Intro
The term ear candy music is just as intriguing as the sound it describes. Ear candy music is more than just a catchy tune — it’s a sound that grabs your attention from the first note and keeps you coming back for more. Nowadays, it’s getting harder and harder to hold a viewer’s attention. Could captivating musical notes be the answer that creators and brands are all looking for?
In this blog, we’ll dive into what ear candy music is and explore its potential to elevate your video projects. We’ll also share some tips on creating ear candy music and look at highlights from Artlist’s new ear candy music collection.Â
What is ear candy music?
Ear candy isn’t a genre of music. It’s a term that refers to the extra-musical details that add sweetness to a track and bring the music to life. Ear candy goes beyond basic melody, drums, or bassline. Ear candy is like seasoning. The little touch of this and a sprinkling of that to bring out the full flavor of the song. Sometimes, the ear candy elements are hidden between the traditional verse, chorus, and verse structure, or at other times, they are used in the very beginning to hook the listener from the first second.
Take Billie Eilish’s ‘Bad Guy’ for example. There’s an undeniable catchy sound that underscores the whole song. When visiting Australia, Billie Eilish took an iPhone recording of the rapid tick played when the pedestrian crossing lights turn green, edited it, and sampled it in her track. For Eilish, the sound turned out to be more than just ear candy, it proved to be a golden nugget as the song won Record of the Year at the 62nd GRAMMY Awards in 2020.
Ear candy elements are the moments of surprise and delight in songs that are addictive, irresistible, and make you want to listen again and again. The magic of ear candy music lies in its ability to balance simplicity with complexity. It’s familiar enough to stick in your mind but interesting enough to make you keep you hooked.
Benefits of using ear candy music in videos
Incorporating ear candy music into your videos can make a huge difference in how your content is received. Whether you’re working on a vlog, an ad, or a short film, the right soundtrack can elevate your project and captivate your audience. Here are 4 reasons why ear candy music is worth considering:
Increase viewer engagement
Ear candy music is designed to catch attention and keep viewers hooked. If the track is catchy and intriguing, viewers are more likely to stay engaged with your video. A strong, memorable melody can help maintain their focus and prevent distractions.
Enhance the emotional impact
Music has the power to shape emotions, and ear candy music is no exception. It can intensify the mood of your video, whether you want to evoke excitement, joy, suspense, or nostalgia. Finding the right music for video editing can make the difference between a good video and a great one.
Make your video more memorable
A signature ear candy track can help make your video stand out. When viewers hear the music again, they’ll instantly associate it with your content, making your video more memorable. Over time, this helps build a recognizable brand identity.
Create a distinct identity
In a crowded digital landscape, standing out is essential. Ear candy music can help you carve out a unique identity for your video or brand. Whether you’re looking for music for travel videos, lifestyle content, or something else, a song that grabs attention and sticks with people can set your content apart from the rest.
Artlist’s ear candy music collection
Galaxy Groove by Yarin Primak
This song is pure cosmic funk, perfect for anything that needs a touch of retro-futuristic energy. Imagine it underscoring a stylish product reveal, a neon-drenched cityscape time-lapse, or even a quirky sci-fi short. It’s got that undeniable groove that makes you want to move.
Run the Place by Rex Banner
With its driving beat and confident swagger, Run the Place is tailor-made for videos that exude power and ambition. Think high-energy montages, sports highlights, or anything where you want to create a sense of unstoppable momentum.
Can You Make It by Out of Flux
This song has a hopeful, uplifting vibe, ideal for videos that tell a story of perseverance and triumph. It would be a great fit for motivational content, personal journeys, or anything that inspires viewers to chase their dreams.
I’m so Lit by Curtis Cole
This song is bursting with energy and playful vibes. It’s perfect for anything that needs a dose of fun and excitement, like travel vlogs, party scenes, or videos that celebrate carefree moments. It’s guaranteed to get your audience in a good mood.
These songs are just a few of our favorites. Check out the full Artlist ear candy music collection for more.
How to create ear candy music
Creating ear candy music is about more than just catchy melodies — it’s about making tracks that captivate and keep listeners engaged. Here are a few music production tips to help you craft your own ear candy:
Focus on catchy melodies and hooks
The key to ear candy music is the melody. Aim for something simple, memorable, and fun to listen to. Try experimenting with different melodic ideas, and use repetition to your advantage. A melody that sticks in the listener’s head will keep them coming back.
Layer your sounds
Ear candy music is rich and textured. To create that depth, layer multiple sounds together. You can combine rhythmic elements like percussion with melodic elements, or use atmospheric pads and synths to add complexity. Layers will help your track feel dynamic and interesting, like
‘Never Going Back Again’ by Fleetwood Mac, which uses layers of a repetitive and prominent guitar melody over vocals to keep things lively.
Play with rhythmic variations
Rhythmic variety can make your track stand out and keep listeners engaged. You don’t have to stick to predictable rhythms — experiment with syncopation or off-beat accents to add excitement. For instance, ‘As It Was’ by Harry Styles, released in 2022, uses a catchy rhythm and syncopated beats to keep the energy high and the listener’s attention locked in.
Incorporate sound effects
Small sound effects can add an extra layer of intrigue to your music. Swooshes, clicks, or subtle transitions can keep the track fresh and surprising.Â
Smooth transitions
A great ear candy track flows seamlessly from one section to the next. Use transitions like risers, drops, or filters to guide the listener through the track. Smooth transitions will help your song feel cohesive and make the overall listening experience more satisfying.
Ready to start?
Ear candy music is a powerful tool for elevating your videos and capturing your audience’s attention. By focusing on catchy melodies, dynamic rhythms, and textured layers, you can create videos that keep your viewers hooked from start to finish. Whether you’re working on an energetic vlog, an intense trailer, or a cinematic short, ear candy music can give your content that extra spark.
Ready to start using ear candy music in your next project? Check out Artlist’s ear candy collection.
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