What I Did On My Summer Vacation: New Production Music – 8/26/11

First day of school. You step into a foreign classroom and anxiously look around for familiar faces in an unfamiliar room with an unfamiliar English teacher. No luck…..it looks like you’re going to have to make awkward introductions all the way around. The bell rings, the din of the room quiets down as the teacher pulls up the map of the United States to uncover a message on the blackboard: What I Did On My Summer Vacation.

 

Fast-forward to 2011. Instead of having to write a page of drivel about that awful family vacation to a historic Civil War battleground (“It will be educational!” as you parents put it) or how you helped old ladies cross the street all Summer long, your mini-essay would sound a lot different these days. My Summer was great thank you, I hope yours was too! Here are some new CD’s that remind me of all the cool stuff I did in the Summer of 2011.

 

Something strange happens when the weather heats up. Our silly side comes out and craziness can and often does ensue! ZONE026 Fun Zone represents those not-so-lazy days of Summer when you closed down the party at 4 AM (you party animal!) or decided to play that prank on Sue at the reception desk. Good times indeed!

 

ZONE026 Fun Zone

 

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Mother Nature is a beauty to behold. What better way to unwind than enjoying the great outdoors? PNBT1015 Colours Of Nature is an elegant orchestral collection that reads like a love letter to the expansive scenery right outside your doorstep. I now understand when my dear Mom said to me all those years ago, “Get out of the house and enjoy the great weather we are having!” No truer words spoken, Mom!

 

PNBT1015 Colours Of Nature

 

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And while we’re on the topic of Mother Nature…….how about that hurricane Irene? Summer can bring some spectacular and vigorous weather. Gone are the days of lightning and thunder or heaven forbid hurricanes since my move to sunny California from the beloved East Coast. I traded all that intense weather in for earthquakes…..oh wait….sorry about that earthquake East Coast! Mother Nature sure is pissed at you! Here’s Summer, the famous Concerto by Antonio Vivaldi, from our brand new Boosey & Hawkes Classical library to commemorate Mother Nature’s fury. Stay safe out there, everybody!

 

BHCL003 Great Composers: Vivaldi

 

 

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Summertime is for rock n’ rollers. There is something about the warmest months of the year to bring out your patriotic side. My barbeque got a lot of use with the stereo blasting American Rock n’ Roll while drinking cheap American beer. The British may have given us The Beatles and The Stones, but we Americans have done our fair share of Rockin’ contributions! SIS049 Hard Rock Vol.1 is a no-holds-barred aggressive good time. Something we Americans can relate to!

 

SIS049 Hard Rock Vol.1

 

 

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For these and many other great tracks from the Zone, Pennybank, Boosey & Hawkes Classical and Source in Sync music libraries, visit our website to hear our innovative music libraries for yourself! New to 5 Alarm? We’re happy to get you a username and password so you can search on our online music library website. Give us a call at 626.304.1698

From The Land Of Oz: New Production Music – 7/15/11

Australia is pretty darn cool.  First of all, kangaroos hop around the fields and koala bears eat eucalyptus leaves from the trees.  Their seasons are opposite of ours, so it’s possible to have perpetual Summer just by relocating there September through May.  Not to mention Crocodile Dundee!  That guy was awesome.  But the best import of all from Australia is the Sonic OZault music library.  Turn it up and soak in some thunder from down under!
 
Mystery and intrigue abound!  The attention grabbing underscores from SOZ029-SOZ030 Screen Underscores Vol.3 are enough to make you sit at the edge of your seat in anticipation.  Whodunnit??  And why??  The suspense is off the chain!
 

SOZ029-SOZ030 Screen Underscores Vol.3

 

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The contemporary Jazz tracks on SOZ031-SOZ032 Jazz Works Vol.1 may be sophisticated, but in no way are they snooty.  So kick back, relax and grab your favorite cocktail ’cause it’s time to let it all hang out!
 

