Friday, 31 January 2025
Media offline
Where to store files so that everyone can access them is really important. Blackmagic offers a range of solutions to do this, and they work really well, but for all the in-house files, we find it better and cheaper to run all the files off of our NAS which all the company share.
Thursday, 30 January 2025
Creating the Perfect Jingle for Your YouTube Channel with a Professional Musician
Creating the Perfect Jingle for Your YouTube Channel with a Professional Musician
A great jingle is more than just background music—it’s the sonic signature of your YouTube channel. It instantly tells your audience what your content is about, sets the right mood, and makes your brand memorable. While AI and DIY solutions are ok, working with a professional musician is one of the best ways to get a unique and high-quality jingle.
Contrary to popular belief, hiring a musician doesn’t have to break the bank, and the creative collaboration can result in a jingle that perfectly fits your brand. Here’s how you can work with a musician to create the ultimate YouTube jingle.
1. Why Work with a Professional Musician?
While AI-generated or self-made jingles can be useful, a professional musician brings experience, originality, and creativity that an automated tool simply can’t replicate.
Advantages of Hiring a Musician
✅ Tailored Sound: A musician can craft a jingle that perfectly suits your channel’s theme, unlike AI tools that use pre-programmed templates.
✅ Human Touch: They bring personality and emotion to the music, making it feel authentic rather than robotic.
✅ Flexible & Customizable: Need variations for intros, outros, or transitions? A musician can create different versions of your jingle to match different moods.
✅ Better Branding: A unique sound makes your channel instantly recognizable, building your brand’s identity.
2. Finding the Right Musician for Your Jingle
There are many ways to connect with talented musicians, whether you’re looking for an independent freelancer or a small music production company.
Where to Find Musicians:
🎼 Freelance Platforms – Websites like Fiverr, Upwork, and SoundBetter offer affordable professional musicians specializing in jingle composition.
🎤 Local Musicians & Music Schools – Many students or indie musicians offer high-quality work at lower rates to build their portfolios.
🎧 YouTube & SoundCloud – Check out musicians who post their work online and reach out for a commission.
🎹 Social Media & Forums – Facebook groups, Reddit’s r/musicproduction, and even LinkedIn can help you find skilled jingle creators.
💡 Tip: Look for musicians who have experience with commercial music or have composed jingles before. They’ll understand what works for short, catchy branding sounds.
3. Collaborating with Your Musician: The Creative Process
Once you’ve found the right musician, it’s time to work together to create the perfect jingle. Here’s how to make the most out of your collaboration.
Step 1: Define Your Vision
Start by telling the musician about your channel’s personality, audience, and niche.
- What’s the tone? (Fun, professional, energetic, calming?)
- What’s the genre? (Pop, jazz, orchestral, electronic?)
- How long should it be? (5-10 seconds for an intro, longer for outros.)
- Are there any existing jingles you like? Share references for inspiration.
🎤 Example:
“I run a tech review channel and want a futuristic, synth-heavy jingle around 6 seconds long. It should be upbeat, catchy, and loopable for outros.”
Step 2: Listen to Their Expertise
A professional musician has experience creating effective jingles. Let them guide you on:
- What works & what doesn’t – Some tunes stick better than others!
- Instrument choices – Electronic vs. acoustic sounds, drums vs. strings.
- Variations – A longer version for outros or different tempos for different moods.
Step 3: Review Drafts & Provide Feedback
Musicians usually provide samples or drafts before finalizing the jingle. Be specific in your feedback:
❌ “I don’t like this.” → Too vague!
✅ “Can we make the melody sharper and more energetic?” → Much better!
4. Exploring Different Jingle Variations
A good jingle doesn’t have to be limited to just your intro! A musician can create:
🎵 Intro Jingle – The main 5-10 second tune for brand recognition.
🎶 Outro Music – A slightly longer, softer version for closing videos.
🔁 Loopable Background Music – A subtle instrumental variation for extended use.
🎙️ Custom Sound Effects – If your channel has segments, the musician can create tiny "stingers" to introduce different sections.
Having multiple versions ensures that your branding remains consistent across all videos.
5. How Much Does It Cost?
Hiring a musician doesn’t have to be expensive. The cost depends on experience, complexity, and licensing terms.
Estimated Pricing
💰 Beginner/Student Musicians: £50-£150
🎼 Freelancers with Experience: £200-£500
🎵 Professional Studio Work: £500+
Money-Saving Tip:
- Ask for royalty-free licensing so you don’t have to pay ongoing fees.
