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Commercial Music
by Bill Sanders - May 24, 2007

Page last updated December 14, 2007

All links last verified May 24, 2007

Notes: This page will be updated more often than I will be updating these heading dates. I will try to include an [ADDDED: date] note by each newly entered item.

Back in the day (that wasn't really all that long ago) we used to call them "sell-outs"... Artists who sold their songs to advertisers to be used in commercials. I seem to remember that this changed some when Eric Clapton not only allowed a couple of his songs, but he appeared in the commercials. Now, there are MANY commercials that use popular songs, and there are many artists careers who have been launched because their song was used in one. It's great advertising, not only for the product being sold, but it's a way for newer artists to get their music "out there" for the world to hear.

True, there are some that tend to get on your nerves. Sometimes this is because of the song, itself. Sometimes it's the video the advertisers chose to go with the song. And, sometimes it's because they apparently only made one version of the commercial, and buy a LOT of advertising on popular shows, meaning you will see the commercial and hear that one part of that song, over and over and over and ... (get the idea?)

Now, true also, this may be up to the artists ("I will let you use THIS part of THIS song for your commercial, and only for that commercial"), and, if the artist is popular enough, the advertisers will take what they can get. But, I believe that most will grant more than the "hook" (the part most people remember - usually including the title) of the song, as, especially now-a-days, this is "free advertising" for them. Besides, many times, it's not the "hook" that's used, but a verse, instrumental section, or even just a guitar riff.

Think about it... With:

  • Radio;
  • Music TV (and I'm talking ALL the Cable channels that simply play music, not just MTV, VH1, CMT, and the like who play (occasionally, now) videos;
  • Cell Phone Ringtones;
  • The Internet (and since RIAA has clamped down on music file sharing, it's harder for an artist to get their music out there... The RIAA likes to control WHAT gets out there WHEN...);
  • Artists buying other artists' catalogues from the record companies (remember... If you hear Beatles songs on commercials, you can probably thank Michael Jackson - He owns/owned their catalogue);

they (new artists) have to "fit in" with the other music, somehow. On the internet, people will sometimes search THEM out; or sometimes search out a lyric, based on hearing it in a song or show, or based on something going on in their lives.

I got into this a long time ago, and looking around for who did what song, I find I am not alone in this endeavor.

What is the name of that song? The one in the ... [whatever] ... commercial? ... the [whatever] show? Who does it?

Now, this list isn't going to be comprehensive, by any stretch of the imagination. Most of these are commercials I liked, partially because of the songs... many, I recognized, and some I liked enough so that I searched the 'net to find the name of the song and who did them. There are also a few songs used for and in television shows.

I will alphabetize the following by the commercial/show names to make them easier for you to find.

If I can find:

  • the commercial (video), I will link to it on the commercial name line
  • the artist's website (or a reasonable facsimile), I will link to it on the Artist's name
  • a full-length version of the song (audio/video), I will link to it on the song title.

Occasionally, I will include an extra link or two. With this information, you should have ways to find more about the artist or song.

BE AWARE: You might have to listen to quite a bit of the song before you get to the part in the commercial. Occasionally, I will not be able to find a video or audio track of the song in question. In these cases, I will include the closest I can find. Also be aware that many Artist and their MySpace pages automatically play audio and normally at varying levels. If you're at work or looking late at night at home (and the kids are asleep), BE CAREFUL.

All external links on this page open a new window.

I cannot guarantee that links will work after a time.

Any content not on OFP is not controlled by OFP.

To TV/Radio Advertisement Producers

Might I make some suggestions?

In my researching of these songs, I have found numerous sites that offer information about:

  1. The commercial, itself, including:
    1. Who made it
    2. Where it was made
    3. The people in it
    4. The song(s) used
  2. The songs used, including
    1. Who did them
    2. What the name of the song is
    3. Where they can find it for purchase

It seems to me that you could draw all of these people to your (and your clients') sites by setting up a section, offering all of this (search-engine-friendly) information there, including:

  • the name of the commercial
  • a video of the commercial
  • the name(s) of the actors
  • the name(s) of the agency involved
  • the name(s) of the songs
  • the name(s) of the artist performing the song(s)
  • where the song can be purchased

Websites for and an archival database containing all of this could/should also be made available. Some people don't think of commercials/songs until they are no longer being played.

And, for songs made specifically FOR commercials, might I suggest that full-length versions be made? ... Maybe even released on CD or whatever medium is popular at that time? I realize not all of them will be "hits", but the artists could make a bit more money this way, and you, as producers, could also.

What better "portfolio", even for a well-known agency, than being able to point to specific commercials you've done, and showing prospective clients EXACTLY how many people viewed them on the web? This doesn't mean to include counters on the site, but if they're on your servers, your administration can tell you the counts. You could also keep track of those people interested in the actors and other information listed based on keywords.

Just some thoughts. -wds

Commercial Songs

AKA: Songs Used in Commercials, Music Used in Commercials, Songs used in Advertisements, Music Used in Advertising, Advertising Music, Advertisement Music

Others (TV Shows)

Places to Find Info about Songs in Commercials

More Song Sites

 

by Bill Sanders © May 24, 2007 - email:
 

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