SOZ031-SOZ032 Jazz Works Vol.1

 

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The tracks on SOZ033 Screen Underscores Vol.4 are the perfect compliment for those scenes that reveal another missing piece of the puzzle.  Painful tragedy and mystery looms large with no relief in sight.  Sounds like a cold and rainy Monday morning to me!
 

SOZ033 Screen Underscores Vol.4

 

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(more…)

Drummers Doing It Differently – Meet Sarah Scarlata

“What do you call a drummer without a girlfriend? Homeless!”
 
Sarah is not that girlfriend, nor is she a typical drummer (and I say that with all due respect to my favorite drummers Dennis Chambers, Neil Peart, and Gavin Harrison.
 
Meet 5 Alarm Music’s own Sarah Scarlata!  Blog Goddess, Metadata Guru and Music Search whiz.  Hailing from Massachussetts she has a solid foundation of drum technique and performance, coupled with music theory and application from her studies at Berklee College of Music in Boston.  She continues to pave the way for female drummers, having taught at Atascadero High  School  (where the Drum Corps class she taught took 1st place their division).  Her passion is collecting vintage drum kits and percussion instruments (ask her about her “Yes Plate” sometime).


 


 
Sarah is an anomaly.  She works full time listening to, researching and describing music for Editors, Producers and Music Supervisors who need to find music on http://search.5alarmmusic.com/main and also performs regularly with various artist in and around Los Angeles, in addition to her band “The Lookout Kids” who she formed with longtime collaborater and singer as former “Rain Fur Rent” band members.  Travis Warren is currently with the iconic band Blind Melon.  Being able to juggle both right and left brain activities flawlessly, she is definitely not homeless!
 


 

If you didn’t happen to catch Sarah headlining The Viper Room with “The Lookout Kids” on Wednesday,  July 13, 2011, you can listen to her composing and playing on the 5 Alarm Music label.
 

05A068: Marching Band

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05A078: Off The Charts Radio Rock Vol. 3

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05A086: Superhero Rock

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and the upcoming  Off The Charts: Indie Pop!

Fireworks And Other Summer Pastimes: New Production Music – 7/1/11

4th of July weekend is officially here!  We’re only 3 short days away from an exploding night sky full of red, white and blue.  The sun is out, the beer is cold and the biggest decision of the weekend involves hamburgers or hot dogs.  This week’s new releases from the Cavendish, Deneb Records and Focus Music libraries are as Summery as a leisurely stroll at the beach.  So step away from the computer and enjoy a little independence!
 
There’s nothing more American than being a spectator at a 4th of July parade along the sidewalks of Main Street.  As the title states, FCD266 Well Known Tunes 2 is a warm collection of completely hummable songs we all know and love.  Anything from rousing marching bands to intimate solo piano to festive hoedown barn dance ditties, this CD is bound to spark a sense of pride and joy!
 

FCD266 Well Known Tunes 2

 

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This CD screams “carefree.”  In the way you would scream for another lemonade from the comfort of a hammock or scream for the ice cream truck with a dollar bill in hand.  The light and upbeat tracks on CAV284 Whistle & Hum run the gamut of fun.  Whether you’re riding your beach cruiser or dangling your toes in a cool lake, now is the time wear a smile and whistle a catchy tune!
 

CAV284 Whistle & Hum

 

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It’s one thing to be called to “Come on down!” as a contestant on The Price Is Right.  And it’s quite another to win the entire Showcase Showdown!  Imagine the excitement and thrill of winning…..now turn on CAV286 Upbeat Fun Themes.  Sounds like you hit the jackpot!
 

CAV286 Upbeat Fun Themes

 

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“Hey man, is that Freedom Rock?”  “Yeah man.”  ” Well turrrrrrn it up, man!”  Oh the 1960’s……the land of tie dye and bell bottom-wearing hippies…..sounds good to me!  Bring back the peace and love with DNB714 Fabulous Sixties.  Whatever you do this 4th of July, I hope you have a groooooovy time!
 

