IN THE STUDIO
Straight from our HypeKit label lineup, these sub-genres of pop deliver with punched up and ultra promo-friendly characters from across the airwaves.
“Experimenting with electronics and other instruments…” is a minimalist creative framework that describes so much of how Thomas Wincek creates. Whether that be through his celebrated band All Tiny Creatures or his synth-centric production music, this exploration of Wincek’s work is a case-study in intentional experimentation.
It can be difficult to define the magic that makes up the sonic vibrations of music. But as we discovered in this interview, artist Amanda Huff has no problem describing her relationship with music through evocative, enthralling visual language. Huff’s responses are second only to the music itself, setting the scene beautifully for a journey that is as dynamic as her voice.
Utilizing a variety of genres that feed a hungry mentality for determined dreamers, we’ve assembled a squad of music that mirrors overcoming obstacles and the emotional growth found in Underdog Stories.
We’ve patched together a few albums that feature the many Shades of Synthesizers including retro, modern, and the truly unique.
A closer look at some of more unique, esoteric stylings we’ve created to help give a sound to the high-minded advertising boardroom speak within Dancing About Architecture.
Utilizing Three Ingredients or Less to look at impactful music that features acoustic, simple, minimal instrumentation. Award winning flavors with Acoustic Root Ingredients that only need a little S&P.
Sean Wolcott’s creative output is inspiring. Taking a walk through his musical projects, we unlock an undeniable creative spirit where passion, curiosity, and imagination lead the way.
How do you achieve that balance, taking that utility of production music and infusing it with humanity and emotion? We chat with Alec Shaw and Daniel Holter about their collaborations and how to enhance the emotional value of a track.
Widely celebrated in concert halls around the world, Classical Music is just as present in our everyday lives at weddings, graduation ceremonies, and of course a variety of commercial applications. But why?
Our friends at Universal Production Music UK have analyzed their data for the latest in production music trends and predictions. We’ve assembled a few records from our labels that just so happen to fit those trends and keywords.
After 13 years, Dope Folks Records has put together a ‘Best of’ vinyl from their incredible vault of rare and unreleased Hip Hop. We took the opportunity to catch up with co-owner Chris Schulist and talk about the label, this special release, and how they find these hidden gems.
Siddharth Nadkarni is a composer that works in both production music and video game music, using his knowledge and skills to create impactful music for moments big and small. We sat down with Siddharth and talked about his aim to capture moments, composing for our HypeKit label, and his goals.
TLL founder and creative director Daniel Holter is still hard at work behind the mighty mixing desk, but now he’s also getting in front of the camera on his YouTube channel, beginning with a quick demo of Josh Gudwin’s new plugin called Magic Flow.
Meet Ehren Ebbage. He’s an award-winning songwriter, producer, and composer who continuously seeks new opportunities that push himself while leaving room for unbridled creativity and discovery that feed the spirit of whatever he’s working on. In this conversation, we talk with Ebbage about his work with Lizzy McAlpine, Olive Klug, and his work in production music.
The best podcasts are often built on great conversations. And the best conversations we know are built on the universal language of music. With that in mind, we’re thrilled to introduce you to… WordLess — an experiential music podcast from The License Lab.
We love getting to know our friends at ELIAS Music. In addition to representing our catalog in North America, they have an impressive catalog of production music and a long history of success in custom music and audio branding. We recently talked with Head of Production & Director of Audio Identity at ELIAS Matt Phenix about his work and what sets ELIAS apart in that department. But first we go down a little Drum & Bass rabbit hole.
Katy McIlvaine and Patrick Hertz came together in 2020 to form Dawn Patrol, a music supervision and clearance company with an impressive and diverse catalog of indie artists ripe for the synching, including our own roster of artists. Read on to discover the origin story of Dawn Patrol, the meaning behind the name, why they love doing all the outdoorsy things, and the trends they’re seeing and getting excited about.
Though we first got to know songwriter, singer, activist, writer, and overall badass Buick Audra from her hard rock band Friendship Commanders, her recent return to her solo work show how Audra’s powerful voice, intimate lyrics, and message are a through line in all of her music. We chat with Audra about her solo work and upcoming record, being unapologetic and honest, and being heard on her own terms.
