What’s new from The World Leader in Sonic Branding – Summer Edition!
Our team at SAM has been busy this year with exciting projects for the Paris summer games, trending social media spots, experiential sound, news, trailer music and more. Hey, we’re even giving you a sneak peak at SAM’s new studio headquarters! Here’s a rundown of what we’ve been up to lately:
Aiming for Gold Paris – CNN Worldwide
For the 2024 Summer Games in Paris, CNN approached Stephen Arnold Music (SAM) to create a custom sonic brand and music package for its “Aiming For Gold” franchise promotions and coverage. SAM’s objective was to sonically express the drama, inspiration, and passion found on international competition’s biggest stage.
The use of live symphony players creates a distinct identity that seamlessly blends Western sensibilities with regional French instrumentation, including the musette and French violin.
The “Aiming For Gold” franchise airs in a variety of promos, segments, and athlete profile pieces on all CNN channels worldwide. The sonic brand SAM has created has been successful in unifying the campaign and franchise across multiple channels and initiatives.
Airbnb Icons – Iconic Sounds for Iconic Stays
Airbnb is a global innovator when it comes to unforgettable stays and experiences, which is fitting given the launch of Airbnb Icons — a series of imaginative experiences immersing guests in the worlds their favorite actors, musicians, film/tv characters, sports stars, and more.
Airbnb and Hogwash Studios approached SAM to provide music for a multitude of social media spots for Airbnb Icons on TikTok, Instagram, and X. Using songs from The Vault, SAM’s expansive production music library, our creative team produced music to promote the X-Mansion, Janhvi Kapoor’s home, Edna Mode’s house from Disney Pixar’s Incredibles, and the hidden library of St. Paul’s Cathedral.
SAM’s music selections perfectly represent the unique personality of each space, and since launching, the Icons series has gone viral with millions of views and engagements. Watch and Learn More here »
Signal In The Static – WETA PBS
In the weeks leading up to PBS News’ national convention coverage, WETA PBS wanted to engage its primetime audience with a promotional spot — Signal In the Static — that celebrates its storied legacy as a leader in public media in Washington D.C. SAM’s creative team came up with a custom orchestral piece delicately led by strings and French horns to beautifully underscore clips from WETA’s past and set the nostalgic tone. Throughout the score are references WETA’s iconic sonic logo, also developed by SAM, creating deeper ties to the WETA brand.
In 2023 SAM’s audio identity for WETA was rated one of the fastest growing sonic brands in the country according to The SoundOut Index 2023 report — a leading authority in sonic brand testing. Their research shows that listeners, including Gen Z’s, are responding to and connecting with WETA’s audio signature in a big way. Learn More »
Good One Trailer – The Vault / Metrograph Pictures
Metrograph Pictures’ latest release of India Donaldson’s debut film, ‘Good One’, is creating quite the stir at festivals like Sundance and Directors’ Fortnight. SAM was brought in to provide a stunning and haunting trailer score using music from The Vault, its expansive production music library. Explore The Vault Production Music Library »
The Hill Sunday – NewsNation
“The Hill Sunday” is NewsNation’s live public affairs show hosted by Chris Stirewalt. Stephen Arnold Music (SAM) composed and produced a custom music package for the show. The original score is a reimagined theme evolved from the music SAM created for the daily weekday show “The Hill on NewsNation”.
Experiential Sound – Attractions Technology Labs (ATL)
In just 8 short weeks, SAM was asked to create the music and sound for a fully immersive cyberpunk world including a dark ride, sensory technology experience, ride queues, vendor gallery, and social spaces. It all added up to over 230 tracks, 52 minutes of music, and 1 thrilling cyberpunk adventure.
France 2024 – Nexstar Media Group
Stephen Arnold Music collaborated with Nexstar Media Group to create a custom sonic brand and music package for its France 2024 Coverage. The music features live orchestration and distinctive French instruments – such as the musette. The comprensive package includes multiple themes built around a memorable, sonically branded melody.
Quest World of Wonder – CNN International
Globe trotter Richard Quest travels to different cities to discover and learn things about it in a way tourists can’t. Stephen Arnold Music (SAM) composed the original theme for Quest’s World Of Wonder first season in 2018. The 2024 season features an evolution of the original theme, reimagined with a brand new music score produced and composed by SAM.
SAM’s New Studio! Coming November 2024
Big things are happening at Stephen Arnold Music! Later this year, SAM will have a new home at The Cotton Mill in McKinney, TX. Our 5,000+ square foot creative headquarters features a live room, control room, audio suites and just general awesome vibes. This move will expand our capabilities and provide a creative space for our entire team to enjoy.