Blog — Lab Notes

The Hype(Kit) Is Real

HypeKit attacks trending genres with all the tenacity and precision that you would expect from The License Lab, creating urgent tracks that are promo-friendly and timely without sacrificing the spirit of their genres.

StoriesNathan HonoreJanuary 15, 2021library music, production music, music licensing, music library, hypekit, #HK, #HypeKit

Let's Settle The UNDERscore

Each UNDERscore track is specially structured with an intentional and consistent overall build, followed by a musical question mark—a jumping off point that leaves the audience wanting more.

StoriesNathan HonoreJanuary 15, 2021library music, production music, music licensing, music library, underscore, #UND, #UNDERscore

The M.O. Of Modus Operandi

Minimal or massive, synthetic and organic, niche or mainstream, Modus Operandi has nearly endless options for programming of all shapes and sizes.

We Are The Analog Champions

Recorded with vintage gear and long-forgotten recording techniques, Analog Champion aims to capture the spirit of those classic records we all love for reasons that can be difficult to quantify.

Notable Stories & Discoveries — 2020

Whether you’re just learning about us or have been eagerly following us for years, our blog is full of interviews, explorations, and sonic discoveries that give readers insight into our music, partners, composers, and industry. Here are a few standouts from 2020.

Highlights from the Catalog — 2020

Pandemics and dumpster fires aside, our dedication to sharing all manner of handcrafted sonic inspiration has never wavered. And while we love all of the releases we’ve put out this year, we’ve selected a few favorites from each of our curated labels.

Call & Response: Father Sky

Father Sky is the stage name of musician and nature enthusiast Anthony Deutsch. His lyrical heart songs make for a beautiful soundtrack for troubled times. We chatted with Deutsch about his connection with nature and how it can help others, his work as Father Sky, and lending his talents to a TLL record.

In the StudioNathan HonoreDecember 7, 2020music licensing, interview, recording, recording studio, jazz pop, father sky

Amplified Storytelling with 88Nine

When compelling stories and evocative soundscapes are combined, the result can be magical. We’re proud to partner with 88Nine Radio Milwaukee and assist in their mission and dedication to storytelling with purpose.

New Music Roundup - November 2020

Take a listen to our newest music: Human Connections (MOPM-80), Under the Moon v2 (UND-56), and EDM (HK-18), and Sinister Motives (MOPM-81).

To K-Pop And Beyond

K-pop is taking over the world. And while some production music companies may have jumped on the bandwagon when they noticed everyone dancing to “Gangnam Style” at weddings and bar mitzvahs, our K-Pop album was released just a few short weeks prior to the horse dance phenomenon of 2012. We got trend-setting game.

StoriesNathan HonoreNovember 17, 2020production music, production, music licensing, k-pop, hypekit, BTS, #HK, #HypeKit, #MOPM, #ModusOperandi

Virtual Crate Digging: Under the Influence

With over thirty tracks and a variety of genres, Under the Influence is an album that feels more like an incredible mix-tape of library tracks that are just a little off-kilter. The oddities are more subtle than you’d think, giving tracks that extra dose of originality that can help a spot shine.

Call & Response: Versio Curs

Versio Curs has a sound that ties in decades of punk and confessional pop into an album that is far more than the sum of its parts. We chatted with the band about their beginnings and influences... sort of.

In the StudioNathan HonoreNovember 3, 2020music licensing, interview, punk

New Music Roundup - October 2020

Take a listen to our newest music: Patriotic Parade (MOPM-79), Under the Rim v 3 (UND-55), and Booty Trap (HK-17).

Iconic Moments In Sound Design

INDEPTH Sound Design shares the stories behind incredible sound design by breaking them down into digestible bits for directors, screenwriters, aspiring sound designers, and anyone who finds this kind of aural experience interesting. Witnessing the narration along with the visuals allows for a deep appreciation of the marriage of the two mediums.

Virtual Crate Digging: String Beat Salad

Rifling through the pantry of Three Ingredients or Less albums, I decided to try something a little healthier and found String Beat Salad. It’s a wonderful juxtaposition that tosses a more classical, traditional string section with a backdrop of electronic beats.

Artist Watch: “Stonechild” by Friendship Commanders

Friendship Commanders fuel the fires of revolution and honor Indigenous People’s Day with a powerful message featuring heavy guitars and drums, killer riffs, and soaring vocals.

Why Milwaukee

With a physical space in the original post office building for one of the many villages included in Milwaukee’s scope and located just up the road from the Miller Brewery, we’re not shy about sharing who we are and where we’re from. And while some members of the Lab have migrated to different parts of the country, we still call Milwaukee home. Ever wonder why?

In the StudioNathan HonoreOctober 5, 2020production music, library music, music licensing, Milwaukee

Spooky Music Roundup

While working in the lab late one night, my ears beheld some grooves that were tight. But not every spooky spot needs the “Monster Mash,” “Thriller,” or Harry Belafonte. So we rounded up some of our most haunting albums for all of your Halloween licensing needs, complete with a ghoulish playlist of the stand out tracks from our entire catalog.