I don't know if I'm not hip anymore or if the people who pick the music that goes into commercials are really good at their jobs, but I often find myself in LOVE with a lot of songs featured on those 30 second segments. Read on and we'll show you how you can discover some new music when you least expect it...
...relaxing on the couch and watching some tube.
There's a new kid in town — or at least new to me — when in comes to finding that catchy or inspiring song featured in a particular commercial. Meet findthatsong.net. A site with a fantastic, regularly-updated list of commercials — old and new — with details on the addictive songs that stirred us to look them up.
You can scroll through the posts by date, or search the site by product/brand in the "categories" section. The "popular" and "last viewed" feeds, however, are usually spot-on for our inquiry. Each entry will provide a video of the commercial, the artist name and song title, and thoughtful links to find in iTunes store, or share with your social outlet(s) of choice.
Now you can take your new find to your favorite music service — we're totally hearting Rdio and Spotify these days — and see if you like other tracks or albums by the artist. Who knows? You might even find a new favorite band — I found The Submarines this way and they are now one of my faves.
To whet your appetite, here's some fun songs featured in popular commercials on the tube today...
Target - Color Changes Everything
Next time you wonder "What is that song?" when watching a commercial you'll know where to find it. So check it out, enjoy some tunes, and maybe find a few new bands worth listening to.
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It's true. Why are all the great new songs showing up in commercials, and not on my radio?
I have a an iPhone and use SoundHound. It used to be called Shazam - or something like that, but i use it all the time to identify songs from commericals, movies, tv, and radio.
I actually used it when I wanted to find out who sings the song in the image you pasted inthis artical for the Chevy Sonic. :)
SoundHound also displays the lyrics to the song and has a direct link so you can buy it from itunes.
I've never had a problem with it. :)
Of you haven't seen the sonic/ OK Go video they mention in the commercial, you really have to see it. :)
Let's see if I can link it:
Video here
And it is weird how great commercials can be compared to the radio for finding artists. Heck, I wouldn't know Nick Drake existed if it wasn't for another car commercial a few years back.
@kstrickland85 SoundHound is awesome. It's a different product/company than Shazam. Both basically do the same thing. I just prefer to SoundHound myself.
I knew the end was nigh when I first heard The Smiths in a Nissan ad.
Wow just learning about Nick Drake and The Smiths from TV commercials? I am getting old. Had both on vinyl.
I don't always have the best luck with Shazam its good for more mainstream not the more esoteric hard to find music.
The British Advertising Awards is always full of great music. It's where I heard Goldfrapp when they were still more or less underground in the US market.
I can hear the music
I use SoundHound on my MyTouch 4G, and it sends me to Amazon for my downloads. Absolutely love it though, not only for picking up music from commercials, but also TV shows (there's a missed promotional opportunity), and even on the radio, since the DJs don't introduce many of the songs any more.
Years ago I discovered Nick Drake via a car commercial. These days, I don't watch tv so I don't see commercials.
@B77: Er, not *discovered* via tv... I knew the world was coming to an end the first time I heard them sell out to Nissan.
I love the music for Cadillac, you know the guy with the white hair and the glasses. Love it
What are commercials? ;)
Hey, what about that "Blister in the Sun" cover using different instruments? Love it. It reminds me of the Playing for Change collaborations. And the best thing? I have no idea what product it's for! X-D
As the owner, creator, writer of FindThatSong.net, thanks for the nice mention! :)