by Michael Stone

Created on: May 18, 2007   Last Updated: October 09, 2011

Creating Compelling Audio: A few tips

Producing audio that grabs listeners by the ears is of course the challenge to all of us, no matter what our Audio preference.

We all do it utilizing all the tools, techniques and toys at our disposal. Whether it be musician, audio book, radio-tv commercial production or a podcast the attention to many minute details can be the make or break moment for whether your spot, music, your message gets heard and noticed. After all your audience-customer is bombarded with thousands of visual and audio impressions daily. Rather than seeing it as competition, I see it as inspiration to better my product.

So, what's it going to take for your piece of audio brilliance to stand out? Look at it from your perspective as a listener. That's a great place to start.

Here's a few quick pointers:

Have interesting content: Time and again I'm struck by the lack of thought put into the creative process. An intelligent turn of a phrase can lift even the simplest of audio projects to a new height. The KISS theory applies here. Keep it simple.

Utilize effects, but paint with sound. A dab here or there. You don't always need splash the canvas with wizardry. Find the appropriate time to use just the right audio technique to enhance, not obscure your intent. Be an audio chef. Too much of anything, no matter how good, can spoil the recipe. And always remember that reverb, flange or chorus effects can in the end, after a particularly complex mix, become an unmanageable audio nightmare.

Sound effects can be powerful tools in your audio palette as well, but again be cautious to not over do it. The obvious sound effects are also usually the superfluous.

If you're a musician you also may find yourself tempted to use some of the bells and whistles, but again on a cautionary note, these things can muddle and even draw away from the original content.

One of the ways I've always tried to determine the true value of a song or other audio as something that compels the listener to pay attention is this: "How would it sound with just a guitar and vocal, or as a dry voice read"?

The music that grabs me by the ears is first and foremost memorable no matter what the audio production techniques involved.

This was so true of The Beatles. Even though George Martin's genius as a producer is a given when you hear the songs stripped down you realize the simple genius of songwriting.

Others that do this for me are Marc Cohn, Billy Joel, Marvin Gaye and my personal favorite, Cat Stevens.

One of my favorite songwriting quotes is this: "ah the wonder of three chords yet again!". It rings so true.

Here's to hearing compelling audio! Cheers.

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