Music in Media.

Something that is used very often in advertisements is music… whether it’s a catchy jingle or just a song playing in the background, musicplays a huge part in making consumers notice the ad. A very recent example is the iTunes commercial with Coldplay’s new song – “Viva La Vida.” During certain shows, this commercial is played during EVERY commercial break! I was watching an episode of “Scrubs” and with the 30 minute time slot, i saw this commercial about 4 or 5 times. By the end of the show, I had the song stuck in my head… I actually went to my computer, and bought the song off of iTunes just so I could listen to it. Not only did iTunes use a clever cut of the song to make it extra catchy… they played the commercial so many times, they were sure people would take notice and take action.

Another type of music used in commercials are the catchy jingle songs… They show them so many times, with their annoying little jingles that even when you’re not watching tv.. you might catch yourself singing or humming the tune of the ad. A great example is the “freecreditreport.com” commercials… it’s gotten to the point where i sing along with the commercial!! I know that if i ever need a credit report.. i would go to that site, just because the song is burned forever in my head.

Another good television commercial example of a jingle is the Empire Carpet commercial.. I could recite the number for you by heart because I’ve seen the commercial so many times and because they paired their phone number with a catchy jingle.

This method of annoying jingles also works well on the radio. Two examples that i can think of are the Keyes on Van Nuys ads and the Toyota of Orange ads. The Keyes one, goes “Keyes, Keyes, Keyes, Keyes on Van Nuys.” I can’t tell you how many times i’ve seen someone looking for their keys and i’ve just randomly broken out into song with “Keyes, Keyes, Keyes, Keyes on Van Nuys.” The Toyota of Orange is equally as annoying with their jingle.. “Well you won’t get a lemon (I wouldn’t'a got a lemon?)
From Toyota of Orange
Well you won’t get a lemon (I wouldn’t'a got a lemon…!)
From Toyota of Orange”

In America… if someone can hear.. then there’s a preeeeeeetty good chance their brain has been filled with the nonsense of advertisers.. whether they want to believe it or not. I know almost everyone out there knows who will “beat anyone’s advertised price.. or your mattress is FREEEEEEEEEEEE!” 

 

–Sali.