Track Music Explained: The Ultimate Beginner’s Guide

Understanding what is track music often begins with appreciating its integral role in audio production. Professional music producers at studios like Abbey Road Studios rely heavily on track music to layer instruments and vocals. Digital Audio Workstations (DAWs) are the primary tools employed to compose and arrange these elements, giving artists control over their unique sound. Similarly, the licensing of tracks for media is facilitated by organizations such as ASCAP, playing a crucial role in providing royalty collection services.

Image taken from the YouTube channel ExpertVillage Leaf Group , from the video titled What Is the Meaning of Tracking a Song? .

Track Music Explained: The Ultimate Beginner’s Guide – Optimized Layout

This guide explains track music, designed for absolute beginners. It focuses on the core question: "what is track music?" and breaks down all related concepts in an easy-to-understand way. The article is structured to progressively build understanding, starting with the fundamental definition and expanding into relevant history, related genres, production techniques, and how to find and enjoy track music.

Defining "Track Music": What Is It, Really?

This section is the heart of the article and directly answers "what is track music?".

• Introduction: Start with a concise and accessible definition. For example: "Track music, in its simplest form, refers to instrumental music often designed for use in other mediums. Think of it as a musical backdrop that can be layered behind visuals or vocals."
• Emphasis on Instrumental Nature: Highlight the key characteristic of track music: it’s primarily instrumental.
  • Explain why being instrumental is crucial (e.g., to avoid clashing with spoken word or singing in other productions).
  • Mention that while track music is primarily instrumental, vocal samples are sometimes incorporated, but typically in a non-lyrical way.
• Purpose-Driven Music: Expand on the idea of track music as "purpose-driven."
  • Explain that it’s created with a specific application in mind, such as for:
    • Background music for videos (YouTube, film, documentaries)
    • Commercials and advertising
    • Video games
    • Corporate presentations
    • Podcasts
    • Meditation and relaxation apps
• Differentiating from other genres: Briefly explain how track music differs from traditional genres:
  • It’s less about artistic expression and more about fulfilling a functional need.
  • It often prioritizes creating a specific mood or atmosphere over complex musical arrangements.

A Brief History of Track Music

This section adds context by outlining how track music evolved.

• Early Forms of Production Music: Describe the origins, possibly starting with library music (also known as stock music) from the mid-20th century.
  • Explain how early library music was created for film and television and distributed via physical recordings.
  • Mention the rise of companies that specialized in producing and licensing this music.
• The Digital Revolution and its Impact: Explain how digital audio workstations (DAWs) and online platforms revolutionized track music production and distribution.
  • Highlight the ease of creating, sharing, and licensing tracks through online marketplaces.
  • Mention the increasing accessibility of music production software and hardware, empowering independent artists.
• Modern Track Music Marketplaces: Discuss the current landscape of online marketplaces where track music is bought and sold.
  • Examples: Artlist, Epidemic Sound, PremiumBeat.
  • Explain the licensing models offered by these platforms (e.g., subscription-based, single-use licenses).

Exploring the Diverse Styles within Track Music

This section outlines the diverse range of styles within track music.

• Categorizing Track Music by Genre: Provide a list of common genres found in track music, with brief descriptions of each.

  • Ambient: Focus on atmospheric and relaxing sounds.
    • Mention use cases like meditation videos and sleep apps.
  • Cinematic/Orchestral: Highlight dramatic and epic sounds suitable for film and trailers.
  • Electronic: Cover various electronic styles, from upbeat EDM to downtempo electronica.
  • Corporate: Describe music with a positive and uplifting tone for business presentations and marketing materials.
  • Acoustic/Folk: Discuss acoustic guitar-driven tracks suitable for nature documentaries or heartwarming stories.
  • Hip Hop/Trap: Focus on modern beat styles for vlogs and trendy commercials.

• Categorizing Track Music by Mood: Offer another way to classify track music based on the emotions it evokes.

  • Happy/Uplifting: Explain the elements that make music sound happy, such as major keys and fast tempos.
  • Sad/Melancholic: Discuss the use of minor keys and slower tempos to create a feeling of sadness.
  • Inspiring/Motivational: Highlight the characteristics of music that can inspire and motivate, such as powerful melodies and driving rhythms.
  • Tense/Suspenseful: Describe the use of dissonance and unsettling sound effects to create a feeling of tension.
  • Calm/Relaxing: Highlight the use of drones and ambient textures to promote relaxation.

How Track Music is Made: Production Techniques

This section gives a brief overview of how track music is produced. This is not a production tutorial, but rather an explanation of the processes involved.

• Essential Tools and Software: Provide a brief overview of the tools used in track music production.

  • Digital Audio Workstations (DAWs): Examples include Ableton Live, Logic Pro X, FL Studio, Cubase. Briefly explain their role as the central hub for music creation.
  • Virtual Instruments (VSTs): Briefly explain what they are, noting their flexibility and versatility. Provide a few common types (e.g., synthesizers, orchestral instruments, drums).
  • Audio Plugins: Explain how plugins can enhance audio signals using effects (e.g., reverb, compression, EQ).

• Common Production Techniques: Briefly describe common production techniques used in creating track music.

  • Looping: Briefly explain how loops are used to create repeating patterns.
  • Layering: Explain how layering different sounds can create depth and texture.
  • Mixing and Mastering: Briefly describe the importance of these processes in polishing the final product for consistent audio levels and clarity.
• The Importance of Simplicity: Emphasize the value of simplicity in track music production.
  • Explain how less is often more, and that complex arrangements are not always necessary or desirable.
  • Highlight the focus on creating a clear and uncluttered sound.

Finding and Using Track Music

This section focuses on how people can find and use track music.

• Online Marketplaces: List popular online marketplaces for track music (e.g., Artlist, Epidemic Sound, PremiumBeat, AudioJungle).
  • Include a short description of each platform.
  • Discuss the pros and cons of each platform, considering factors like pricing, music quality, and licensing options.
• Free Track Music Resources: Mention reputable sources for free track music, but emphasize the importance of understanding the licensing terms.
  • Examples: YouTube Audio Library, Creative Commons platforms.
  • Caution readers to carefully review the licenses to ensure proper attribution and usage rights.
• Understanding Music Licensing: Explain the basics of music licensing.
  • Define "royalty-free" music and explain how it differs from traditional music licensing.
  • Explain the different types of licenses available and their implications (e.g., standard license vs. extended license).
  • Emphasize the importance of obtaining the appropriate license for the intended use.

This comprehensive layout ensures that a beginner will be able to clearly understand "what is track music" and all the surrounding concepts.

So, now you know a bit more about what is track music! Hopefully, this guide gave you a solid understanding. Now go out there and listen (or even create) some cool tracks! Let us know what your favorite track music pieces are in the comments!