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Music Briefs – Phonk and Drift Phonk

USE THIS SPECIAL KEYWORD IN YOUR METADATA SO WE CAN PROMOTE YOUR CONTENT: PhonkP5BRIEF

Phonk is a subgenre of hip hop and trap music directly inspired by 90’s Memphis and Lexington rap. As a genre, it’s older than you might think – it is a millennial genre that originated primarily on the SoundCloud platform around the 2000s – 2010s, where artists experimented with a combination of 90’s rap and trap beats. It is characterized by nostalgic funk samples accompanied by vocals from old Memphis rap tapes.

 

Phonk vs Drift Phonk

Make sure to distinguish phonk from the genre that attacks the top ratings on TikTok, known as drift phonk. Drift phonk is a subgenre of phonk made popular by TikTok and the curated Spotify Editorial Playlist dedicated to Phonk. Thanks to this, Phonk is perceived as progressive hyping music with distinctive cowbell-heavy sounds and fast BPM, but that’s far from what it is! Listen to the tracks and hear the difference between these two.

 

What is Phonk

Phonk is an underground genre of hip hop and trap, as well as the umbrella genre for jungle phonk, phonk wave, phonk house, plug phonk, and of course, drift phonk. Famous names of phonk include Three 6 Mafia, DJ Smokey, X-Raided, Tommy Wright III, Phonk Beta, Soudiere, Mythic, DJ Yung Vamp, NxxxxxS, Lowpocus, and SwuM.

 

 

What is Drift Phonk

Drift Phonk producers have been going viral on TikTok with the distorted and progressive cowbell-heavy take on the phonk genre. The tracks are used in compilation videos of JDM cars drifting around narrow corners, and that’s how the subgenre got its title. As the popularity of drift phonk skyrocketed to the moon, it took over and established the public’s definition of phonk. As a result, nearly every tutorial after that on YouTube was dedicated to the Drift Phonk style. Notable producers include Pharmacist, LXST CXNTURY, MC ORSEN, and more.

 

Pond5 Library Examples of Phonk Music

Check out some of the examples in the Pond5 library as an inspiration for your submissions.

Phonk style:

Drift Phonk style:

 

Submission ideas

  • Feel free to upload both Phonk and Drift Phonk – just be careful to tag them correctly.
  • Upload tracks that are between 2-4 minutes long.
  • Use the tempo between 120-140 BPM.
  • Using vocals in samples and loops is a great advantage.
  • Typical instruments defining phonk genre: Synthesizers, samplers, drum machines.
  • Drift phonk uses cowbells and high bass in addition to the above mentioned instruments.

 

Summary

  • Take advantage of the 50-keyword limit and add both broad and specific keywords. Please do not use a recognizable band or artist name!
  • We also encourage you to submit separate :15 and :30 versions of these tracks for social media use.
  • Please note you can apply tags to existing tracks in your portfolio.

Top image: A Man Looking Into A Car Window On A Summers Evening. With A Neon Vaporwave by Raggedstone.

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Music Briefs: Music of Amazonia

USE THIS SPECIAL KEYWORD IN YOUR METADATA SO WE CAN PROMOTE YOUR CONTENT: AmazoniaP5BRIEF

“Amazonian” is a diverse group of indigenous people living along the banks and in the forests surrounding the Amazon river. Most indigenous people who live near the Amazon make music that finds similar inspiration in nature, and is healing. Shamans or religious/mystical experts of the Amazon use chants that are sung or whistled. Each culture has its own kind of music that serves a role in spiritual rituals and ceremonies.

We’re describing some of the traditional music of Amazonia that has roots in Brazil, Bolivia, Peru, Ecuador, Colombia, Venezuela, Guyana, Suriname, and French Guiana.

 

Amazonian Instruments

Amazonian Instruments include locally made flutes, rattles made of seeds, bells, xylophones, mouth bows, and a long hollowed log drum called a “maguaré.” Different villages use the maguaré to communicate with each other up to 20 km/12 miles away! Since some tribes have encountered outside visitors, they’ve been making wind instruments out of bamboo or animal bones.