Samer Ghani is an artist that has built a career out of combining his camera, curiosity, and community into works that stand out from the noise, that elevate the subject of each shot. In this feature, Samer gives authentic artistic insight and shares his thoughts on working in Milwaukee, connecting his art to being Palestinian American, and more.
We sit down one of the most recent creative partners to join the License Lab extended family, Philippe Bronchtein, and chat about his career as a working musician and touring with The War and Treaty, his recent return to his own music, and how the parameters of production music can inspire creativity.
Though LA based Music Clearance and Creative Consultant Megan Oddsen grew up just a stone’s throw from our studios near Milwaukee, we were just recently connected through the Twitter machine. We connected through the ether to chat with Megan about her time in the highly essential (though not highlighted nearly enough) side of the music industry, her Wisconsin roots, and a few of her favorite projects she’s worked on that you just might recognize.
From organizing a battle of the bands fundraiser at just 13 years old, to managing Lorde, to volunteering to be literal shark bait, Ayisha Jaffer is someone you want to get to know. We caught up with the music industry veteran amidst the COVID pandemic and came away with unexpected stories and inspiration.
Father Sky is the stage name of musician and nature enthusiast Anthony Deutsch. His lyrical heart songs make for a beautiful soundtrack for troubled times. We chatted with Deutsch about his connection with nature and how it can help others, his work as Father Sky, and lending his talents to a TLL record.
Versio Curs has a sound that ties in decades of punk and confessional pop into an album that is far more than the sum of its parts. We chatted with the band about their beginnings and influences... sort of.
With a physical space in the original post office building for one of the many villages included in Milwaukee’s scope and located just up the road from the Miller Brewery, we’re not shy about sharing who we are and where we’re from. And while some members of the Lab have migrated to different parts of the country, we still call Milwaukee home. Ever wonder why?
Friendship Commanders is a hard rock band comprised of Buick Audra (vocals/guitars) and Jerry Roe (drums/bass). They create heavy, melodic rock that tackles topics like surviving abuse and challenging the patriarchy. We chat with the band about their origins, activism, the sound of their newest release, and expanding who represents heavy music beyond wizards and warlocks.
Immortal Girlfriend is nocturnal synthwave band consisting of brothers Will and Kevin Bush. Taking inspiration from their childhood and night driving, they’ve created a sound that is full of dreamy synthesizers, textures, and danceable beats. We chat about their newest release, how the sounds of the night became a part of their signature sound, and what happens next for the band in these uncertain times.
Matt Boudreau is so much more than a reputable mixing, mastering, and recording engineer. Though his work in his own studio is impressive in its own right, Boudreau has one of the most influential podcasts in the industry. We talk with Boudreau about his background, podcasting, and his love of coffee.
GLOhan Beats is a producer and TLL composer who loves video games. There’s a genuine affinity there that goes beyond just “playing” the games. He’s internalized them to a point where they’ve help mold his inventive and attention-grabbing beats. Working with rappers like Famous Dex and Lil Uzi Vert, GLOhan Beats has been making a name for himself by infusing unique video game samples and beats with an unspoken sense of nostalgia.
NEW MUSIC
There’s nothing to hide in Bedroom Pop (E&E-039) as dreamy, tender indie-inspired tracks balance pop synths and warbly guitars with charming vocal hooks.
Bringing the extravagance and animated jazz, ragtime stylings together with modern electro element for a remix that hits nostalgic notes while landing firmly in the twenty first century.
Evoking hope and friendship through rising acoustic pop arrangements, Under My Wing nurtures an undertone of reflection and encourages growth.
A corporate pop soundtrack for those who believe in trailblazers, challenging the status quo while growing an eco-conscious business.
Backpack Beats builds off hip-hop beats from genres like trap, old skool, and trip hop to create a colorful collage of mysterious, mellow, dramatic, and dreamy scenes.
Fueled by fantasy and imagination, the sounds of organ, vibraphone, bongos, alto flutes, and ethereal non-lyrical vocals summon a mysterious sound that transports listeners to those distant fictional vacations.
Featuring singular vocal hooks, simple lyrics communicate not-so-simple thoughts and feelings over a lush pop atmosphere.
Enter a playground of strange concoctions that fuel nightmares with percussive tension and terror sound design and effects.
