Music is the only medium that connects to the soul, mind and body of the listener simultaneously. The flow of energy that each node of a song brings is remarkable and obvious. There is an art to using the right kind that quickly grabs the audience’s attention.
Each music has its own way of immersing the audience and taking them on a journey of imagination. How you use the music determines what kind of emotional impact it creates in the audience. Whether in films, theatres or live performances, using a musical theme at the right time and place creates magic.
With this in mind, let us explore how to use the right music that will influence the audience’s emotions and trigger the best moments.
Music as a storyteller
Storytelling with music is magical because it holds the audience’s attention until the end, and anticipation continues to build as the piece progresses. Coordinate the music with the storytelling script and focus on creating a seamless musical flow to accompany the storytelling.
When using music as a narrator, never give too much away too soon. Try variations of the music; focus on getting the highs and lows of the music in sync with the story. To keep your audience engaged and captivated by the story, make sure the music heightens the tension.
At the end of the narrative, you need to emphasise the emotional message with striking and contrasting music to add an element of surprise for your audience. Save the most epic version of your music theme for the end that enhances the emotions.
Synchronise the aural time with the visual tone
Matching these two elements is a fundamental step in connecting with your audience on an emotional level. Therefore, the song and visual effects you choose should reflect a strong bond and feel like a single masterpiece.
The majority of new composers try to contrast these two basic elements, resulting in an inappropriate way of conveying the message.
It’s not just about the melody or the beat of the song; the real secret lies in hitting what your audience hears and experiences in real time. The song “Sound of Silence” is the perfect example of how to play with acoustic timing and capture instant attention.
An upbeat song with sad lyrics will not produce the best combination because the lyrics are focused compared to the music. So both pieces have to go together and the music ends up in a smooth knot.
Teleport the audience to a different zone
Be it in movies or live performances; the audience has a strong desire to feel every moment of the song. To achieve this, you need to focus on the details of the visuals and lyrics so that individuals can imagine themselves being the centre of attention.
For example, when we listen to Michael Jackson, we imagine a pop theme and the singer telling the song in the form of a story. It is the perfect example of how to take the audience on a journey to another world. You can take the thematic inspiration from the artist and focus on creating such music that makes the viewer imagine something different from reality.
Fill the void
Sometimes the script and narratives fail to connect with the audience even though they have a solid voice and want to convey a message. This happens because the main element lacks the support of a musical sync. To make the on-screen actions or reactions more impactful, synchronise the content with bold background music that creates an emotional connection.
Whether it’s a short narrative or a long story, adding music creates a unique identity for the content that people will recognise. This simple trick creates a fully immersive atmosphere for the audience, so they are not just watching, they are experiencing it. When you fill in the blanks with affecting music, it increases the excitement and engages the audience until the end.
Final thoughts
Music is a holy grail that allows creators to connect with viewers on a personal level. What you choose and how you sync it with the basic elements will make the magic. Use it as a bridge to connect your audience to the content. Keep experimenting on a small scale and get feedback from audience reaction.
Music is an evergreen catalyst that is a world unto itself and helps creators build a loyal fan base. Whether you are just starting out or already in the music and media industry, using the right music that keeps your audience is the key to exceptional success. Focus on originality, authenticity, and audience taste to create a wonderful masterpiece.
Hi, I’m Aanya, a freelance writer based in India with a passion for filmmaking and music composition. I have a particular interest in the powerful emotions that can be created when both are combined together. A quick thanks to Spearheads of God for always taking the time to answer my (many) questions. Be sure to check out my other film and music related articles!