The music of the Amazonian tribes is an inseparable part of shamanic traditions and meetings that deepen the experience and vision. The mood is transcending, celebratory and ritualistic.

 

Where you can hear Amazonian music now

If you want to get inspired, check out the International Festival of Amazonian Popular Music, Pirarucú de Oro. Since 1987, this festival commemorates not only the music but also the culture and customs of the magical region. It happens annually at the capital of the Colombian department of Amazonas, which is in the cultural capital of Leticia, Amazonas, Colombia, bordering Brazil and Peru. The festival supports cultural values, and at the same time, it emphasizes the spread of Amazonian melodies outside the region.

 

Pond5 Library Examples of Amazonian Music

 

 

Submission Ideas

  • Upload tracks that are between three and seven minutes long
  • Use the tempo between 80 and 100 BPM
  • Use natural instruments typical for the region, such as flutes, xylophones, acoustic guitars, drums, and other percussion instruments
  • If you have the choice of using the vocals, such as shaman chanting, humming, whistling, or Portuguese/Spanish lyrics about tribe stories or nature, it’s a great advantage!

 

Summary

  • Take advantage of the 50-keyword limit and add both broad and specific keywords. Do not use recognizable band or artist names, please!
  • We also encourage you to submit separate :15 and :30 versions of these tracks for social media use.
  • Please note you can apply tags to existing tracks in your portfolio.

 
Top Image: Indigenous Community In The City Of Manaus In Amazonia by eteixeirafoto565.

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Music Briefs: Japanese City Pop

USE THIS SPECIAL KEYWORD IN YOUR METADATA SO WE CAN PROMOTE YOUR CONTENT: JapaneseCityPopP5BRIEF

Japanese City Pop, AKA City Pop or Shiti Poppu, is a loosely-defined Japanese pop genre featuring American influences. The sound emerged in the ’70s and grew as technology boomed. Thanks to the introduction of the Walkman and car tape players, it reached its peak popularity in the ’80s. With innovation in its musical DNA, Youtube algorithms and TikTok have once again reawakened City Pop’s relevance and fame. So, we’re calling for hot new City Pop tracks!

In short, it’s Western music adapted by the Japanese. Most Japanese City Pop artists sought inspiration from American soft rock, funk, or boogie rather than Japanese tradition.

 

Why City Pop?

Thanks to social media, music-sharing blogs, notable artists, and Japanese reissues, it’s in demand. The genre has also become a touchstone for the sample-based microgenres known as vaporwave and future funk.

 
Get inspired by the most influential artists in Japanese City Pop. These include Tatsuro Yamashita, Toshiki Kadomatsu, and Mariya Takeuchi. More recently, Miki Matsubara’s “Mayonaka no Door (Stay with Me)” became a fan sensation on TikTok in 2020 when Japanese users recorded and shared their parent’s responses to the song.

 

Pond5 Library Examples of Japanese City Pop

Submission Ideas

  • Upload tracks that are between 3 and 6 minutes long
  • Use a tempo between 80 and 120 BPM.
  • Play with typical instruments for Western 80’s pop, such as synth, electric (triggered) drums or regular drum sounds, bass guitar, and affected guitar sound (e.g., fusion jazz, where some use saxophone)
  • Experiments with Japanese vocals or without vocals
  • City Pop is a mix of genres, overlapping R&B, jazz, or 80’s pop. Whatever the influence, the result oozes a glamorous, urban feeling.

 

Summary

  • Take advantage of the 50-keyword limit and add both broad and specific keywords. On the other hand, do not use recognizable band or artist names, please!
  • We encourage you to submit separate :15 and :30 versions of these tracks for social media use.
  • Moreover, please note you can apply tags to existing tracks in your portfolio.

Top Image: OSAKA, JAPAN – NOVEMBER 21, 2016: Night city lights of Dotonbori street in Osaka, Japan by citylife.

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Music Briefs: Holiday Music & Sound Effects

USE THIS SPECIAL KEYWORD IN YOUR METADATA: HolidayAudio2022

The holiday season is approaching quickly, and buyers are looking for traditional and niche contemporary remixes that complement the holiday atmosphere. We’ve compiled a list of genres to focus on producing holiday music based on the requests from our buyer community.

