How to Find Background Music from TV Shows: A Symphony of Serendipity and Strategy

How to Find Background Music from TV Shows: A Symphony of Serendipity and Strategy

Finding the perfect background music from TV shows can be a delightful yet daunting task. Whether you’re a filmmaker, a content creator, or simply a music enthusiast, the process involves a blend of serendipity and strategy. Here are several approaches to help you uncover those elusive tracks that elevate your projects or satisfy your curiosity.

1. Utilize Shazam and SoundHound

One of the most straightforward methods is using music recognition apps like Shazam and SoundHound. These apps can identify songs playing in real-time, making them invaluable when you hear a captivating tune during a TV show. Simply open the app, let it listen to the music, and it will provide you with the song title and artist.

2. Explore Official Soundtracks

Many TV shows release official soundtracks that compile the background music used throughout the series. These soundtracks are often available on music streaming platforms like Spotify, Apple Music, and Amazon Music. Checking the show’s official website or social media pages can also lead you to these compilations.

3. Visit Fan Forums and Communities

Fan communities and forums are treasure troves of information. Websites like Reddit, TV show-specific forums, and Facebook groups often have threads dedicated to identifying background music. Fans frequently share their findings and help each other track down obscure tracks.

4. Consult IMDb and Tunefind

IMDb (Internet Movie Database) and Tunefind are excellent resources for identifying music used in TV shows. IMDb provides detailed episode guides that often include information about the music featured. Tunefind, on the other hand, is a specialized database where users can search for songs by show and episode.

5. Leverage Social Media

Social media platforms like Twitter and Instagram can be surprisingly effective. Many TV shows and their creators post about the music they use. Additionally, fans often tag the show’s official accounts when asking about specific tracks, and sometimes the creators respond with the information.

6. Check YouTube and Video Descriptions

YouTube is a vast repository of TV show clips and episodes. Often, the video descriptions include details about the background music. Additionally, some users create compilations of music from specific shows, which can be a goldmine for discovering new tracks.

7. Use Music Identification Websites

Websites like WatZatSong and Midomi allow users to upload audio clips or hum melodies to identify songs. These platforms can be particularly useful if you remember a tune but can’t recall the lyrics or title.

8. Engage with Music Licensing Companies

Music licensing companies often handle the placement of songs in TV shows. Companies like Extreme Music, APM Music, and Killer Tracks have extensive catalogs and can sometimes provide information about specific tracks used in shows.

9. Explore Showrunners’ and Composers’ Websites

The showrunners and composers of TV shows often have personal websites or social media profiles where they discuss their work. These platforms can provide insights into the music selection process and sometimes even direct links to the tracks used.

10. Attend Fan Conventions and Panels

Fan conventions and panels often feature discussions with the creators and composers of TV shows. These events can be an excellent opportunity to ask questions about the background music and get firsthand information.

11. Utilize Music Streaming Playlists

Many music streaming platforms have user-generated playlists dedicated to TV show soundtracks. Searching for the show’s name on platforms like Spotify or Apple Music can lead you to these curated lists, which often include background music.

12. Engage with Music Blogs and Review Sites

Music blogs and review sites often cover the soundtracks of popular TV shows. These articles can provide detailed information about the music used and sometimes even interviews with the composers.

13. Check Show Credits

The end credits of TV shows often list the music used in the episode. Paying close attention to these credits can provide you with the names of the tracks and artists.

14. Use Music Identification Software

Software like Audacity can help you isolate and analyze audio from TV show clips. While this method requires some technical know-how, it can be effective in identifying background music.

15. Engage with Music Subreddits

Subreddits like r/NameThatSong and r/Television are dedicated to helping users identify music from various media, including TV shows. Posting a clip or describing the music can often yield quick and accurate results.

16. Explore Music Licensing Databases

Databases like ASCAP, BMI, and SESAC catalog the music used in various media, including TV shows. Searching these databases can sometimes lead you to the tracks you’re looking for.

17. Consult Music Supervisors

Music supervisors are responsible for selecting and licensing music for TV shows. Reaching out to them through professional networks or social media can sometimes provide you with the information you need.

18. Use Music Identification Apps with Video Capabilities

Some music identification apps, like Shazam, now offer video recognition features. This allows you to identify music directly from video clips, making it easier to find background music from TV shows.

19. Engage with Music Licensing Agencies

Music licensing agencies often have extensive catalogs and can provide information about the music used in TV shows. Reaching out to these agencies can sometimes yield the information you’re seeking.

20. Explore Music Identification Forums

Forums like WhatSong and MusicBrainz are dedicated to identifying music from various media. These platforms can be valuable resources for finding background music from TV shows.

Q: Can I use background music from TV shows in my own projects? A: Using background music from TV shows in your projects may require licensing, depending on the intended use. Always check the copyright status and obtain the necessary permissions.

Q: Are there any free resources for finding background music from TV shows? A: Yes, platforms like Tunefind and fan forums often provide free information about the music used in TV shows. Additionally, some music streaming platforms offer free tiers with access to soundtracks.

Q: How accurate are music identification apps? A: Music identification apps like Shazam and SoundHound are generally very accurate, but their effectiveness can depend on the quality of the audio and the uniqueness of the track.

Q: Can I find background music from older TV shows? A: Yes, many older TV shows have soundtracks available on music streaming platforms, and fan communities often have extensive knowledge about the music used in classic series.

Q: What should I do if I can’t find a specific track? A: If you’re unable to find a specific track, consider reaching out to fan communities, using music identification forums, or consulting music licensing companies for assistance.

By employing these strategies, you can enhance your ability to find the perfect background music from TV shows, enriching your projects and satisfying your musical curiosity.