Tracks & Sync Of The Month: June
In collaboration with Universal Music Group, Amp.Amsterdam // The Sonic Branding Company will share a selection of recently released music each month.
At the beginning of each month, we take a moment to look back at a number of sync-friendly songs that were recently synced or released. Sit back, relax and listen to (or watch) our fifth edition of Tracks of the Month!
Song: Don’t Stop
Artist: Future Utopia X Avelino X Tomorrow’s Warriors
Writer: Christine McVie
Start date: June 16th 2023
Jon Batiste – Calling Your Name
With such a musical family, it was almost destined for Jon Batiste to become a musician. The Batiste family, a musical dynasty from New Orleans, consists of over 25 musicians, including Lionel Batiste from the Treme Brass Brand and Milton Batiste from the Olympia Brass Band. The jazzy influences from Louisiana are clearly evident in Jon’s music.
Jon Batiste has been frequently heard and seen on TV. His music has been featured in a Ralph Lauren commercial and a Coca-Cola advertisement, he’s the bandleader and Creative Director on The Late Show with Stephen Colbert, and played an essential role in the Disney/Pixar film “Soul.” Jon was responsible for bringing the film’s story to life through music. Batiste was an inspiration for the animators at Pixar, who then gave the main character the same long fingers and characteristic forward-bent style.
Just last month, Batiste released his latest single ‘Calling Your Name’ – the first single from his upcoming album.
Keywords: pop, catchy, feel-good
Burna Boy – Sittin’ On Top Of The World
Since his debut album in 2013, this Nigerian musician has only grown more popular. Collaborations with artists like Drake, Beyoncé, Ed Sheeran, and Stormzy have contributed to hundreds of millions of streams on hits like ‘Last Last’ and ‘On The Low’, bringing the previously niche genre of Afrobeats to a mainstream audience.
Burna Boy’s music has also become a popular choice in the world of advertising. You might have heard his songs in commercials for brands like Pepsi, Ray Ban, and Star Lager Beer. Perhaps you remember this one: his latest single ‘Sittin’ On Top Of The World’ samples ‘Top Of The World’ by Brandy from 1998.
Keywords: Afrobeats, optimistic, danceable
Portugal. The Man – Grim Generation
Most people probably know this American indie rock band thanks to their breakthrough hit ‘Feel It Still’ in 2017. The song samples ‘Please Mr. Postman’ by The Marvelettes from 1961. Portugal. The Man is also known for their sync placements: the hit song ‘Feel It Still’ was featured in various commercials, including Hyundai, Vitaminwater, and Apple. It has also appeared in TV shows like Riverdale, Shameless, and Grey’s Anatomy.
Their new album, ‘Chris Black Changed My Life’, is a tribute to their late friend Chris Black, who passed away unexpectedly in 2019. The album’s second single has an interesting commercial connection: the lyrics “One, two, three” are a sped-up version of “Mr. Owl” from a 1970 Tootsie Pop commercial.
Keywords: pop-rock, groovy, uplifting
CIL – Leave
Last October, CIL released her debut single ‘One More Shot’. The song went viral on TikTok and has now accumulated over 25 million streams on Spotify. This success, coupled with her soulful and powerful voice, led to a record deal.
At just 20 years old, she recently released her first EP ‘Tears Dry On Their Own’ and even had the opportunity to open for Stevie Nicks’ arena tour for a few nights. She is definitely an artist to watch!
Keywords: soulful, breakup, R&B
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