Christmas and Holiday music isn’t only ‘Jingle Bells’ – think outside the box and get inspired by the following idea starters for your next music production. Don’t forget to use the special keyword HolidayAudio2022 so we can track down your submissions and promote your content!

 

Music Production Thought Starters

Christmas songs cover many styles, from choral and rock to country, pop, R&B, or jazz. Let the list below spark your imagination.

  • Christmas music in traditional genres – Children’s, Classical, Jazz, Modern, Religious, Rock, and Pop all fit this category. (Think of the vibe of ‘All I Want For Christmas Is You’). Try including typical winter SFX in your music, and experiment with different instruments, such as organs, jingle bells, etc.
  • Non-traditional remixes of Christmas songs – We have already received requests for Christmas music remixed or revamped into Asian instruments, synthwave, R&B, EDM, Hip Hop, etc.
  • Lounge music – The jazzy relaxing vibe you have in a hotel lounge or elevator.
  • The rock genres – Create Christmas Rock, Christian rock, and even metal versions using Christmas elements, chords and SFX.
  • Lullabies – Soft bedtime music for children is also in high demand.
  • Vocal tracks – From duos to choirs. People singing religious songs or holiday hymns are popular among buyers during the holiday season.

 

Think of other holidays

Christmas is not the only holiday that occurs towards the end of the calendar year. Experiment with Kwanzaa or Hanukkah to widen your list of genres. Here are some examples:

  • Kwanzaa music is as vibrant as the traditional colors used to celebrate this seven-day holiday from December 26 to January 1. Create tracks using classical African beats, instruments, and joyful grooves.

 

  • Hanukkah music includes many traditional songs associated with the festival of Lights. Jewish music encompasses a wide range of genres and styles. These include Yiddish songs, klezmer music, and Israeli music, as well as contemporary genres mixed with traditional Jewish instruments, such as the kinnor (lyre), nevel (harp), tof (tambourine), shofar (ram’s horn), trumpets, flutes, chalil, alamoth and the uggav.

 

 

Holiday Sound Effects

Let’s focus on holiday sound effects here! Sound effects are essential for movies, podcasts, and social media platforms. Buyers often seek them out a few months before the holidays.

  • Winter sound effects – What reminds you of winter? Winter breeze, ice cracking, snow falling, rain, footsteps in the snow, snowball fights, etc.
  • Traditional Holiday sounds – Bells, chimes, and jingle bells, decorating the Christmas tree, gift wrapping, Holiday prayers, a music box, dreidels spinning, etc.
  • Holiday voices – Diverse voices, different accents, and languages saying “Merry Christmas,” “Happy Hanukkah,” “Happy Kwanzaa,” or cheerful voice lines of children happy about their gifts, dreidel games, Santa Claus saying ho ho ho, etc.
  • Atmosphere sounds – Fireplace, Clinking of glasses and toasts, laughter, lighting a candle or menorah, preparing, cooking, and serving food, etc.

 

Keyword Ideas

Happy, positive, Christmas, holiday, Christmas music, music, winter, holidays, seasonal, bells, happiness, snow, Xmas, Santa, magical, festive, Kwanzaa, African, groovy, joyful, uplifting, ambient, jazz, lounge, carols, acapella, jingle bells, choir, choral, vocal, Christian rock, lullaby, Hanukkah, Chanukkah, Jewish, Yiddish, klezmer, Israeli, Hebrew, kinnor, chalil, alamoth, uggav, etc.

 

Target Groups

Corporate clients, non-profit organizations, artists, news organizations, influencers, ad companies, social media agencies, etc.

 

Summary Tips

  • Take advantage of the 50-keyword limit and add both broad and specific keywords. On the other hand, do not use recognizable band or artist names, please!
  • We also encourage you to submit separate :15 and :30 versions of these tracks for social-media use.
  • Moreover, please note you can apply tags to existing tracks in your portfolio.

Top image: Man Playing Guitar In Christmas Eve by StudioMAK.

