Terminology and jargon

Question 1

Bed

Answer 1

Melody less musical sequence mixed under narration or dialogue.

Question 2

Bed

Answer 2

Typically a melody-less musical sequence composed or mixed to hold under narration and other dialogue, such as interviews, voices overs and narrations.

Question 3

Big and bold

Answer 3

Producer-speak for “I want my music to sound exactly like every other radio
commercial I’ve ever heard.”
Translation: Rip off the greats!

Question 4

Cut down’s

Answer 4

Shortened edits of longer commercials.

Question 5

Bumper

Answer 5

Short musical sequence used on Radio or TV when going to or returning from a commercial break.

Question 6

Buyout Royalty Free

Answer 6

Selling your music outright for one fee with no royalties.

Question 7

Copy

Answer 7

The words (Dialogue and Voice Over)

Question 8

Cue

Answer 8

Signifies a specific musical sequence or part thereof.

Question 9

Doughnut

Answer 9

A commercial with a hole in the middle to allow to later customization.

Question 10

Full sing

Answer 10

A jingle that contains both music and lyrics for the entire sequence.

Question 11

Jingle

Answer 11

The music, usually with sung lyrics, used to sell a commercial product in a radio/TV advertisement.

Question 12

Knock off

Answer 12

Agency speak for “write something to sound exactly like fill-in-the-blank, but not
so close that we get sued”.

Question 13

Needle drop

Answer 13

Paying for library music only when you actually use it.

Question 14

Points

Answer 14

The method of paying composers part of the profits (1% = 1 point) from the project
they work on

Question 15

Rough cut

Answer 15

Rough drft

Question 16

Royalties

Answer 16

Getting paid for the use of your work above and beyond the initial fee.

Question 17

Spot

Answer 17

Slang for Radio or TV commercial.

Question 18

Stingers

Answer 18

Short musical statements, often more sound design than musical, used for dramatic effect.

Question 19

Source Music

Answer 19

Previously composed or recorded music used to evoke a period or locale.

Question 20

Tag

Answer 20

The final instance of music, sung or instrumental, is placed at the end of a commercial spot. This is often the slogan or client name.

Question 21

Temp track

Answer 21

The music that clients often place into projects before hiring a composer.