The Secret To Writing Music for Libraries! Social Media WEBSITE: www.marlongibbons.com / marlongibbonscomposer TWITTER: / marlon_musician INSTAGRAM: / marlon_gibbons
Пікірлер: 142
@allanstelmach4 жыл бұрын
Great focus on the emotion rather than the genre. That will be what clients are searching for after all!
@SteveCarterMusic6 жыл бұрын
EVERYTHINGGGG! IN ITS RIGHT PLACE!!!
@ransmomebloke19496 жыл бұрын
16:08 I never thought to try that with delay on. Awesome technique! Thanks.
@jwp24604 жыл бұрын
Great video! I have fallen into the trap of over-complicating my music for libraries. You have given me some good ideas on creating simpler soundscapes rather than full-on compositions, which will probably help me increase my placement odds. Thanks!
@shane29736 жыл бұрын
ok man...that's 2 vids so far and I am very impressed with your sense of mood with music, you are able to convey it very well. I was sitting here watching this and hearing every emotional aspect you described verbally in the music, as well as how good you are at allowing it to breathe....your examples are great and very practical...again thanks for the video
@MarlonGibbons6 жыл бұрын
Thanks, Shane! Glad it's translating. I feel like I over-explain things often and just make it confusing. Appreciate you tuning in!
@janeheald16252 жыл бұрын
Just re watched this . So full of helpful information. Thank you. Will do my homework.
@kerymichael18495 жыл бұрын
Keep it simple! Awesome advice that is so hard to follow sometimes.
@MarlonGibbons5 жыл бұрын
I'm as guilty as anyone! It is difficult. That balance of keeping it practical (usable), yet being happy with it creatively.
@ROQSTAR3 жыл бұрын
Great tips. Writing music with an emotion and/or end-scenario in mind definitely helps.
@MarlonGibbons3 жыл бұрын
Hey ROQSTAR, Thanks, and also for taking the time!
@dennishionis24134 жыл бұрын
I've done a lot of composing and want to transition into writing more production music and this video was super helpful. Thank you!
@MarlonGibbons4 жыл бұрын
Hey Dennis! Thanks for taking the time. Great to hear you found value in the video. Best to you.
@prula6 жыл бұрын
Hey Marlon, I've made many Production Music Tracks.. Now working on my first TV Lib Stuff.. what's interesting is, that TV shows need much less in the tracks.. it's a distraction if I do a full production. Thank you for your input! Good luck to you!
@MarlonGibbons6 жыл бұрын
I agree that TV shows use scaled back versions in placement, far more than the full versions, you are correct. That's been my experience, too. However, rather than send them (The Library) only a "scaled back" version, send them a bunch of stems, to best increase your chances, then they can piece together your track, to the scale of their liking. Besides, perhaps another client may like the "full version". Stems, reduced, cut-downs, alt-mixes.. providing these puts you ahead of the competition. Thanks for watching and taking the time to comment, Dominik.
@BrothersOfAlienRock6 жыл бұрын
great (and inspiring) simple examples of emotion! Such an important point to keep focus when composing. Subbed & Look fwd to more vids!
@MarlonGibbons6 жыл бұрын
Thanks so much, man! I appreciate the support. Lots more to come.
@davidi70502 жыл бұрын
Thank you so much for your insight! This was incredibly helpful!
@MarlonGibbons2 жыл бұрын
I appreciate you taking the time, David! Best to you.
@sheltersonic54993 жыл бұрын
thank you for the informative video, you are great musician
@producing8996 Жыл бұрын
Could you make playlist with all the videos that contain music library content
@MarlonGibbons Жыл бұрын
Great idea. Just need to find the time. Thanks.
@stefjudd3 жыл бұрын
Great video, thanks, Marlon!
@producing8996 Жыл бұрын
We need videos how you create some samples/ music library
@MarlonGibbons Жыл бұрын
Do you mean like "sound design" ? I do mention in many of my videos how I use a microphone to capture sound to use in my work. Not sure if that's what you mean.
