Editors and directors often say "something like this" and play a song. A reference is useful; copying it is not. The skill is turning the reference into a description.
Listen for the ingredients
Play the reference several times and note:
- Tempo. Tap along or use a BPM counter.
- Feel. Straight or swung? Half-time? Four-on-the-floor?
- Instruments. Which three or four sounds define it?
- Harmony. Major, minor or bittersweet? Simple or jazzy chords?
- Structure. When does it build, drop or change?
- Mix. Warm or bright? Dry or spacious? Vintage or modern?
Write the brief
Turn the notes into a sentence: "Mid-tempo 96 BPM, swung hi-hats, Rhodes chords and muted bass, bittersweet minor harmony, warm vintage mix, builds at the one-minute mark."
Why not name the song?
Asking for a copy of a specific recording is a legal risk and produces worse results. A description of the ingredients gives a new track with the same feel. Our guide on prompt mistakes covers this.
Use several references
If two references each get something right, take tempo from one and instruments from the other. Combining ingredients gives you something original.
Check against the picture
A reference that worked in someone else’s edit may not suit yours. Always judge the new track against your own picture.
Build a reference library
Keep a playlist of references you return to, with a one-line note on what each one does well: "perfect build into the drop", "the kick sits under voice". Over time those notes become your own vocabulary for prompts, and briefs to editors or composers get faster and clearer.
Written by the Sonvela editorial team with AI drafting assistance, then checked against the sources linked in the text. Spotted an error? Tell us and we will correct it.