- Some musicians offer discounted rates for YouTube creators in exchange for crediting them in your videos.
6. Licensing & Ownership
Before finalizing your jingle, make sure to clarify ownership rights.
Key Licensing Options
✅ Full Ownership: You pay once and own the jingle outright (recommended).
🔄 Exclusive License: You own the jingle, but the musician retains credit.
🎼 Non-Exclusive License: The musician can sell the same jingle to others (not ideal for branding).
Always get a written agreement stating your rights before finalizing payment.
Final Thoughts: A Win-Win Collaboration
Hiring a professional musician to compose your jingle is one of the best investments for your YouTube channel. You get:
✅ A high-quality, custom-made jingle tailored to your brand.
✅ The chance to collaborate creatively and get expert advice.
✅ A unique, professional sound that sets you apart from competitors.
And the best part? It’s often more affordable than you think, and the musician benefits from gaining a new client and portfolio piece.
So if you’re serious about making your YouTube channel stand out, consider working with a musician to craft the perfect sonic identity—one catchy note at a time! 🎶
Wednesday, 29 January 2025
AI Jingles
Creating the Perfect Jingle for Your YouTube Channel Using AI Music Generators
A catchy jingle is the heartbeat of a memorable YouTube channel. It sets the tone, reinforces your brand, and leaves a lasting impression on your audience. But creating the perfect jingle can be daunting—especially if you lack musical expertise. That’s where AI music generators like Soundraw, Amper Music, or AIVA come in.
These tools simplify the process, allowing creators to craft custom music that aligns perfectly with their channel’s identity. Here’s how you can use an AI music generator to create the perfect jingle for your YouTube channel.
1. Why Choose an AI Music Generator?
AI music tools are revolutionizing the creative process. Here’s why they’re a great choice for jingle creation:
- Quick Results: Generate professional-quality music in minutes.
- Customizable: Tailor the genre, mood, tempo, and length to suit your needs.
- Budget-Friendly: Many platforms are affordable compared to hiring a professional musician.
- User-Friendly: No musical training required—just input your preferences, and the AI does the rest.
2. Choosing the Right AI Tool
Here’s a quick overview of some popular AI music generators:
- Soundraw: Known for its ease of use, Soundraw lets you customize tracks by mood, length, and style. Perfect for beginners.
- Amper Music: Ideal for creating royalty-free music for content creators. Amper offers a library of sound presets for various genres.
- AIVA: A powerful tool for generating music with emotional depth, suitable for cinematic or storytelling channels.
- Boomy: Focused on simplicity, Boomy creates loopable music that works well for jingles and background tracks.
Explore each platform’s free trial to find one that suits your needs.
Free vs Paid AI Music Generators
Any casual listener who has listened to AI-generated music on Apple Music, Spotify, or YouTube Music would have noticed that some songs sound better than others. Quality is clearer; some sound exactly right, whereas others might have distortion or sound somewhat robotic or manipulated.
That’s often the difference in sound quality between free and paid AI music generators.
This isn’t limited to AI music generators; it can also be said about most other types of music production software.
A free DAW like LMSS might be a fantastic way for new producers to learn, but once you’re past the basics, you’ll crave the extra functionality and ease of use that paid and
professional tools come to offer.
Paid music generators are always superior in functionality, licensing, and cost.
While “free” AI music generators might appear totally free, they often harvest background data for advertising that pays for their servers. You’re also cutting out any overloaded advertising or spam with paid software.
3. Crafting Your Jingle with AI
Follow these steps to create your perfect jingle:
Step 1: Define Your Channel’s Identity
Before diving into the music generator, consider:
- Your Genre: What type of content do you create? (e.g., vlogs, gaming, tutorials)
- Your Audience: Are they looking for energy, calmness, or drama?
- Your Brand Personality: Is your channel fun, professional, quirky, or bold?
Step 2: Set Parameters in the AI Tool
Most AI tools let you select:
- Mood: Cheerful, relaxed, energetic, dramatic.
- Genre: Pop, electronic, orchestral, or cinematic.
- Tempo: Fast-paced for excitement or slower for a calming effect.
- Length: Keep it short and memorable—5-10 seconds is ideal.
Step 3: Preview and Refine
AI tools generate multiple options based on your input. Listen to the tracks, tweak parameters, and fine-tune the music until you find one that fits your vision.
Step 4: Customise Further
Many platforms allow you to adjust:
- Instrumentation: Add or remove specific instruments.