@AllanGildea4 жыл бұрын
Top class Marlon, love the practical walkthroughs.
@MarlonGibbons4 жыл бұрын
Thanks so much, Allan! I appreciate the support!
@RahShanProductionsMTU6 жыл бұрын
You should be charging for this information ahaha. Good information, I’ve been looking for more detailed information about music in tv and you gave me a good idea of what is typically done.
@MarlonGibbons6 жыл бұрын
Hey, thanks for checking out the channel. Every channel has a "thing".. mine is that I just want to help other aspiring producers and composers, without asking anything in return. No collecting emails or info, no redirecting to other sites. Just paying it forward. Glad you found value in the info. Cheers.
@QuinnAden5 жыл бұрын
Shhhhhhh!
@gemini_grimm_llc82205 жыл бұрын
@@MarlonGibbons I really appreciate this. I'm starting this ( again ) a bit later in life , but being a bit older and experiencing life , I'm hoping to use that to create my sound. Want to make this something that will help supplement taking care of my family in the near future so thank you for all of your info. #reapthemusic
@MarlonGibbons5 жыл бұрын
@@gemini_grimm_llc8220 Thanks for tuning in and supporting the channel. It's a great time to be in this industry. Wishing you the best!
@branden96084 жыл бұрын
@@MarlonGibbons You sir have just earned a subscriber! Thank you for all the info and your time in explaining everything!
@AndreaCaly4 жыл бұрын
thank you form Mexico!! great advice :)
@MarlonGibbons4 жыл бұрын
Thanks so much for watching! BTW - I was married in Cabos and vacationed all over Mexico. We love it there!
@julialesnichycomposer49654 жыл бұрын
Thank you so much! Can you tell more about 1) structure 2) arrangement.. what is a structure, intro, A1, B A 2? Do we need to change progressions in a or b? Is it all about just arpeggios and various accompaniment?
@MarlonGibbons4 жыл бұрын
I could do an hour long video to answer your questions and maybe I will revisit structure, form, arrangement. But for now, here’s the simply answers.. What I’ve shared in the video(s) is merely my experience, what has worked for me, but not the only way to form a track. And certainly not the only way to have success with placements. I typically start minimally, It could be a riff or melodic theme. After a few bars (4 to 8) add a new layer/sound/instrument. Keep repeating this process, building the track and it’s intensity. You could hand off the melody/theme to other instruments along the way. If you can create dynamics (builds and releases) that’s all the better. So by the end of the tack… it’s much more intense than the beginning (Trailer Music would be a much more exaggerated example of what I’m describing). You can label it A1, B A 2… if that helps you… but by the time you’re done, your track should open with a simple instrument or 2, could even be a rhythm. The track grows along the way with intensity (it doesn’t always take added instruments to do this - there are other ways). Often Libraries (video editors) love edit-friendly tracks. That is… sections where it would be ease to cut, so if you can write in a way that has these, you increase your odds. Home some of this has helped.
@julialesnichycomposer49654 жыл бұрын
Thank you Marlon! So any trailer may be an example.. there will be no substantial change in harmony, just a chord progression with a melody and build up.. got it!
@MarlonGibbons4 жыл бұрын
@@julialesnichycomposer4965 Simplest advice, create a chord prog. Keep building/layering on that chord progression.
@DHLmusic6 жыл бұрын
Your videos hit the mark ...and having said that.are very informative, great stuff
@MarlonGibbons6 жыл бұрын
Hey! Thanks, great to hear. I often wonder how relevant my topic choices are and if they are of interest. Appreciate the feedback.
@MrQthompson3 жыл бұрын
Awesome video! Thanks!!
@MarlonGibbons3 жыл бұрын
I appreciate you taking the time to watch!
@jonnytables7 жыл бұрын
Great examples! Thanks for the info!
@MarlonGibbons7 жыл бұрын
Thanks for taking the time to watch, Jonny! Cheers.
@Ghostlymuso6 жыл бұрын
Good advice...cool studio!