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Music Briefs: American Patriotic Themes, Positive Political Ads and Public Domain Classical

Music Briefs - Young Male Musician Sitting On Bed With The American Flag In the Background

New month, new music briefs. 2022 is a year of elections, and many buyers will look for background music for their campaigns. This month we’re looking for Patriotic Themes, Positive Political Ads, and Public Domain Classical.

Find the unique code provided in each genre brief, and simply add it to keyword tags when uploading your new project. That way, we’ll know which genre you’ve been focusing on.

 

American Patriotic Themes

We’re looking for stirring odes utilizing strings and brass to evoke a feeling of national unity.

 

  • KEYWORD CODE: PATRIOTICFEB22
  • SUGGESTED KEYWORDS: Patriotic, american, unity, political, politics, strings, brass, midterms, USElections2022

 

Positive Political Ads

Inspiring and aspirational and presidential. Try to spread a message of hope in 15 or 30 seconds.

 

  • KEYWORD CODE: POLITICALFEB22
  • SUGGESTED KEYWORDS: campaign, presidential, election, 2022, midterms, candidate, aspirational, hopeful, politics, political, USElections2022

 

Public Domain Classical

We’d love to hear your take on pre-19th century classical pieces where the compositions are firmly in the Public Domain. Feel free to stay truthful to the source material or get experimental!

 

  • KEYWORD CODE: PDCLASSICALFEB22
  • SUGGESTED KEYWORDS: Public Domain, Classical, strings, orchestral, 1700s, 1800s

 

Don’t Forget:

  • Take advantage of the 50-keyword limit and add both broad and specific keywords. On the other hand, do not use recognizable band or artist names, please!
  • We also encourage you to submit separate :15 and :30 versions of these tracks for social-media use.
  • Moreover, please note you can apply tags to existing tracks in your portfolio.

Top image: Young Male Musician Sitting On Bed In Bedroom Enjoying Spending Time Playing by StratfordProductions.

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Music Briefs: Gamelan, Hi-NRG and Skiffle

Music Briefs - Trendy Black Guitarist Playing

New month, new music briefs. This month we’re looking for Gamelan, Hi-NRG, and Skiffle tracks.

Find the unique code provided in each genre brief, and simply add it to keyword tags when uploading your new project. That way, we’ll know which genre you’ve been focusing on.

Moreover, you have any questions or comments about any of these music briefs, please email Pond5’s Director of Audio Collections, Mike Pace, at mike@pond5.com.

 

Gamelan

Percussive Indonesian ensemble music utilizing instruments like gongs, the metallophone and the kendhang. Gamelan is heard in traditional ceremonies and performances.

 

  • KEYWORD CODE: GAMELANJAN22
  • SUGGESTED KEYWORDS: Gamelan, Indonesia, gong, metallophone, kendhang

 

Hi-NRG

Popular in the U.S in the late 70s and early 80s, Hi-NRG is upbeat electronic dance music that, unlike disco, emphasizes rigid synthesized rhythms over funkiness.

 

  • KEYWORD CODE: HINRGJAN22
  • SUGGESTED KEYWORDS: Hi-NRG, 1970s, 1980s, electronic, dance, club

 

Skiffle

Sort of a predecessor to rock and roll, skiffle has its origins in folk and blues music in the southern United States in the early 20th century, but became very popular in the United Kingdom in the 1950s.

 

  • KEYWORD CODE: SKIFFLEJAN22
  • SUGGESTED KEYWORDS: Skiffle, 1950s, United Kingdom, folk, blues, early rock and roll

 

Don’t Forget:

  • Take advantage of the 50-keyword limit and add both broad and specific keywords. On the other hand, do not use recognizable band or artist names, please!
  • We also encourage you to submit separate :15 and :30 versions of these tracks for social-media use.
  • Moreover, please note you can apply tags to existing tracks in your portfolio.

Top image: Asian Senior Couple Sitting On The Sofa And Playing Acoustic Guitar Together by twinsterphoto.

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Music Briefs: Cloud Rap, New Jack Swing and Paisley Underground

Music Briefs - Trendy Black Guitarist Playing

New month, new music briefs. This month we’re looking for Cloud Rap, New Jack Swing, and Paisley Underground.

