SongGPT vs Stock Music: Why Custom Beats Matter
SongGPT vs Stock Music: Why Custom Beats Matter
Picture this: You're watching TV, and suddenly, a familiar jingle plays. Without even looking at the screen, you know exactly which brand it's for. That's the magic of custom music for brands. In today's crowded marketplace, where capturing and retaining customer attention is increasingly challenging, music has emerged as a powerful tool for brand building.
But not all music is created equal. While stock music libraries offer a quick and easy solution, they often lack the uniqueness and emotional connection that custom-created music can provide. This is where the debate between AI-generated music (like SongGPT) and traditional stock music comes into play, with custom music sitting at the top of the hierarchy.
In this blog post, we'll explore why custom beats matter, delve into the world of SongGPT and stock music, and showcase ten companies that have successfully used custom music to build their brand. Whether you're a music creator looking to expand your horizons or a brand manager seeking to understand the importance of custom music, this post is for you.
Understanding the Landscape: SongGPT, Stock Music, and Custom Beats
Before we dive into why custom beats matter, let's take a moment to understand the different options available to brands when it comes to music.
SongGPT: The New Kid on the Block
SongGPT is an AI-powered tool that generates music based on text prompts. It's part of the growing trend of AI in music creation, offering a middle ground between stock music and fully custom compositions. While it can create unique tracks quickly, it may lack the human touch and emotional depth that many brands seek.
Stock Music: The Go-To Solution
Stock music, also known as library music, refers to pre-recorded music that can be licensed for use in various projects. It's widely used due to its accessibility and affordability. However, the same track can be used by multiple brands, potentially diluting its impact and uniqueness.
Custom Music: The Gold Standard
Custom music is created specifically for a brand or project. It's tailored to meet the brand's specific needs, values, and target audience. While it may require more time and investment, custom music offers unparalleled uniqueness and brand alignment.
Why Custom Beats Matter: The Case for Tailor-Made Music
Now that we've set the stage, let's explore why custom beats matter so much in brand building.
1. Uniqueness and Brand Identity
Custom music allows brands to create a sonic identity that's as unique as their visual logo. This auditory signature helps set the brand apart in a crowded marketplace. Unlike stock music, which might be used by multiple brands, custom music ensures that your brand's sound is yours and yours alone.
2. Emotional Connection
Music has a powerful ability to evoke emotions and create lasting memories. Custom music can be crafted to elicit specific emotional responses that align with your brand's values and message. This emotional connection can lead to stronger brand loyalty and recall.
3. Flexibility and Adaptability
Custom music can be easily adapted for different uses across various platforms. Whether it's a 30-second TV spot, a podcast intro, or a social media jingle, custom music can be tailored to fit any format while maintaining brand consistency.
4. Copyright Control
When you commission custom music, you typically own the rights to that music. This gives you full control over how and where the music is used, without worrying about licensing issues or competing brands using the same track.
5. Perfect Fit for Brand Message
Custom music can be created to perfectly complement your brand's message and tone. Whether you're going for upbeat and energetic or calm and trustworthy, custom music can be tailored to match your brand's personality.
SongGPT and Stock Music: The Alternatives
While custom music offers numerous advantages, it's worth exploring the alternatives to understand why brands might choose them and where they fall short.
| Aspect | SongGPT (AI-Generated Music) | Stock Music |
|---|---|---|
| Speed | Quick generation of unique tracks | Instant access to ready-made tracks |
| Cost | More cost-effective than hiring composers | Affordable for small projects or tight budgets |
| Customization | Generates music based on text prompts | Limited ability to customize |
| Emotional Depth | Lacks human intuition and deep emotional layering | Often lacks emotional connection |
| Brand Identity Fit | May struggle to capture subtle brand nuances | Generic; used by multiple brands |
| Uniqueness | Creates original, one-of-a-kind tracks | High risk of duplicate usage across brands |
| Ease of Use | Simple to use, but prompt-driven | Very easy to implement |
| Licensing | No licensing issues; fully original | May involve complex or unclear licensing terms |
Top 10 Companies Using Custom Music for Brand Building
Now that we've established why custom music matters, let's look at ten companies that have successfully used custom music to build their brand:
1. McDonald's: "I'm Lovin' It"
Perhaps one of the most recognizable jingles worldwide, McDonald's "I'm Lovin' It" has been a key part of their brand identity since 2003. The five-note melody is instantly recognizable and has been adapted for use in various languages and cultures.
2. Intel: The Intel Bong
Intel's audio logo, known as the "Intel Bong," is a prime example of how a short, custom audio clip can become synonymous with a brand. The five-note sequence has been used in Intel's advertising since 1994 and has become one of the world's most recognized audio brands.