@MarlonGibbons6 жыл бұрын
Glad you find helpful. It's a small studio but it works! Thanks!
@KrannakenTV4 жыл бұрын
They may be simple, but those pieces of music sound great. The piano line is basically an arpeggio of a D major with an added G, right?
@MarlonGibbons4 жыл бұрын
That's right! Thanks for watching!
@QuinnAden5 жыл бұрын
This was awesome man. Thank you!
@MarlonGibbons5 жыл бұрын
Thank You, for taking the time to tune in and support the channel.
@bizzonimusic42575 жыл бұрын
Great videos! Thank you!
@MarlonGibbons4 жыл бұрын
Please excuse my late reply, but thank you for watching!
@PeterCavallo7 жыл бұрын
Hi Marlon, You talk about allowing the tracks to be cut into 30sec lengths etc. Do you purposely set your BPM to a standard tempo to allow for the 30sec timeframes? I suppose basically do you use tempos that will fit neatly into 30, 60 and 90 mins cues? I hope that's clear. Great channel by the way.
@MarlonGibbons7 жыл бұрын
Hey Peter! Great question, I do get what you're asking. I don't choose tempo with the short edits in mind. It's more important to choose the tempo to support the mood and genera you're going for. While, yes this can make getting those 15's 30's..etc. more challenging..It's more of an issue to have a track that doesn't flow well, in which case it wouldn't matter if you're cut-downs were spot on. Hope that helps and thanks for watching! Much appreciated. -M
@akosirolandr5 жыл бұрын
Thanks Marlon for sharing some of your great secrets. I agree, emotions is the key in every song and less is more. Awesome channel!
@HitMenProductionGroup6 жыл бұрын
Wow, nice tips!
@MarlonGibbons6 жыл бұрын
Thanks! Hope they're helpful!
@HalValla013 жыл бұрын
5:08 I'm stealing that XD
@MichaelLynMusic3 жыл бұрын
Hey brother...where did you get your studio desk?...and did the wings for the speakers come with it?
@MarlonGibbons3 жыл бұрын
Hey Michael. This is a classic yet discontinued IKEA desk called "Jerker" (I'm not kidding,). Yes the speaker stands were add-ons.
@MichaelLynMusic3 жыл бұрын
@@MarlonGibbons Thank you Marlon...
@kg0ye5 жыл бұрын
Marlon, I hear from others they have had better distribution of their songs by going with Non-Exclusive Libraries. What do you think? Also, Soundcloud? I like the convenience of them giving separate links for each song. Yet, there seems to be some controversy in general as to whether Soundcloud has lost relevance. What do you think?
@MarlonGibbons5 жыл бұрын
Hey J. Griff Griffin, this is a great question. In fact, I’ve heard the same. Yes, many have had success spreading their tracks out there (it’s a numbers game). The last few years, it’s been my personal choice to only do exclusive. However…. Many Libraries now, will offer both exclusive agreements and non-exclusive agreements, leaving it up to you. I think there’s pro’s and con’s to both. I’ve been told it’s a great selling feature, for Libraries to promote their tracks as exclusive, as in, not in a bunch of other Libraries. I make the assumption this has to do with building trust and wanting loyalty from their users. I can’t see anything wrong non-exclusive if both parties agree to it. I don’t feel I’ve suffered lack of distribution being exclusive because the companies I work with have incredible reach. So in my case it’s quality over quantity (terms of Libraries) that is working for me. Sound Cloud: I’ve heard the arguments. I host a lot of my tracks on the back-end of my website ready to stream. If you’re going to submit to a Library, perhaps ask them if they have a preference. Sorry, I can’t suggest what the current trend for that is.
@pilotdrift055 жыл бұрын
Great video!
@ScottCurts7 жыл бұрын
Great job Marlon!
@MarlonGibbons7 жыл бұрын
Thanks, my friend!
@MarlonGibbons7 жыл бұрын
Thanks, Buddy! Maybe see you early next year!
