How to create your own podcast #02: How and where to use music

How important is music to your podcast? It’s way more important than you might think. And we’re not just talking about a catchy jingle - using music in the right way can really lift your audio to the next level.

Where do I get music for my podcast?

It’s really important to stress that you need to licence music properly from a reputable website, otherwise you may find yourself in hot water later on.

The best bet for a small home-grown podcast is to go for ‘Royalty Free’ music. That sounds like you get it at no charge, but that’s not the case. You still have to pay, but most websites then give you access to a full library of music so you can choose something that you like. Don’t risk taking your favourite song and using that. Using commercial music could land you with a bill for thousands. It’s not worth the risk and you should absolutely not do it. The bottom line is, unless your best mate is in a band and can write your theme or you’re paying for it, you risk getting sued by a musician or record company.

It's also worth noting that if an artist complains that your existing podcast is using their music without permission, hosts like Acast will take down your podcast and not reinstate it. This is after an EU Copyright Directive in 2021

Is it really worth paying for music?

Absolutely. Music can set the tone of your podcast, add pace and break up the sections of your podcast. Punctuating your show with music can give the listener a bit of a break from non-stop chat and allows you to change subject without a clumsy bit of script. It can also help you to introduce a regular feature or smooth out tricky edits.

I’m not an expert podcast editor – how do I add music in easily?

If you’re using AI editing software, most will now allow you to fade music under speech. It can take a bit of practice but the results can sound very professional.

If you’re having a go with editing software like Audacity, make sure you watch how loud the music is relative to the speech, you don’t want it too loud or way too quiet. Also make sure you do over do it, there’s a lot of ‘just right’ with music and podcasting, have a listen around to some other examples. Uncanny is an excellent example of how music is used to set the tone and how the spooky stories fit in around the music to add atmosphere.

In short, music can make your podcast sound polished and set it, and therefore you, apart from the crowd.

If you’re stuck and need some help, I’m always here to advise. Drop me a line at nick@gingerwizard.co.uk on how to create a podcast you can be proud of.

How to create your own podcast #1: Let’s talk microphones

Microphones are one of the most essential part of your podcasting set up. But throwing money at it and buying a really expensive one won’t necessarily get you the best sound on your podcast straight away.

So, let’s look at the basics.

Dynamic or condenser – which microphone is best for making my podcast?

There are many different types of mic, so what’s the right one for you?

A dynamic mic is a better bet for podcasters, especially if you’re thinking of recording your podcast at home or in your office.

The other main type is called a condenser, these are usually used in professional studio set-ups.

So what’s the difference? A dynamic mic is less sensitive than a condenser mic, which means you get a lot less room echo and other incidental background sounds.

So why do people bother with condenser mics? They pick up every little detail of your voice, which means they sound richer, but you’ll need a soundproof room to get the best sound from them. So, if you’re creating a podcast on a budget, a dynamic mic will mostly be the one to go for.

How much should I pay for podcast microphones?

How long is a piece of string! Like most tech, you can spend as much or as little as you want, but for about £120 you can get a decent USB mic which plugs directly into your PC or Mac. I’ll talk more about recording kit to help with creating your podcast in another post.

What other equipment might I need for producing my podcast?

1. A microphone stand

Another essential is a mic stand. If you try to record just holding your mic in your hand you can get unpleasant sounds as your hand moves as you speak and it’s all too easy to get inconsistencies in how far you are away from your mic. A simple tabletop mic stand will set you back about £15.

2. A pop shield

Once you’ve got your mic and stand and you’re happy with them, I’m afraid it’s still not time to record your fist episode. Even dynamic mics suffer from ‘mic pop’. This is where your breath, mostly from Ps and Bs hits the diaphragm of the mic directly and causes a breathy pop. It especially happens if you get close to the mic. The result can be uncomfortable for people to listen to as it causes a spike in bass frequencies which sounds horrible and loud, especially on headphones, which is how most people listen to podcasts.

The solution is fairly simple, buy yourself a pop shield. They attach to your mic, and usually look like a circle with a bit of material stretched over it. They’re really effective at stopping mic pop and are well worth buying. Mostly they cost just over £10.

