TV Theme Music

There are several songwriters who have earned good money from writing TV theme music. This is a good way to make some money from your songwriting. There are a lot of work available, given the enormous number of cable television and network stations. Like films, TV uses music in many different ways. Underscores, source music, bumpers (the musical stings used to connect scenes or camera shots), and of course the opening and ending theme.

What's the main theme in a TV show?

The main theme is the song which are played in the beginning of the show, and often also at the end. It's supposed to be a signature for the TV show, and make people "run" to the TV when they hear it:)

The main theme can be done in different ways. You can write a typical jingle which are only meant for a TV show, or you can try to pitch your "artist songs" as a main theme for TV series. The last years it has been a trend for TV shows to use actual songs as their theme. I guess you've seen TV shows as "Home and Away", "Friends" or "True Blood" which all are using real songs as their main theme.

Why should you consider writing TV theme music?

In the highly competitive record business, many record labels and artists are looking for new ways to promote their music. One effective way to do this is to get their song pitched as a main theme for a TV show. There are many examples of songs which have became huge hits after they've been used as TV theme music, just think of "I'll be there for you" from Friends or "Bad Things" from True Blood.

It is important that the theme of your song fits the overall feel of the TV show. If it is a show about the love life of teenagers, the production company would probably want a pop song in a contemporary style where the lyrics talks about teenage love life. If it is a TV show about bikers, they'll probably want a more rock flavor to it, supported by lyrics that might talk about outlaws. A show about a rich club owner in Las Vegas might have a Frank Sinatra, big band sound to it.

If you got a song you feel could suet a special TV genre, you should contact a production company that makes TV shows and play the song for them. They might not want that song, but you could get some tips about what kind of songs their looking for as their next TV theme music, and you can write a song in that particular style.

Go out and try to pitch your songs as TV theme music, it might be your breakthrough as a songwriter. Good luck :)

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