@ScottCurts7 жыл бұрын
Cool!! Look forward to it!
@MarlonGibbons7 жыл бұрын
Yeah Buddy!
@frets706 жыл бұрын
did you compose for the film Start Local?
@MarlonGibbons6 жыл бұрын
I wrote some music for the opening and closing credits. Funny you ask, Nate (Start Local Producer/Director) will be a featured guess here on the channel in a few videos to come.
@reading_fastandslow2 жыл бұрын
What desk do you use Marlon?
@MarlonGibbons2 жыл бұрын
Hi Phillip! The desk in this video is an old IKEA desk that I modified. I've since had a custom desk built.
@TheSmokedKarma4 жыл бұрын
awesome video, thx
@mintmono76753 жыл бұрын
great content! very informative, thanks :)
@MarlonGibbons3 жыл бұрын
Thanks for tuning in!
@devine_noise5 жыл бұрын
Great post Marlon
@MarlonGibbons5 жыл бұрын
Thanks, Kyle!
@karinioza4 жыл бұрын
Marlon, what DAW do you use to record live instruments? Do you ever use midi sounds in this line of work? Thank you
@MarlonGibbons4 жыл бұрын
I use Logic & Pro Tools. Yep, I do use Sample Libraries.
@BrofUJu4 жыл бұрын
Thanks, this is great. Quick question, if you were to flesh out all of these songs, would you submit them to a library just in one genre with different moods? Or aim for one style of mood in different genres?
@MarlonGibbons4 жыл бұрын
Hey Brodie, most often I write to mood, more than genera (unless asked). Sometimes it's a mood inside a genera. Further to that, what I recommend doing is, if you have some Music Libraries on your radar, see what shows they are getting placements in.. if there's a couple notable and frequent shows, it's likely they have a relationship with someone on staff. Research the show and see what the most common element is. It could be "genera" based, like...(Car shows, Food shows, Make-over shows) often use Pop/Rock but also use a lot of "emotion" focused tracks. Think "builds, anticipation, surprise, disapointment, joy...etc." Those are what describe a scene more over a genera. Sorry for the book, hope some of it helped.
@kevinprockup56636 жыл бұрын
What kind of chair do you use? It looks comfortable.
@MarlonGibbons6 жыл бұрын
it really is comfortable. You can buy a Herman Miller for $500-$1000 or.... my chair at Staples. www.staples.com/Staples-Hyken-Technical-Mesh-Task-Chair-Black/product_990119
@ankitsingh6335 жыл бұрын
Dear Mr. Marlon , thanks you so much for this amazing information on Production Music Writing. Sir kindly advice ,is it really important to enroll in music school & go through a complete degree program .In my country (India) there are many colleges offering 3 years degree program and there are also many institutes which are offering similar curriculum at shorter duration(6 -8 months) . I am a fresher , as I am at a beginner's stage & currently focussing on instrument (keyboard) & music theory. Regards Ankit
@MarlonGibbons5 жыл бұрын
I went to school, it taught me the basics/fundamentals. I still use a lot of that today, but... I can tell you that if you're able to mentor with a composer or producer that is successful, or hang in a studio and shadow, you'll learn much more from "doing" and having a Pro give you practical real-world industry advice, rather than a text book.
@ankitsingh6335 жыл бұрын
@@MarlonGibbons Sir for that reason ,I believe the most important thing is to have a strong foundation about music theory. I am already learning through an online school. My primary instrument is key board & I am learning through piano note. com. They have introduced amazing curriculum which includes song writing & composing along with lessons on music theory & many more. As you said Mr. Gibbons "It's a marathon & not a sprint", I believe I am moving at the right direction as I am working on my strong foundation (music theory, chord progressions & drums) . I am following you sir because your information was so accurate & simple to understand. Thanks for your channel , it's a great medium & an eye opener to gain good knowledge about production. Sir if I will have further doubts ,I would get back to you for sure 😀.Regards Ankit
@ToneDead6665 жыл бұрын
Great vid 👍
@jessetimmmiller7 жыл бұрын
Great video, Marlon. Super helpful! How long do you typically make these songs/cues?