Find the unique code provided in each genre brief, and simply add it to keyword tags when uploading your new project. That way, we’ll know which genre you’ve been focusing on.

Moreover, you have any questions or comments about any of these music briefs, please email Pond5’s Director of Audio Collections, Mike Pace, at mike@pond5.com.

 

Cloud Rap

Originating from southern hip-hop and trap and composed of chill, hazy, and relaxed beats, Cloud Rap is typically lo-fi and ethereal sounding. Bonus points for including vocal versions!


 

  • KEYWORD CODE: CLOUDRAPDEC21
  • SUGGESTED KEYWORDS: Cloud rap, lo-fi, hip-hop, rap, hazy, ethereal

 

New Jack Swing

Popular in the mid ‘80s through the early ‘90s, New Jack Swing incorporated elements of hip-hop and R&B to create a fresh, funky and sexy urban sound.

 

  • KEYWORD CODE: NEWJACKSWINGDEC21
  • SUGGESTED KEYWORDS: New Jack Swing, R&B, hip-hop, 1980s, 1990s, funky, sexy, urban

 

Paisley Underground

The Paisley Underground was the name of an alternative rock scene happening in Los Angeles in the mid 1980s. It centered on a love of upbeat, jangly, catchy 12-string guitar pop and emulated many of the folk-rock bands of the 1960s.

 

  • KEYWORD CODE: PAISLEYDEC21
  • SUGGESTED KEYWORDS: Paisley Underground, jangle pop, 12-string guitar, folk rock, 1980s, 1960s

 

Don’t Forget:

  • Take advantage of the 50-keyword limit and add both broad and specific keywords. On the other hand, do not use recognizable band or artist names, please!
  • We also encourage you to submit separate :15 and :30 versions of these tracks for social-media use.
  • Moreover, please note you can apply tags to existing tracks in your portfolio.

Top image: Trendy Black Guitarist Playing Classic Guitar In Building by AddictiveStock.

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Music Briefs: Motorik, Industrial and Schlager

Music Briefs - Guitar Player Friends

New month, new music briefs. This month we’re looking for Motorik, Industrial, and Schlager.

Find the unique code provided in each genre brief, and simply add it to keyword tags when uploading your new project. That way, we’ll know which genre you’ve been focusing on.

Moreover, you have any questions or comments about any of these music briefs, please email Pond5’s Director of Audio Collections, Mike Pace, at mike@pond5.com.

 

Motorik

Inspired by German bands of the 70s like Can, Neu! and Kraftwerk, this 4/4 beat typically rides an uninterrupted groove (accented by repetitive melodies and the occasional crash cymbal), not unlike driving down a traffic-free motorway.

Motorik-motivator royalty free music

Motorik Royalty free music width=

  • KEYWORD CODE: MOTORIKNOV21
  • SUGGESTED KEYWORDS: German, 4/4, repetitive, mechanical

 

Industrial

We’d love to hear your takes on fusing the more aggressive elements of electronic music with harsh, heavy rock to create a provocative and transgressive sound.

Epic Industrial Trailer Royalty Free Music

Toxic Dark Electro Industrial Rock Royalty Free Music

  • KEYWORD CODE: INDUSTRIALNOV21
  • SUGGESTED KEYWORDS: Industrial, harsh, noise, machine

 

Schlager

Popular with Central European audiences for their upbeat danceable rhythms and light, happy themes, Schlager tunes can sound like contemporary, electronic polka; cheesy in a fun way!

 

German Pop Schlaer Royalty Free Music

Po Song Discofox Commercial Saxophone Schlager Royalty Free Music

  • KEYWORD CODE: SCHLAGERNOV21
  • SUGGESTED KEYWORDS: Schlager, German pop, contemporary polka, Oktoberfest

 

Don’t Forget:

  • Take advantage of the 50-keyword limit and add both broad and specific keywords. On the other hand, do not use recognizable band or artist names, please!
  • We also encourage you to submit separate :15 and :30 versions of these tracks for social-media use.
  • Moreover, please note you can apply tags to existing tracks in your portfolio.