- Effects: Include unique touches like reverb or distortion.
- Volume and Balance: Ensure each element is well-balanced for clarity.
4. Benefits of Using AI for Your Jingle
- Speed and Efficiency: No need to spend hours composing or hiring help.
- Affordability: Generate royalty-free music at a fraction of the cost of professional composers.
- Originality: Many AI tools create unique tracks, ensuring your jingle stands out.
- Scalability: Need variations for intros, outros, or transitions? Generate them with the same style effortlessly.
5. Ownership and Licensing
Check the licensing terms of the AI platform to ensure your jingle is free for commercial use. Most tools, like Soundraw, offer royalty-free music as part of their subscription, meaning you own the track and can use it without restrictions.
6. Final Touches
After creating your jingle, consider the following:
- Audio Quality: Export the file in high quality (e.g., WAV or high-bitrate MP3).
- Integration: Sync the jingle seamlessly with your video intro or outro.
- Feedback: Share with friends or your audience for initial impressions.
Conclusion
Creating the perfect jingle for your YouTube channel has never been easier, thanks to AI music generators. Tools like Soundraw allow even non-musicians to craft professional, tailored music that enhances their brand. With a few clicks and customizations, you can have a memorable jingle that resonates with your audience.
Ready to give it a try? Your perfect jingle is just a few notes away!
Tuesday, 28 January 2025
Writing your own Jingle
How to Compose the Perfect Jingle for Your YouTube Channel
A great jingle is more than just a catchy tune—it's your YouTube channel’s sonic identity. It sets the tone, grabs attention, and makes your content memorable. Whether you’re creating an upbeat intro for a vlog, a dramatic opening for a gaming channel, or a soothing soundscape for a relaxation series, your jingle can be the element that keeps your audience coming back for more.
Here’s a step-by-step guide to help you compose the perfect jingle for your YouTube channel.
1. Match the Tune to Your Channel's Genre
Your jingle should reflect the vibe and theme of your channel. Think about the emotions you want your viewers to feel when they hear it:
- Energetic and Upbeat: Ideal for lifestyle, travel, or fitness channels. Consider lively tempos and major chords.
- Dramatic and Bold: Perfect for gaming or cinematic content, using epic drum beats, synthesizers, or orchestral elements.
- Calm and Relaxing: Suited for ASMR, meditation, or educational content, with soft strings, pianos, or ambient sounds.
Take inspiration from existing jingles in your niche but aim to make yours unique to stand out.
2. Keep It Short and Sweet
The ideal jingle length is 2 to 5 seconds. In this brief window:
- Capture attention without overwhelming the listener.
- Ensure it’s easy to remember.
- Avoid making it too repetitive or overly complex.
For channels with long-form content, a short version of the jingle can work as an intro, while a slightly extended version can play during outros or transitions.
3. Choose the Right Instruments or Sounds
The choice of instruments or sound effects can make or break your jingle. Consider these options based on your channel’s style:
- Electronic Sounds: Synths and drum machines for tech, gaming, or futuristic vibes.
- Acoustic Instruments: Guitars, pianos, or violins for warm, approachable tones.
- Percussion: Drums and claps for a punchy, energetic feel.
- Unique Effects: Sound effects like whooshes or chimes can make your jingle distinctive.
Experiment with combinations to find the perfect balance that resonates with your audience.
4. Basic Equipment You’ll Need
You don’t need a full recording studio to create a jingle. With a few essential tools, you can craft professional-quality soundtracks:
- Digital Audio Workstation (DAW): Software like GarageBand (free on macOS), Audacity (free and open-source), or professional tools like FL Studio and Logic Pro.
- MIDI Keyboard: Helps you play and record melodies directly into your DAW.
- Microphone: A good-quality mic is essential if you want to include vocals.
- Headphones or Speakers: For accurate sound monitoring.
- Sound Libraries: Access to royalty-free sounds or virtual instruments, such as Splice or Native Instruments, can expand your creative possibilities.
If you’re on a tight budget, free resources like BandLab or Soundtrap can help you get started.
5. Experiment and Test
Don’t settle for your first draft. Test different tempos, melodies, and effects to see what works best. Share versions with trusted friends or peers for feedback and iterate until it feels just right.
Final Thoughts
Your YouTube channel’s jingle is more than background music—your brand’s voice. By matching the tune to your content, keeping it concise, choosing the right instruments, and using basic equipment effectively, you can create a jingle that represents your channel and becomes an unforgettable part of your audience's experience.