DNB714 Fabulous Sixties

 

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For these and many other great tracks from the Cavendish, Deneb Records and Focus Music libraries, visit our website to hear our innovative music libraries for yourself! New to 5 Alarm?  We’re happy to get you a username and password so you can search on our online music library website.  Give us a call at 626.304.1698

Vacation, All I Really Wanted: New Production Music – 6/17/11

The official Summer solstice this Tuesday, June 21st serves as the starting gun for Summer festivities and much needed vacations.  Whether you are planning a trip to exotic foreign lands or packing up the station wagon Clark Griswold style, it’s the time of year to break up the routine and go exploring!  This week’s new releases from the Pennybank Tunes, Sonic Quiver, Parigo, JW Brilliant Series and Focus Music libraries are bound to get you in the mood to pull up Google searches to research your next vacation destination.  So grab some sunscreen, your newest swimsuit, those funny $5 gas station shades and leave your inhibitions behind because Summer is finally here!!
 
The tracks on SQ033 Super Latin are hot enough to spark a wild all night fiesta!  These tracks are hotter than the salsa served at that awesome authentic restaurant down the street where English is the foreign language, you know the one.  Mmmmmm……I can smell the carne asada and margaritas…..or better yet, where’s the tequila?!
 

SQ033 Super Latin

 

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Oh, those cheeky Brits are at it again!  JWBM031 Riotous London is the perfect ode to the party capitol of England.  Civilized tea parties and string quartets only happen in the country, just so you know.  The pub is never closed!
 

JWBM031 Riotous London

 

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Did someone say Discotheque?  For all of those endless nights of dancing and debauchery, there’s PGO001 Paris Rocks.  How else are you going to work off all of that delicious cheese?
 

PGO001 Paris Rocks

 

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PNBT1016 Celtic Spirit is as jovial as a pot bellied leprechaun dancing around a pot of gold!  These warm traditional folk tunes conjure imagery of the green wide open fields of Ireland.  Bring on the bagpipes!
 

PNBT1016 Celtic Spirit

 

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Sometimes a backpack, sturdy hiking shoes and a healthy sense of adventure are all that is required for a good time.  JWBM030 Wide Open Space – World is the ultimate explorer’s soundtrack.  Lush and open orchestrations create an air as open and fresh as the great outdoors!
 

JWBM030 Wide Open Space – World

 

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Ah, sounds of the Motherland!  These are the types of songs our ancestors would rejoice and share a friendly drink in Scotland, Ireland or jolly old England.  FCD265 Traditional Folk makes me wish I knew how to do the Riverdance.  OK maybe not, but it’s as close as I get…..
 

FCD265 Traditional Folk

 

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For these and many other great tracks from the Pennybank Tunes, Sonic Quiver, Parigo, JW Brilliant Series and Focus Music libraries, visit our website to hear our innovative music libraries for yourself! New to 5 Alarm?  We’re happy to get you a username and password so you can search on our online music library website.  Give us a call at 626.304.1698

What Do Music Supervisors Wish You Knew?

That’s a great question.  Whether you are a composer or work “in the industry,” getting music in TV and Film productions is as sought after as the beach on a sweltering Summer day.  It stands to reason that understanding what music supervisors are looking for is the key to the kingdom.

 

 

Our very own Cassie Lord will be speaking along with other distinguished industry gurus this Monday, June 20th at the “What Music Supervisors Wish You Knew” panel hosted by the Production Music Association (PMA).  This SESAC sponsored event will made you wise and savvy, guaranteed.  You can thank me later!

 

Here’s the lowdown:

 

What: What Music Supervisors Wish You Knew

 

When: Monday, June 20th from 6:00 PM – 8:30 PM

 

Where: Sportsmen’s Lodge Hotel – 12833 Ventura Blvd, Studio City, CA 91604

 

Cover: PMA Members – $10, Non-Members and Guests – $15

 

Who: Panelists include Thomas GolubicSuperMUSICvision (Breaking Bad, Six Feet Under), John HoulihanHoulihan Film Music (Austin Powers films, Charlie’s Angels), Margaret Saadi KramerAntic, Inc. (East Bound & Down, Why Not? with Shania Twain, co-owner of Brand X Music and PostHaste Music), Cassie Lord (Vice President/General Manager of 5 Alarm Music) and Randy Wachtler (Founder and Composer of 615 Music).

