Behind the Scenes at an Advertising Jingle Recording Session

Often times we hear radio/television jingles, occasionally they stick in our heads for days, and some we even remember them for a lifetime. Often jingles are terribly annoying, obnoxious to the point where we begin to despise the product they represent. What we generally forget is that these were recorded in a studio, with live singers practicing and re-recording jingles until they hit the perfect notes. Not only that, but there are undoubtedly directors, and music experts on hand to guide and critique these singers to get everything just right. This concept is terrifically funny for me to envision. In my mind I picture a woman, in the foam padded booth with ear phones on, hands holding them in place, standing behind the round screen between her and the microphone. Meanwhile two men in another room separated from her by a glass wall, behind a sound board (one sitting, one leaning with hands on the sound board) are chain smoking, also present are a dozen or so assistants with very important roles. Since the world of advertising is obviously big business, they are taking this recording as seriously as they would deliver a eulogy.

Female Singer (Carol): “It’s a good time, for the great taste of…”

Director: “Cut! Carol, try to bring up “great” a little bit, you’re not driving it home. Let’s take it from the top.”

Carol: “It’s a good time, for the…”

Director: Hold it, hold it. What the hell was that? All I hear is it's an "average" time for the "I'm bored" taste. Carol, if you aren’t going to feel it, then we’ll just get someone else in here to sing this.

Carol: Sorry sir, but could I just get a little hot lemon water and some honey? I’m feeling a little dry in here.

Director: Somebody get it for her, now! We don’t have all day on this. (someone gets her the drink) Is that better? Are we ready now for god’s sake? Good time, great taste, take 38, let’s get it this time folks.

Carol: “It’s a good time, for the grea…”

Director: Sorry, sorry. That was our fault Carol, we had the treble off a little bit. One more time, from the top.

Carol: “It’s a good time, for the great taste, of McDonald’s!”
Director: Play that one back for me (listens intently). One more time. (closes eyes, appears to be very into the jingle). OK folks, that’s it! That’s the one! (room applauds/cheers, everyone begins shaking hands in control room). (Carol gets a hug from the director, she is teary eyed and gracious.)

I just think that is awesome, I would love to sit in on one of these. There has to be some seriously good unintentional comedy to be found.