3. Netflix: The "Ta-Dum" Sound
Netflix's custom "Ta-Dum" sound, which plays before their original content, has become a powerful audio brand. Created by Oscar-winning sound designer Lon Bender, this short but impactful audio logo sets the stage for the viewing experience.
4. Coca-Cola: "Taste the Feeling"
Coca-Cola has a long history of using custom music in their advertising. Their "Taste the Feeling" campaign featured an original song that was adapted for different markets worldwide, showcasing the flexibility of custom music.
5. Apple: Various Custom Tracks
While Apple doesn't have a singular audio logo, they've consistently used custom-created music in their product launch events and advertisements. This approach allows them to create a fresh, innovative sound for each campaign while maintaining a consistent brand feel.
6. State Farm: "Like a Good Neighbor"
State Farm's "Like a Good Neighbor" jingle has been a part of their brand identity for decades. The custom-created song perfectly encapsulates their brand promise and has been adapted numerous times over the years.
7. Kit Kat: "Give Me a Break"
The "Give Me a Break" jingle for Kit Kat is another example of how custom music can become an integral part of a brand's identity. The catchy tune has been used in various forms since the 1980s.
8. Toys "R" Us: "I Don't Want to Grow Up"
Although Toys "R" Us has faced business challenges, their custom jingle "I Don't Want to Grow Up" remains a nostalgic reminder of the brand for many. It's a perfect example of how custom music can create lasting emotional connections.
9. ESPN: SportsCenter Theme
The SportsCenter theme, composed by Annie Roboff, has become synonymous with sports news for millions of viewers. This custom piece of music has helped establish ESPN's brand identity in the world of sports broadcasting.
10. THX: Deep Note
While not a traditional company, THX's "Deep Note" is a prime example of how a custom audio logo can become iconic. This distinctive sound, heard in movie theaters worldwide, has become inextricably linked with the THX brand and the promise of high-quality audio.
Custom Music in Action: Use Cases for Music Creators
For music creators, understanding the various applications of custom music can open up new opportunities. Here are some key use cases where custom music for brands shines:
Advertising Campaigns
Custom music can elevate an advertising campaign from good to unforgettable. Whether it's a catchy jingle or an emotionally resonant background track, custom music can help advertisements stand out in a crowded media landscape.
- TV commercials
- Radio spots
- Online video ads
- Social media content
Podcast Intros and Outros
As podcasting continues to grow in popularity, custom intro and outro music has become increasingly important. These musical elements set the tone for the podcast and create a consistent brand experience for listeners.
Corporate Videos
From explainer videos to company overviews, custom music can help corporate videos engage viewers and reinforce brand identity.
Product Launches
Custom music can build excitement and set the right mood for product launch events and accompanying marketing materials.
The Process of Creating Custom Music for Brands
For music creators interested in entering this field, understanding the process of creating custom music for brands is crucial. Here's a general overview:
- Brief and Discovery: This involves understanding the brand's values, target audience, and specific needs for the music.
- Conceptualization: Based on the brief, creators develop initial concepts or themes for the music.
- Composition and Production: This is where the actual music creation happens, often involving multiple iterations.
- Feedback and Revisions: The brand provides feedback, and the music is refined accordingly.
- Final Production and Delivery: Once approved, the music is finalized and delivered in the required formats.
- Implementation: The brand incorporates the music into their various marketing and branding efforts.
The Future of Custom Music for Brands
As we look to the future, the importance of custom music for brands is likely to grow. With the rise of voice-activated devices and smart speakers, sonic branding is becoming increasingly crucial. Brands will need to consider how they sound, not just how they look.
Moreover, as AI technology like SongGPT continues to evolve, we may see a hybrid approach where AI assists human composers in creating custom music more efficiently. However, the human touch in understanding brand nuances and creating emotional connections is likely to remain invaluable.
Conclusion: The Lasting Power of Custom Beats
In a world where consumers are bombarded with messages from countless brands, standing out is more important than ever. Custom music offers a powerful way for brands to differentiate themselves, create emotional connections with their audience, and build a consistent identity across various touchpoints.
While tools like SongGPT and stock music libraries have their place, they can't match the uniqueness, flexibility, and brand alignment that custom music provides. The success stories of companies like McDonald's, Intel, and Netflix demonstrate the lasting impact that well-crafted custom music can have on brand recognition and loyalty.
For music creators, the world of custom music for brands offers exciting opportunities to apply your skills in new and challenging ways. By understanding the needs of brands and the process of creating effective brand music, you can position yourself to thrive in this growing field.