 

Be there or be square, Daddio!

Smells Like Team Spirit: New Production Music – 6/10/11

June is an exciting time of the year for sports.  Fierce battles for the NBA and NHL championship titles are being fought into overtime, baseball season is in full swing and tennis players are tirelessly returning volleys on sun drenched courts.  Love ’em or hate ’em, sports can teach us more than just physical fitness.  A successful team is the result of all members contributing separate but equally important skills to fulfill a common goal.  Hmmmm….sounds a lot like life!  Think of the new releases from the Abaco Music Library as a team of diverse and emotive musical elements that have many different uses.  As Charlie Sheen likes to say, the end result is known as winning!
 
Envelope yourself into a sea of intriguing mystery!  AB201 Big Screen Atmospheres is a panoramic blockbuster experience that blurs the lines between fiction and reality.  Pass the popcorn!
 

AB201 Big Screen Atmospheres

 

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Warning: This CD takes no prisoners!  AB198 Classified Promo Cues Two is pedal to the metal action that can propel any production to the next level.  The chase is on!
 

AB198 Classified Promo Cues Two

 

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The robots are coming, the robots are coming!  AB200 Dubstep Soundscapes is a futuristic world of glitchy electronics revealing exciting danger and tension.  It’s reminiscent of that surreal dream state just before awakening that captures your entire being until it all comes to a crashing halt!  Stupid alarm clock….
 

AB200 Dubstep Soundscapes

 

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The city is ruled by a separate code of laws.  Forget the White House, the de facto leaders of American cities roll in pimped out Caddies and drink Cristal!  AB199 Urban Culture III is a street smart dose of no-nonsense sounds of the city.
 

AB199 Urban Culture III

 

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The desert is vast and holds many secrets.  AB197 Arabic Dreams combines traditional Middle Eastern instruments and a distinct air of mystery to create a moods of intrigue.  These tracks will transport you to the heart of the Arabian peninsula.  Don’t forget to bring a water bottle!
 

AB197 Arabic Dreams

 

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The piano is the duct tape of musical instruments – it has a use in almost any situation!  This warm collection of piano based tracks covers the emotional spectrum with sophistication and grace.  AB196 Simple Moods Piano feels like a warm Snuggie on a cold Winter’s night.  Hey, don’t knock it ’til you try it!
 

AB196 Simple Moods Piano

 

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For these and many other great tracks from the Abaco Music Library, visit our website to hear our innovative music libraries for yourself! New to 5 Alarm?  We’re happy to get you a username and password so you can search on our online music library website.  Give us a call at 626.304.1698

Adventures In Music Searches: Tip #1 – The Magic Padlock

As most of you already know, we have a nifty music search engine with over 130,000 tracks at your finger tips (click HERE to get started).  Think of our Soundminer search engine as Google on steroids for all of your musical needs!  Since I’m the gal who puts all of the music online from our fabulous music libraries, I am going to shed some light on tricks of the trade to find exactly what you are looking for in the least amount of time.  As the saying goes, “Time is money!”  Now that you’ll be saving tons of time/money, you can take that trip to Hawaii you’ve been daydreaming about.  Be sure to send us a postcard!
 
The first trick I want to share is the magic of the padlock tool.  The padlock is found to the left of the search bar:
 

 
Let’s set up a music search scenario, shall we?  Let’s say we need music to score a cocktail party scene set in a swanky hotel lounge.  There is a live jazz quartet playing in the background featuring a vibraphone player.   When searching for music, it is best to think in broad terms first and then narrow the field.  The first thing we are going to type in the search bar is “lounge jazz” since that is the most broad overall snapshot of what we are looking for.
 