If you also want background music, then this needs to blend in with the jingle - think of the same sounds or tempo.
Start experimenting today—your perfect jingle might just be a few notes away! 🎶
Monday, 27 January 2025
How to Write the Perfect Jingle for Your YouTube Channel
A catchy jingle can be the cornerstone of your YouTube channel's branding, setting the tone for your content and making your channel memorable. Whether you’re aiming for a cheerful introduction, a dramatic crescendo, or something quirky and unique, creating a jingle can vary significantly depending on how you approach it. Here, we’ll explore three options: composing it yourself, using AI tools like Soundraw, or hiring a professional musician. We'll also weigh the advantages, disadvantages, costs, and ownership implications for each.
Option 1: Compose Your Own Jingle
If you’re musically inclined or have access to basic music production software, creating your own jingle can be a rewarding experience.
Advantages:
- Creative Freedom: You control the melody, tone, and style completely.
- Cost-Effective: If you own music software like GarageBand or Audacity, you might not incur additional costs.
- Ownership: You own 100% of the composition without licensing fees or copyright concerns.
Disadvantages:
- Time-Consuming: Composing, editing, and perfecting your jingle can take hours, especially if you're not experienced.
- Skill Requirement: A good jingle needs to be catchy and professionally produced, which can be challenging without musical expertise.
Estimated Cost: Free if you have the tools;
But if you don't, you might find this the most expensive solution.
Option 2: Use AI Tools like Soundraw
AI music generators have become increasingly sophisticated, making them a popular choice for content creators.
Advantages:
- Quick Results: AI tools can generate a jingle in minutes, allowing you to experiment with various styles and moods.
- Cost-Effective: Many platforms offer affordable subscription models or pay-per-track options.
- Customization: Some tools let you tweak tempo, instruments, and structure to fit your vision.
Disadvantages:
- Generic Output: AI compositions can lack originality or emotional depth, making them less distinctive.
- Ownership Issues: Depending on the platform, you may not own the jingle outright, which could limit commercial use.
Estimated Cost: £10-£30 per track or £50-£100 for monthly subscriptions.
Option 3: Hire a Professional Musician
For a polished and original jingle, enlisting the help of a professional composer or musician is a tried-and-true method.
Advantages:
- High-Quality Results: Professionals bring expertise and creativity to craft a jingle that aligns perfectly with your channel’s identity.
- Customisation: You can collaborate to ensure the jingle reflects your unique vision and branding.
- Unique Sound: A professional musician can create something entirely original, helping your channel stand out.
Disadvantages:
- High Cost: Hiring a musician can be expensive, with varying fees depending on their experience.
- Time Commitment: The process may take weeks, from initial discussions to final delivery.
- Ownership Contracts: Ensure that the agreement includes full ownership rights to the jingle, as some musicians retain partial royalties.
Estimated Cost: £150-£2,000, depending on the composer’s experience and the complexity of the jingle.
Ownership Considerations
When creating or commissioning a jingle, ownership is a critical factor:
- Self-Composed: Full ownership automatically belongs to you.
- AI-Generated: Check the platform's licensing terms to confirm whether the track is free for commercial use.
- Professionally Composed: Ensure your contract explicitly states that you retain full ownership or have a royalty-free license.
Which Option Is Right for You?
- Budget-Friendly: DIY or AI tools like Soundraw are ideal if you're working on a tight budget or need something quickly.
- High-Quality & Unique: Hiring a professional musician is the best choice for polished, bespoke jingles.
- Experimentation: AI tools offer a middle ground where you can try different styles before committing.
A memorable jingle can elevate your YouTube channel, leaving a lasting impression on your audience. Whether you compose it yourself, collaborate with AI, or hire a professional, the key is to choose an approach that aligns with your creative goals, budget, and branding strategy.
Sunday, 26 January 2025
Fast replacement
Last night at about 10pm when I flushed the loo, the handle broke in two. I ordered a replacement from Amazon - next Day delivery - it arrived at 7am and was fitted by me by 7:30am
Saturday, 25 January 2025
The correct lens
Choosing the right focal length lens for the job: Many people just use a zoom and sit the camera at a point and zoom in. However, moving the camera and selecting an appropriate lens is better. It takes longer, but the difference is in the field of view and in the results.
Friday, 24 January 2025
New Version of DaVinci Resolve
I don't use DaVinci Resolve every day, but it seems that every time I use it, I need to download and install a new version, adding more (useful) features to learn and play with.
