These haunting melodies: the secret power of sound design

The pro's trick: keep it simple.

Do you remember the nursery rhymes from your childhood?It's crazy how easily we remember them!Well, music design agencies do the same.They rely on simple melodies, basic chords, and repetitive lyrics.That's how they create those jingles that stick in your head all day long.

The other day, I was listening to a radio ad and found myself humming the jingle for hours.That's when I understood their strategy: they serve us the same thing over and over until it sinks in!

Emotion is the secret.

But it's not just the repetition that matters.Emotion plays a huge role.You know, that song that reminds you of your first love or your summer vacation?Sound design agencies love to play on that.They choose music that touches us, makes us smile, or even cry.

I saw an ad the other day that used a song by my favorite band.Result?I immediately felt closer to the product.That's clever, isn't it?

The context, it changes everything.

Then, there's the context.A song we hear during a great moment in our life stays etched in our memory.Sound identity agencies know this well.They broadcast their ads everywhere: on the radio, on TV, on Spotify...The idea is that we hear them again and again, until they become part of our daily lives.

The structure is the key.

Have you ever noticed how some songs are easy to follow?It's because they have a clear structure.And that's where sound logos come into play.You know, those super short little melodies that represent a brand's signature tune?Like Intel's "ta-da" or the MGM lion's roar.It's a great concept!In a few notes, the brand is immediately recognizable.

The sound in video games is another dimension.

And let's talk about video games!Here, the sound is not just a detail, it's a crucial part of the experience.Good game music immerses you in the action.It can stress you out during a fight or relax you when you're exploring.

The other day, I was playing a horror game, and I swear, the footsteps and creaks freaked me out like never before.It's crazy how sound can make us live the game!

And then, there are those game soundtracks created by audio design experts that become cult classics.Who has never hummed the music from Mario or Zelda?It's as if these melodies have become part of our culture now.

Originality makes all the difference.

You know, even though simplicity and repetition are important, the sound designer knows it well, you still need a little something extra to really make an impression.It's like in cooking: a secret ingredient that makes all the difference.In music, it can be a slightly strange melody, lyrics that are out of the ordinary, or an unexpected musical arrangement.

I remember an ad for a car brand that used a piece of classical music remixed with engine sounds.It was so original that I couldn't help but talk about it to my friends.It's exactly this kind of creativity that makes an ad memorable.

Virality, the new phenomenon

And then, there's this completely crazy thing of our time: virality.With social media, a song can go around the world in a few hours.Brands have understood this well and are trying to ride this wave.

Here, the other day, my niece showed me a TikTok "challenge" based on the jingle of a chip brand.It was everywhere!People were singing along to the melody, dancing to it...It's crazy how a simple melody can become a global phenomenon.

The growing importance of sound design in our daily lives

Thinking about it, I realize that sound is becoming increasingly important in our daily lives.Whether it's the ringtone of our phone, the beep of our microwave, or the jingle of our favorite show, we are constantly surrounded by sounds that aim to capture our attention.The acoustic atmosphere of our daily lives is significantly shaped by the sounds emitted by the objects around us, a reality made possible by the creative expertise of sound designers who excel in the art of audio branding.

Brands have understood this well and are increasingly investing in what is called "sound branding."It's fascinating to see how they try to create a sonic identity as strong as their visual identity.

The future of sound in advertising and games

And I wonder what the future holds for us.With virtual and augmented reality developing, I bet sound will become even more important.Imagine advertisements that adapt in real-time to your sound environment, or video games where the sound is so realistic that you feel like you're truly in the action.

In conclusion

In the end, it's fascinating to see how music and sound can have such an impact on us.Whether it's in an ad, a video game, or simply in our daily lives, these little melodies have the power to move us, to make us act, and to stay etched in our memory.

The next time you hear a catchy jingle or are captivated by a game's soundtrack, take a moment to think about everything that goes into it.It's a true art, blending psychology, creativity, and technology.

And you, what is the last melody that got stuck in your head?Was it a song, an advertising jingle, the intro music of your favorite YouTube channel, or the music from a video game?It's crazy how those little notes can have such power over us, isn't it?

If you need help with your sound design projects or if you are looking for custom services, contact our Sound Design France studio (contact@resonance-sounddesign.com) to discuss your ideas!

21 04 2025 By Resonance