What about where I record my podcast?

You’ve chosen your microphone and set up your stand and pop shield… but we’re still not ready to record. How far you are away from your mic is very important too. Too far away and you’ll sound distant, too close and you’ll sound uncomfortably close in the ear of the listener. The goldilocks zone is usually about 4-6 inches (10cm – 15cm) away from your pop shield.

Finally, let’s talk about the room you record it in. In reality, most of the rooms in your house are probably acoustically dreadful. They’ll likely be a little too echoey which you may not notice when

you’re in the room, but for your listeners it will be far from ideal. You could think about trying to acoustically ‘deaden the room’. If you’ve got the cash, you could think about professionally soundproofing it. But if you’re on a budget, a few duvets placed on the walls or even over your head will do just fine.

Need some support to get your podcast sounding polished and professional? Check out our training packages and bespoke coaching plans to help you produce your podcast.

Feeling overwhelmed and want someone to help you plan and produce your podcast from start to finish? We’ve got a range of support packages available.

Rather listen than read? Check out our Podcast Masterclass.

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Podcasting: Getting Started

Welcome to Ginger Wizard Productions!

Hello, if you’ve been wondering “how do I make my own podcast?” you have stumbled across the perfect blog! I'm Nick, the founder of Ginger Wizard Productions, and I’m going to share my insights into the world of podcasting. With more than 20 years of experience at the BBC, I've worked in  national TV, local, and national radio. Now, with my own production company, I want to help you or your business make waves in the world of audio marketing through podcasting.

Why podcasting?

It is a powerful marketing strategy that brings you closer to your target audience, and making your own podcast gives you a platform to engage with those people.  Few methods establish such a strong emotional connection. With the rise in listenership, it's clear that people are tuning in, listening hours for podcast have almost tripled since 2019, And it’s for good reason. Podcasts are incredibly versatile; you can listen wherever you are, making them perfect for those daily commutes. However, creating a successful podcast requires doing the right things, learning how to edit audio well is a skill for example.

Interested in bringing your ideas to life through podcasts? Let's chat! Email me directly at nick@gingerwizard.co.uk.

Naming it

Before you even think about hitting the record button, launching your own podcast involves several key considerations. Let's start with the basics - your podcast's name. Much like any aspect of podcasting, naming requires thought and research. Your podcast title should be concise, unique, and informative. Google it, check on platforms like Apple and Spotify, and ensure you're the first to claim it. Say it out loud - can people easily share it through word of mouth? And don't forget to check its hashtag potential; a memorable hashtag can work wonders.

Planning

Equipment is crucial; bad microphones and poor placement can turn listeners away. But remember, even with subpar equipment, content is king. Make your show engaging, and you're already on the right track. Before hitting that record button, sit down, plan your message, and identify your target audience.

The first 30 seconds matter

The initial moments of your podcast are make-or-break. Writing a good opening sequence is crucial as people decide whether to stick around within those first 30 seconds. Offer a snippet of your best content, and think about how you sell your show with a menu at the start.

Four main types of podcasts

1. Solo podcasts: Challenging but rewarding.

2. Co-hosted podcasts: Share the spotlight with a friend.

3. Storytelling podcasts: Plan every detail for a multi-part narrative.

4. Interview-based podcasts: Popular and easy to keep interesting.

Reflecting on the podcast landscape

Podcasts are gaining traction, with 20% of people in the UK listening regularly. As the popularity grows, it's an excellent time for businesses to explore this medium. Currently in the US, more than 40% of people listen regularly. If the UK’s growth in podcasting continues at the same rate, it won’t be long until the UK market is up there with the US’. Now is a great time to think about establishing your idea or brand. If you're considering starting a podcast for your business, get in touch, and we can discuss how podcasting can contribute to your growth.

There's a wealth of digital content out there, and podcasts have emerged as a powerful and intimate medium, allowing us to escape the noise of our busy lives and dive deep into the conversations that matter.

What's next?

Stay tuned for upcoming blogs where we'll look at ideas, planning, microphone tips, editing, music, and promoting your podcast. We’re here to help you every step of the way. Feel free to contact us via email at hello@gingerwizard.co.uk

Happy podcasting!