Underscoring!! 81design may be created in any genre of music, not just the most current
trends.
Sound design is also popular in film scoring. The primary difference
between commercials and films is that most films employ Foley artists and
composers do not usually design the real sound effects. Big-budget films
generally employ sound designers who use both synthesized and Foley
effects. Sound design is especially prevalent in theatrical trailers. In almost
any action movie, sound design is a major element in the film. Sometimes,
well-produced sound design contributes to the ultimate success of a film.
For example, in the filmPearl Harbor, if the attack had not been accompa-
nied by exciting sound design, the motion picture might not have been as
successful as it was. With the sophisticated sound systems that are in most
movie theaters (surround sound), the dialogue, music, and effects are as
important as the acting, writing, direction, and the cinematic quality of the
film. [Listen to tracks$1 and$10 on the enclosed CD.]
When composing and arranging in modern forms of popular music,
composers must be aware of the changing sounds used primarily in the
drum, bass, and keyboard parts. Because of the popularity of synthesizers
and samplers in records, sounds of various instruments become trendy.
For example, the most trendy sounds for drums in dance music have ema-
nated from two vintage drum machines—the Roland 808 and the Roland
- Many manufacturers have sampled the sounds, edited them, and
included them on sampling CDs and as part of a collection of sounds
included in synthesizers that contain samples. For many years, the Moog
synthesizer has been a staple in creating very deep and rich bass sounds.
There are many variations of Moog bass sounds. A Wurlitzer electric piano
sound, as opposed to a Rhodes electric sound, has become the standard
electric piano in chill-out music, also known as down-tempo music. Soft-
ware synthesizers and software samplers are a member of a programmer’s
creative palette. Many of these devices contain the most current sounds,
which can be edited. This enables composers and engineers to create
inventive sounds.
Commonly used phrases and rhythms, in certain styles of music, also
become trends. For example, a sixteenth-note drum fill that crescendos at
the end of an eight-bar phrase has become a signature in various styles of
dance music. A kick drum that plays four quarter notes in each measure
(called four-on-the-floor) is the standard pattern for house dance music.
Composers working in popular music must keep abreast of technical
and instrumental trends. Composers will be considered musically obsolete
if they do not employ the latest sounds and technology.
Musical logos are designed as a form of product identity.Most com-
mercials end with a product shot. It is often helpful to suggest that a musi-
cal logo be played over this shot. The logo is especially effective if there is
a campaign and the logo is used at the end of each commercial. This tech-