Top image: Friends Having Fun Outdoors by DrobotDean.

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Music Briefs: Balearic Beat, Non-Music Instrument Tracks and Pagode

Music Briefs - Child Rock Guitar Player

New month, new music briefs. This month we’re looking for Balearic Beat, non-musical tracks
 and Pagode. .

Find the unique code provided in each genre brief, and simply add it to keyword tags when uploading your new project. That way, we’ll know which genre you’ve been focusing on.

Moreover, you have any questions or comments about any of these music briefs, please email Pond5’s Director of Audio Collections, Mike Pace, at mike@pond5.com.

 

Balearic Beat

We’d love to relax to some shimmery, chill soul-inspired house tracks that evoke the Mediterranean island of Ibiza

House Dance Fashion - Flirting On The Beach (Balearic Warm Beat)

Balearic Chill

  • KEYWORD CODE: BALEARICOCT21
  • SUGGESTED KEYWORDS: Balearic, balearic beat, downtempo, house, mediterranean, Ibiza

 

Non-Musical Instrument Tracks

Do your best to “bang on a can” and make some music out of everyday household items – chairs, glasses, appliances, food; nothing is off limits. Get inventive!

Dancing Household Machines Appliance

Trash Can Party Drums Percussion

  • KEYWORD CODE: NONMUSICALOCT21
  • SUGGESTED KEYWORDS: Non-Musical, appliances, furniture, cans

 

Pagode

A sub-genre of samba that originated in Brazil in the late 1970s, Pagode tends to be commercial and uses unique instruments like the four-string banjo, the tan-tan and the hand-repique.

 

Bahia Samba Pagode

Rainbow Pagode Samba

  • KEYWORD CODE: PAGODEOCT21
  • SUGGESTED KEYWORDS: Pagode, samba, Brazil, tan-tan, hand-repique, South America

 

Don’t Forget:

  • Take advantage of the 50-keyword limit and add both broad and specific keywords. On the other hand, do not use recognizable band or artist names, please!
  • We also encourage you to submit separate :15 and :30 versions of these tracks for social-media use.
  • Moreover, please note you can apply tags to existing tracks in your portfolio.

Top image: Boy Playing Guitar , Kid Guitarist by studio13lights.

Check out more Music Briefs here.

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Music Briefs: 1980s Heavy Metal, Sunburst Drone and Original Lullabies

Music Briefs - Guitar Player

New month, new music briefs. This month we’re looking for 1980s Heavy Metal, Sunburst Drone and Original Lullabies..

Find the unique code provided in each genre brief, and simply add it to keyword tags when uploading your new project. That way, we’ll know which genre you’ve been focusing on.

Moreover, you have any questions or comments about any of these music briefs, please email Pond5’s Director of Audio Collections, Mike Pace, at mike@pond5.com.

 

1980s Heavy Metal

We’re looking for well-produced rippin’ and ragin’ 80s style melodic heavy metal. Load up on squeals and divebombs and feel free to throw some high-pitched screams in there as well!

  • KEYWORD CODE: HEAVYMETALSEPTEMBER21
  • SUGGESTED KEYWORDS: Heavy metal, hair metal, pop metal

 

Sunburst Drone

Shimmering synths bathing the listener in a cascade of light. It’s the sound of the day’s “golden hour.”

  • KEYWORD CODE: SUNBURSTSEPT21
  • SUGGESTED KEYWORDS: Sunburst, drone, ambient, light

 

Original Lullabies

We’d love to hear original lullaby compositions, ideal for soothing anyone to sleep.

 

  • KEYWORD CODE: LULLABYSEPT21
  • SUGGESTED KEYWORDS: Lullaby, sleep, rest, nap, children, music box, glockenspiel

 

Don’t Forget:

  • Take advantage of the 50-keyword limit and add both broad and specific keywords. On the other hand, do not use recognizable band or artist names, please!
  • We also encourage you to submit separate :15 and :30 versions of these tracks for social-media use.
  • Moreover, please note you can apply tags to existing tracks in your portfolio.

Top image: Child Rock Guitar Player And Singer by mandygodbehear.

Check out more Music Briefs here.