@MarlonGibbons7 жыл бұрын
Hey Jesse! Thanks, and great question.. Production Music is a bit different than traditional songs, both in structure and length.. Production Music cues usually are no less than 2min, but not typically over 3. Always exceptions to the rule, but that's generally speaking.
@jessetimmmiller7 жыл бұрын
Makes sense. Thanks, Marlon. Do you typically make alt-mixes of varying lengths, or simply make 1 long (say, 3 minute) version up front to err on the side of caution? I suppose one could do longer or shorter versions upon request. Thoughts?
@MarlonGibbons7 жыл бұрын
Jesse Miller no worries! Most of the time, yes. I do my own Mastering. Sometimes the client/agency wants to apply that final touch. Side note: when I say "Master" I don't mean proper mastering, that's a true art form in itself. I just get the tracks hot and sounding tight using the tools and ears I have.
@jessetimmmiller7 жыл бұрын
Ah, yes... the art of proper mastering still alludes me. Been using TRacks and now Ozone 7 for a while. And just to clarify, you "master" the stems as well as the full mix, or do you leave the stems "un-mastered"? Thanks! :)
@MarlonGibbons7 жыл бұрын
Yep, the stems get the same treatment. Mostly due to whatever I have on the Master Buss. (I don't create a separate session for mastering) I just put what's needed on the Master buss in the session (Comp, Limiter, Hi-Pass..etc). I do use Ozone 7, too. So therefore, the stems are treated the same as the stereo full-mix file. Make sense?
@MarkHimley6 жыл бұрын
very nice video and channel, subbed!
@MarlonGibbons6 жыл бұрын
Hey, Mark. Thanks for the Sub!
@eduardwalhout17405 жыл бұрын
pretty informative btw!
@MarlonGibbons5 жыл бұрын
Thanks for watching!
@smmusicplus964 жыл бұрын
What about titling your submissions? For instance, if I have a piece that's foreboding and mysterious, should or could I entitle it, "Foreboding Mystery"? Thanks! I just subscribed and I'm binging on your videos at the moment.
@MarlonGibbons4 жыл бұрын
Thanks for tuning into the channel! Hope you find some value. To your question, yes you could. Adding, keep things simple/short and as obviously descriptive as possible (rather, don't be cryptic with your titles). Don't play on spelling, e.g. L8R G8R.. or creative (but incorrect) spelling of words. Mostly, put yourself in the shoes of someone looking for a track, if the title speaks to what you're looking for.. you have a better chance!
@smmusicplus964 жыл бұрын
@@MarlonGibbons Thank you! Your channel validates some of my intuitions in approaching this field and also steers me away from iffy ideas and actions that I may have otherwise found appropriate. Thanks again!!! Stay healthy✌
@MarlonGibbons4 жыл бұрын
@@smmusicplus96 I really appreciate the comments! This is why the channel exists. Best to you.
@DigitalRelay7 жыл бұрын
#NailTheMood
@witnessthewrath80614 жыл бұрын
How long do you recommend the composition be is there a minimum?
@MarlonGibbons4 жыл бұрын
Personally I always aim for no less than 2min. That's just my approach. If a Library tells you how long, obviously follow their wishes.
@witnessthewrath80614 жыл бұрын
MarlonGibbons one more question should I claim publishing through BMI if the music library is going to claim that anyway. Will it cause conflict? Thanks for the response.
@MarlonGibbons4 жыл бұрын
@@witnessthewrath8061 I can't speak for BMI, but you'd need to be set up as a Publisher (actual business and separate profile than your composer account). Also, It would depend on your agreement with each Library and what the shares are and who gets what rights.
@akosirolandr5 жыл бұрын
Hi Marlon, Is it wrong to not use a metronome when writing/recording music? I don't use one because I lose my groove.
