Masterclass: Sound Design with Axel Kacoutié (Part 2)

Here is the 2nd instalment of Axel Kacoutié’s Sound Design Masterclass. Where you will get an in depth look into how to source music for your podcast.

Music is one of the key elements to any podcast or audio project. Unfortunately, it’s not always the easiest thing to find. With so many different websites and sources, it is hard to keep track of where you found that great song you used in your latest episode!
Finding the right music for your podcast or audio project can be difficult. The time you spend sourcing music will be a pain, but choosing the right music can make or break your podcast. Don’t worry, Axel’s done all the hard work for you!
Music can add depth and emotion to your podcast or audio project. It can help keep your listeners stay engaged while also providing you with the option to create call-to-actions or add additional audio elements to help tell the story unfold .
In Axels step by step masterclass he will:
  • Break down five differently music libraries on what they have to offer and affordability.
  • Show’s you how to select the right music to suit the vibe and style of your podcast.
  • And to finish off, discusses the importance of sourcing music legally, explaining copyright laws and  the rules around creative commons usage.
So without further ado, here is Axels Masterclass on how to source music for your podcast and other audio projects.

Axel Kacoutié HeadshotAbout Your Instructor: Axel Kacoutié- Sound Designer, The Guardian

I am the Guardian’s theme composer and Sound Designer for their daily news podcast called, Today in Focus. It took a long time to accept the title of “sound designer” as it was drilled into me when studying Music Production for Media at Ravensbourne University. I thought I should mainly focus on the music whilst students on the Sound Design course did their thing. At that time, I was solely focused on being a composer who wanted to write music for TV and film or collaborating with singer/songwriters.

Fast forward to today. I quickly understood that separating my skills would do me no good. My musical understanding of the rhythm of speech and mood in the delivery makes me understand how to pace an interview or build that sonic world that feels necessary when describing what it’s like inside a black hole. Music is sound, and sound is music, and it’s the words that gel it all together. With that synthesis that I apply to my practice, it’s led me to create work for the BBC, Channel 4, NOWNESS, feature in the Barbican, and win several national and international awards.

Additional Items 

Axel has generously put together additional resources, references and a glossary of terms you can look to help you create the best sounding podcast.

Download Axel’s – Sound Design Worksheet