Using Fusion
Programming effects in Da Vinci Resolve. In Fusion there are hundreds of 2D and 3D tools for visual effects and motion graphics. Using the keyframe editor we can create realistic animations, they just take time.
Wednesday, 22 January 2025
No power for the day
No power for a day - as we needed to replace the fusebox, so with a few devices on the UPS, we managed to carry on a day's work with minimum power.
Tuesday, 21 January 2025
Lighting Solutions
Most of the time, we rely on white lights for our videos. But occasionally, coloured lighting creates stunning effects and brings unique visuals to life!
Monday, 20 January 2025
Piano Mechanism
Looking inside a piano. All my instruments are digital, but my Mum still has a real piano. I never really liked the sound of it and playing it reminded me why.
Saturday, 18 January 2025
Green Screen
Setting up the green screen: balancing speed and quality for AI-generated backdrops. Perfect lighting, smooth fabric, and even keying ensure a seamless blend—where tech meets creativity!
Friday, 17 January 2025
Costume Department
Video production is underway—the costume department is prepped! Who knew lab coats came in so many colours? This is a refreshing change from the classic white my students wear. #BehindTheScenes #ScienceInStyle
Thursday, 16 January 2025
Remote Filming
Filming the @pascoscientific smart cart whilst the smart cart also can film its progress with an @insta360 camera mounted on top giving a carts view of what is going on.
Wednesday, 15 January 2025
Filming the B-Roll
With the storyboards and the script complete, it is time to take some of the B-roll for the experiments. In-house productions can move quite fast and we can get the filming and the many retakes done usually in a day.
Tuesday, 14 January 2025
Script writing
Monday, 13 January 2025
Storyboarding
Bad weather may not be ideal for filming, but it’s perfect for planning! We’re using this time to focus on scriptwriting and storyboarding, ensuring our next productions are spot on. #Filmmaking #CreativeProcess
Sunday, 12 January 2025
File corruption
File corruption strikes again! You save your work, only to find it corrupted when reopening—and the backup hasn’t caught it yet. Several hours of work lost, reminding us all to save frequently and keep manual backups. #TechChallenges #BackupTips
Saturday, 11 January 2025
Squirrel pods working
All three Squirrel Pods are now installed! While we should've added them when the batteries were first set up, shifting to all-electric required a tweak to our plans. This step brings us closer to energy self-reliance and reducing our carbon footprint. #Sustainability #SolarPower
Friday, 10 January 2025
New Squirrel Pod
Excited to receive our new Lux Power Squirrel Pod! This upgrade will enhance the flow of electricity in and out of our solar batteries, crucial for powering our induction cooker and air source heating. More efficiency, more power when we need it! #SolarEnergy #Sustainability
Thursday, 9 January 2025
Theatre Organ Lesson
Having an incredible online organ lesson with the amazing Tom Horton on his Hauptwerk Wurlitzer. His ability to create such a wide range of sounds and styles is awe-inspiring—far beyond what I can do (for now)! Learning from the expert is pure joy. #OrganMusic #Hauptwerk
Wednesday, 8 January 2025
1921 Census
Diving into the newly available 1921 census data to trace my family tree. It’s the first census where my great-grandparents appear—before this, they seem to have dodged the records, making the search a real challenge! #Genealogy #FamilyHistory
Tuesday, 7 January 2025
Monday, 6 January 2025
All Electric
With the new electric induction cooker installed, the household is now all electric. With 26 solar panels, 48KW of batteries, and Air Source Heating, we have done as much as we can to make the home as eco-friendly as we can for the time being.
Sunday, 5 January 2025
Snow driving
Late-night snow gives some opportunities to get out and practice some snow driving, and this can be fun on Hemel Hemptead's hills. This morning, the rain is turning the snow to slush, making some of the roads worse.
First Aid Course
Friday, 3 January 2025
Smoke Alarm
Our smoke alarms have reached the 10-year mark—time to replace them! Regular testing is crucial, but alarms should be replaced every decade for safety. Remember to test yours weekly and replace as needed. #FireSafety #SmokeAlarms
Thursday, 2 January 2025
Back to work day
Back to work day for some - my wife and sons went back to work today - I had worked between Christmas and the New Year and tried to do a few jobs while I had some time. Most students don't start until Monday; a few are a little later.
Wednesday, 1 January 2025
Happy New Year
Happy New Year! Wishing you a year filled with joy, success, and exciting new opportunities. Let’s make 2025 a year to remember! #HappyNewYear #Welcome2025