@MarlonGibbons5 жыл бұрын
Hey Roland, I get what you're saying but strongly suggest you try to get used to recording to a click-track. There's a million reasons why it's a good idea, but just a couple are... 1. When submitting your tracks to Music Libraries and publishers, they'll often ask for a BPM. Clients also, may want to know the tempo of the track. Groove is very important (we agree) but you can still have groove playing to a click track and in fact, it will produce and even tighter sounding track once you're comfortable with it.
@akosirolandr5 жыл бұрын
@@MarlonGibbons Makes sense when your selling your music out there. I'll start practicing using the metronome in my Daw. FYI, I don't skip the adds in your videos. Thanks for the tip Marlon.
@MarlonGibbons5 жыл бұрын
@@akosirolandr for sure and I hate to discourage anyone from doing what feels right, it's just that there's a practical (beneficial) reasons for using a click track. Thanks for the support and gesture, too. I can't stand ads so I appreciate it.
@floere6 жыл бұрын
You are right for specific libraries - but try to get songs like these into Audiojungle :P
@bronson13924 жыл бұрын
I don’t understand, is there another way people write music to other than emotion?
@MarlonGibbons4 жыл бұрын
Yes, all the time. Often, producers/composers will focus on a specific genera or style, rather than the emotion the track evokes. Actually, a lot of briefs/requests put out by libraries ask for a style to be emulated rather than an emotion depicted.
@newera46754 жыл бұрын
Oh when the saints go marching in oh when the saints go marching in oh when the saints go marching in oh when the saints go marching in (go marching in go marching in)
@witnessthewrath80614 жыл бұрын
👍👍
@JuanCristiani6 жыл бұрын
Excellent video man! Straight to the point. Thanks
@MarlonGibbons6 жыл бұрын
Appreciate you taking the time to watch!
@pilotdrift055 жыл бұрын
Aboot lol
@charliemcgrain Жыл бұрын
Why not just play some of your own music that has been licensed or sinced?
@MarlonGibbons Жыл бұрын
Hey Charlie, in fact I have done that a while back, however for the most part, I don't control the publishing on most of my tracks. I'll certainly keep that in mind as a future idea when it's possible. Thanks for tuning in.
@eduardwalhout17405 жыл бұрын
also dont be afraid to use presets because no-one gives a shit and they usually sound better that u not knowing what your doing. kthx
@phillipbowermusic38422 жыл бұрын
Is TAXI legit?
@MarlonGibbons2 жыл бұрын
They are legit. They've been around longer than most. Some composers do very well with them. It's whether you want to pay to play, though. That's a personal choice.
@sergioleal61566 жыл бұрын
do you make a full time out of this? If so, is it okay to answer on average how much you make?
@MarlonGibbons6 жыл бұрын
Hey, Sergio. I do make a living in this industry. Cheers.
@sergioleal61566 жыл бұрын
that's awesome! God I want to so badly. I've been e-mailing libraries, but no one is getting back to me, only a royalty free library
@MarlonGibbons6 жыл бұрын
I know it's easier said than done, but keep at it.. I took lots of rejections in the beginning. It's a marathon, not a race.
@publishedcontent4 жыл бұрын
Okay obviously this is more about trying to show off harmonica and instrument playing skills rather than applicable information
@MarlonGibbons4 жыл бұрын
I'm gonna keep this comment posted and genuinely Thank you, for taking the time. Even if you didn’t find value, I appreciate you sharing your thoughts. I hope you’re well and wish you success.
@calumince37563 жыл бұрын
why sit in the dark filming videos though?
@MarlonGibbons3 жыл бұрын
Simply, to help people. BTW checked out your channel. Great stuff! Wish you the best, man.
@Daniel-pu9fi6 жыл бұрын
His artist name should be *ÖUT AND ABÖUT*
@MarlonGibbons5 жыл бұрын
No idea what you're talking aboot.
@wildblue05 жыл бұрын
Really informative, but the clicking was really annoying.
@MarlonGibbons5 жыл бұрын
I'll take that constructively and keep in mind in future videos. Thanks for taking the time to watch and give feedback.