Powered by hypnotizing basslines, sweaty drums, and brazen guitars, Psych Rock was authentically created using era-specific techniques to channel the freedom of a flower child.
Featuring songwriter Ryan Necci, A Life Worth Livin' has the soul of classic country, packaged up in a tidy EP that touches the romance and heartache of anyone who has dared to love.
We’ve pulled some of our favorite tracks by writers and performers who are bearded and prefer a melancholy cabin life to the hustle of urbanity. Lots of flannel, plaid, weathered leather boots within.
A score for the televised struggle to survive with a mix of sound design, pulsing electronic elements, and nylon stringed guitar, ramping up the thrill of the adventure with waves of tension.
Rustic & Dusty fuses elements of Alt Country with traditional folk, playing in both the shadows and the light.
Our take on evergreen drum set rhythms, featuring everything from stadium-filling behemoth beats to punch line rim shots.
Head off to a tantalizing, futuristic world that draws in unsuspecting listeners into a dynamic web of mystery as producer Kory Burrell brings textural synths and curious sounds to a darker side of alternative pop.
The vintage orchestral scores of Midcentury Newsreel form a soundtrack to match the hope and hustle of a bygone era.
This second collaboration between producer HOLTERGEIST and singer-songwriter Amanda Huff continues where the duo left off, exploring uncharted waters beyond the borders of Carbon Copy (LMTL-042).
Inspired by some of the hallmarks of the USWNT as they gear up for the 2023 Women’s World Cup, Rise Up Down Under features energetic hip-hop, inspiration strings, driving riff rock, genre mash-ups, and more.
An EP that is so much more than two voices and an acoustic guitar, these love songs mirror the romantic charm and introspective comfort that comes with a rainy day.
We’ve explored the radiant territory known as Under the Sun before. We’ll revisit each of the previous volumes of this series, but first we’d like to introduce you to the newest member of the sunshine squad.
Ain’t It A Cryin’ Shame is the modern country equivalent of the Unflinching Walk, witnessing an ex crash and burn. But in this version, our narrator allows a little smirk of satisfaction to creep in, reveling for just a minute in karmic justice.
For birthday parties of every shape and size, we have assembled twenty unique versions of what so many of us call “The Birthday Song” that range from creepy robots to classroom singalong.
From the same pen that wrote the Win Some Lose Some (LMTL-037) and Dancing With The Devil (LMTL-036) comes an empowering modern country single that looks back at a relationship gone bad, but then celebrates her reliable squad that will be there no matter what.
Enter a dreamlike world with a dark and ominous sonic landscape from producer HOLTERGEIST with captivating vocals from singer-songwriter Amanda Huff, an ideal track to a serve as the psychological primer to a character driven narrative.
Ranging from ridiculous to funky, quirky to kitsch, this playlist delivers extra flavor to enhance comedic visuals, pratfalls, and punchlines.
Bright bluegrass duos and pensive solo melodies, Banjo Evergreens crosses genre lines while feeling authentic and true to the banjo.
From the sounds of Ragtime to Western saloons, we’re bringing back the melodramatic, plucky fun, and energy of the Silent Film Era.
With our ears to the underground and an eye on the edit suite, we’ve assembled an album of some current sounds of indie rock in a promo-friendly package.
Owen Sartori has come together with HOLTERGEIST in an artist/producer collaboration that plays in the dreamy space between the atmosphere and the earth.
Pay no mind to the lengthy list of potentially fatal side effects. This positive and lively playlist highlights the adventurous possibilities of new medications.
STORIES
Dig into an album with a kaleidoscope of textures and melodic, edgy bass riffs at the forefront.
Bravo’s Top Chef has brought their competition to culinary hotspots including Los Angeles, New York City, Charleston, and London. For Season 21, they set up shop in our home for over a decade: Wisconsin.
When we see the same basic formula over and over, it all becomes easy to forget. But there are a few stand out Super Bowl commercials that viewers may remember. Plus haikus.
Placing authenticity and the emotional value above all else, we’re diving into one of the most endearing and heart-on-your-sleeve recordings in our catalog, Untangle Me.
Celebrating thoughtfulness and curation by highlighting the work of Song Exploder’s Hrishikesh Hirway and his interview with the podcast The Art of Curation.
