Production music, also known as library music or stock music, is music composed specifically for use in film, television, video games, and other media. Unlike commercial music, which is created for public consumption, production music is designed to serve as background music for various types of media productions.
Production music libraries contain thousands of tracks that have been composed and recorded by various composers and musicians. These tracks are then licensed to production companies, TV networks, and other media outlets for use in their projects.
The concept of production music has been around for many years, and it has become an essential part of the entertainment industry. Production music is used in a variety of ways, from setting the mood of a scene to providing background music for commercials and video games.
One of the main advantages of using production music is that it is relatively inexpensive compared to commissioning original music. This is because production music is pre-recorded and available for immediate use, which eliminates the need for a composer or musician to create music from scratch.
Another benefit of production music is its versatility. Production music libraries contain a wide range of tracks in different genres, styles, and moods, making it easy to find the perfect track to fit a specific scene or project. This flexibility also allows for easy customization of the music, with tracks often being available in different lengths and arrangements.
Production music libraries are also becoming more accessible thanks to the internet. Many production music libraries now offer online search tools that allow producers and editors to easily find the music they need. Some libraries also offer online licensing, making it easy to obtain the rights to use the music in a project.
However, there are also some drawbacks to using production music. One of the main criticisms is that the music can lack originality and creativity. Since the music is pre-recorded and designed to be used in a wide range of projects, it may not have the same level of emotional impact or depth as music that has been created specifically for a particular project.
Another concern is the potential for copyright infringement. While production music libraries provide licenses that allow for the legal use of the music, there have been cases where production companies have used music without obtaining the proper rights, resulting in legal disputes.
Despite these challenges, production music remains an essential part of the entertainment industry. It provides a convenient and cost-effective way for producers and editors to enhance their projects with music, while also offering a platform for composers and musicians to showcase their work.
For composers and musicians, production music libraries can be a valuable source of income. By licensing their music to production music libraries, they can earn royalties every time their music is used in a project. This can provide a steady stream of income and exposure for their work.
