listen to music that already exists in commercials, scenes, or other projects, and dissect its mixes, melodies, and arrangements. Be a student, but don't plagiarize.
Reach out to us for feedback. We'd love to help your track do well here.