Minimal piano-based atmospheres and haunting arrangements of traditional Christmas carols encourage quiet moments of reflection while touching heartwarming, nostalgic memories.
It’s not enough to simply tell someone who you are or what you stand for. Actions speak louder than words. And a nearly 40 minute video dissecting the details of a production music track just scratches the surface.
Knowing what’s new is exciting, but what about the thrill of discovery? If you’re familiar with the venerated history of library and production music, you know that there are countless treasure chests full of hidden gems still waiting to be discovered.
Bound By Sound is a podcast that features interviews with industry professionals working at the intersection of music and film. The conversations are, in their own words, “casual, inspiring and a little geeky.” If you’re anything like us, that’s a combination that will always pique your curiosity.
The most extraordinary sports moments will live forever in the memories of those lucky enough to witness them live. But for the rest of us, we go to the highlights.
One sub-genre of jazz that brings an undeniable energy that makes any environment feel alive. Latin Jazz (ACPM-007) delivers that energy with live performances in the studio and sits the listener square in a dimly lit booth of a smoky mid-century club.
Geek Beats combines all the energy of a Mountain Dew-fueled campaign and the full-fledged badassery that you feel when you play. In short, it’s one hell of a ride.
Live in the KEXP studios complete with a full band and choir, rising Seattle talent Alec Shaw brings his soulful vocals into a lush, raw indie pop playground.
More sincere than goofy, more heartwarming than slapstick, the whimsical instrumentation found on Sunshine Kidz walks the line between Wes Anderson and SpongeBob.
Some people become divided, some people become united. Now music supervisors unite as they make the push to unionize.
Far away from shredding solos or fragile fingerpicking, Under The Bridge is an unexpected soundtrack that explores another side of what an electric guitar can do.
What makes someone stop scrolling to audition a track? While the reality is that taste is subjective and everyone has their own venn diagrams of reasons, track descriptions regularly show up as a primary reason editors and music supervisors push the ‘Play’ button.
The entire License Lab team is quite literally all over the map with composers in cities like Nashville, New York, Portland, and our internal team in California, Washington, and Wisconsin. In that spirit we wanted to highlight a few Milwaukee artists who have spread their wings and are making waves on a national scale.
Live at The Opera House is an intimate record that feels less like you’re in a gorgeous auditorium and more like this collaboration of top talent from Milwaukee’s robust jazz and hip-hop scenes are playing live in your living room.
With millions and millions of dollars spent on Super Bowl commercials and weeks of build up and teasers, it’s no wonder folks are analyzing these ads in an academic fashion. But no matter the tone of a spot, shouldn’t all music used be an integral part of the storytelling?
Richly textured and soft-spoken, the modern country sound of Philippe Bronchtein’s Catch My Breath explores the shadows while comforting the soul.
We’re all familiar with the concept of “quiet time.” While this may conjure up images of a toddler being told to go to their room for a time-out, our friends in film and television production know it as something else entirely. There is a process called “capturing room tone” and it is one of the most essential tools in an edit.
Breaking the mold in more ways than one, the dynamic duo of The Equilibrium Anthology and The Equilibrium Remixes provides unexpected and plentiful options for big time action.
There is something about a quiet underdog that stands out and the soft aura of an abstract watercolor is indicative of the hushed tones found within the indie soundscapes. And if that’s what you’re in the mood for, this record does not disappoint.
Filthy and grimy aren’t usually favorable terms. But if you’re looking for something with a bit of an edge to match the attitude of the story, they can be lifesavers. Diverging from a world of clean cut samples and shiny synths can (in the right hands) lead you to far more interesting places.
To help define more of these elusive sounds of the Chill, Synth, and/or Wave subgenres, I stopped by Eyeballs & Eardrums to listen to Vaporwave. Tracks from this album have shown up in so many of our playlists and searches that I knew I would find some answers.
While 2020 was obviously no walk in the park for so many in this industry, 2021 continues to be full of change for our company. Directly relating to our mission to focus on doing what we do best, the music, we have a few more changes to share.
How many jingles can you remember? What were they selling? The jingle has a long and storied history, but you may have noticed a distinct decline in the marketing ear worms over the past few decades. What happened?
The world of synthwave is wide, varied, and ever-evolving, and the nocturnal duo of Immortal Girlfriend might be leading the way with their third single of 2021.
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