 
The search for “lounge jazz” yields 1083 results.  That’s a lot of music to pick through, right?  Here’s where the magic padlock comes into play!  Click the padlock so it’s in the closed position.  We are going to start to narrow this search down to the nitty gritty.  Type in “quartet” so only lounge jazz with four musicians will pop up.
 

 
The word “quartet” has taken the search from 1083 tracks down to 60.  What a difference one word makes!  We can’t forget the fact that the scene features a vibraphone player in the background.  The cool thing about the Magic Padlock is that once it is closed off, it stays closed.  The final step of this music search will be typing the word “vibraphone.”
 

 
Voila!  We have 5 tracks that would be perfect choices for the cocktail party scene.  I can almost taste the martinis…..
 

 
Since we’re on the topic of music searches, we are proud to introduce our new Music Director JD Adams!  JD and our creative team are available 24/7 to lend a hand for music searches.  We are your music concierge!

Doug Bossi: Multiple Award Winner At 2011 BMI Awards

Hats off to our 5 Alarm compadre Doug Bossi for winning not one, but two BMI Awards!

 

 
His compositions featured in ABC’s philanthropic show Secret Millionaire and The Discovery Channel’s aviator family documentary series Flying Wild Alaska received BMI’s highest honor last week.  Doug was one of only 14 other artists that got more than one BMI TV and Film Awards this year.
 
Doug has contributed lots of music to the 5 Alarm Music Library as well as being the main creative force behind the 1 Versatile Underscore music library.  His musical diversity spans many genres and moods.  Anything from hard hitting guitar riffs with vocals (05A065 Classic Rock) to atmospheric guitar reflections (05A089 Ambient Guitar Scores) to edge-of-your seat filmic rock (05A086 Superhero Rock) to feel good lifestyle grooves (1VU001 Neutral) to pensive reflective moods (1VU005 Emotive), Doug proves that he can do it all!
 
Congratulations Doug, 5 Alarm Music is your number one fan!

Wanderlust Season: New Prodcution Music – 5/20/11

The month of May is a tipping point of sorts.  The weather dictates the donning of skirts and shorts, students start focusing on leisure instead of studying, the backyard BBQ defeats your oven as a main cooking device and weekends are designated times for packing up the car for fun road trips.  The grass is green and the wildflowers are in bloom, yes siree Bob it’s a beautiful time of year to get out of the house and enjoy it!  This week’s new releases from the JW Brilliant Series, Abaco and 1 Revolution Music libraries celebrate the rebirth of nature and the end of Winter hibernation.
 
If 1RM021 Modern Heartland & Roots 1 were a person, he would be wearing a plaid Western shirt, Wranglers, cowboy boots, and a warm smile while driving past in his trusty old pick up truck.  The Heartland of America is about 1,500 miles and a 180 degree attitude change from Los Angeles.  Remember when people used to wave as they drove past?  Long live the good old fashioned hospitality of the American Heartland!
 

1RM021 Modern Heartland & Roots 1

 

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Nothing says “down home” like a finger picked acoustic guitar.  Upon first listen, any lingering stress slowly fades from your psyche and is replaced by a sense of peace and well being.  AB195 Simple Moods Guitar is an open and dreamy relaxed state of mind that’s as contagious as the flu in a cramped private jet.  Sit back and breathe it all in!
 

AB195 Simple Moods Guitar

 

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Have you ever driven across the United States?  One thing you will notice is the unending stretches of highway with nothing to look at but tumbleweed and wide open space.  Not to mention a lot of weird truck stops.  The folks who wrote the tracks in JWBM029 Wide Open Spaces – Americana are no strangers to long treks across the I-40.  Think of this CD as your hitchhiking companion in a big rig trucking across many many miles of desolation.
 

JWBM029 Wide Open Spaces – Americana

 

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For these and many other great tracks from the JW Brilliant Series, Abaco and 1 Revolution Music libraries, visit our website to hear our innovative music libraries for yourself! New to 5 Alarm?  We’re happy to get you a username and password so you can search on our online music library website.  Give us a call at 626.304.1698