When people talk about commercial music, they mean music tracks that are specifically created for promotional purposes, such as advertisements, TV show soundtracks, film soundtracks, video games, Web sites, etc. Sometimes called Corporate Music, commercial music can be either new and original compositions or remixes of older works; they are ventured into by individual composers, conductors, lyricists, and songwriters, as well as by bands and orchestras. Some commercial musicians are experts in arranging variations on previous themes of particular musicians, rock groups, country stars, opera singers, and symphonic productions.

Commercial music writing is an honorable profession that is undertaken by both the well-known composer and the newcomer alike. It is also lucrative and can jump start careers, giving lesser-known groups unprecedented exposure.

Among notable commercial music successes are Röyksopp, the Norwegian group that recorded “Remind Me” for an annoyed caveman in the Geico car insurance television ads. Commercial music writer Alison Goldfrapp has composed numerous ads for Motorola, Verizon, Diet Coke, F/X, Target, and ABC, among others. The Teddybears’ song “Punkrocker” assisted in morphing Cadillac as it cruised through a recent television ad.

Contributors of commercial music for movie trailers, game remixes, and television shows include Gary Jules, Regina Spektor, and The Chemical Brothers. Famous musicians whose music has reached television and radio promotions would include Christina Aguleria, Fergie and The Black Eyed Peas, Shakira, Smashmouth, and even legendary bands, such as The Rolling Stones and The Beatles. Sometimes, a composer will twist an original composition so it sounds a lot like the original, but is not exactly the same, to avoid paying royalties; this is known as a derivative work.

Commercial music, or “advert music,” can be downloaded or purchased in CD form from various Internet websites. Oftentimes, musicians and bands will provide free samples of their commercial works for fans to download.

This article provides an overview of commercial music. If you would like to submit an article about music-related subjects, please feel free to do so here at Media Positive Radio.