Everything I Learned Writing Music for a National Ad Campaign

I had the opportunity to write music for RealTruck, Inc., the U.S.’s top seller of truck accessories.

The goal of the project was to create a 2-minute brand anthem that can be used across multiple campaigns (TV, web, social, etc.) and multiple years. To create the soundtrack of RealTruck’s brand.

Here’s the result:

After the project was over, I scribbled down “micro lessons.”

Bite-sized lessons of everything I want to remember for the next time I do a project like this.

Reply with a number and I’ll break it down in an essay or a comment.

1/ chord progressions are the least interesting part 

2/ who you know gets you in the door, but you have to have the goods

3/ stand out in the industry by actually listening to your client

4/ commercial work provides different but very gratifying creative challenges

5/ always over deliver

6/ you are the CEO

7/ “I freaking love that guy”

8/ equal parts composer, producer, and counselor

9/ yes, I can do that

10/ the most paid, the most played

11/ delight your clients

12/ the value of a license, the value of a copyright

13/ tell a story

14/ thanks, taxes

15/ the gutting of the music-for-commercials industry