DEMOS / SCORES/
RIGHTS. Top quality music houses usually charge a flat fee ($500 to $2,000) per demo track including a rough mix and a few singers.
Unless you're an accomplished lyricist, give a writer your themeline and some
ideas. Let him or her write the words. .If you
like a demo, there's often an final arrangement of fee ($500 to $2,500) per version (jazzy,
rock, country...). If the music company retains
the rights to the score, they'll bill you an annual licensing fee.
MUSICIANS. Musician fees vary from
$200 to
$500 per
session, depending on how many real instruments (synthesizer tracks save
performer costs but add writing and arrangement fees); how many markets the
spot will run in; how long it will run; and if it is used in radio, television
or both. Union AFM (American Federation of Musicians) players add on pension & welfare, FICA,
large instrument cartage, etc. Talent agent fees (10%) usually apply. 
SINGERS. Singer fees also run from $200 to
$500 or more
per version or session depending on the number of singers; sweetening (overdubbing
extra tracks to make four singers sound like the Mormon Tabernacle Choir); how
many markets the track will run in, etc. AFM requires a
"leader" in every chorus, even if it's a solo. The Leader is
usually the studio owner or chief writer. Union Residuals are a
bear. Plan to pay a Commercial Payer 8.5% to do the paperwork.
STUDIO TIME is a major price / cost for radio
commercial jingles. It includes time for demo
recording, final recording & mix, sweetening, tape,
engineer, masters, analog to digital conversion, etc. Most studios record
in analog to get the richest sound, then mix in a
digital format. Budget six hours to two or three days @ $300 to $700 per hour.
BOTTOM LINE:
Good lyrics & melodies, good performers and good singers in a good studio
should cost between $6,000 - for a local-only track - and $30,000 for a
national or multi-version tune. Is it worth it? Well, they don't
hum the announcer.
THE LIVE FEEL. One way to get a
great piece of pop music is to hire a local band to write one for you.
I've often given a band some lyrics and a little direction and a week or two. If
they're hungry, I may get a rough gem for next to nothing. And they'll
probably play the tune every once and while for you on stage. Jingles
are a fast way for local bands to get on the air. Be sure to get a
long-term release, just in case that garage band makes it big.
Radio Advertising Costs - The case for radio v. TV,
print and newspaper.
#1
Cost of Radio Commercials.
- Creative, studio, talent, sfx explained.
#3
Writing Radio
Commercials. - Creative Writing Ideas you can use.
#5
The Hidden Cost of Radio Commercials. - Usually ignored. Often incurred.
The Radio Show. -
Hear how all this stuff works.
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Free
Excel Radio Production Estimate Worksheet.
