Power intros, also known as branded intros, hit intros, hit starters, produced intros, brand intros, or station intros. Whatever you call them, they provide an optimal music flow that helps listeners move through their busy day. Power Intros are essential. They ensure that a jingle and a music track merge into a beautiful whole. The technique of marking music with your station identity before the vocals start is still important. Regardless of the size of your station. In this blog post we tell you why.
Research shows…
Various studies have shown that sung audio logos have a major effect on the memory of a brand or slogan. But also as on the behavior of a listener or consumer. Flex Media Factory proves that Power Intros are not only important for hit radio stations, but that more and more other music formats are also using our branded intros. They connect a radio brand with songs that are popular within their target audience. They provide forward momentum. In short, they are conducive to a longer listening time and a larger market share.
What kind of intros are there?
Flex Media Factory produces both spoken power intros and sung versions. Spoken intros are cheaper and can be delivered faster. However, sung intros have more impact. With both versions, if desired, and subject to availability, we can have the singer or band members of the actual music track say something.
Listen to examples of spoken power intros with so-called ‘artist ID’:
Listen to examples of sung power intros here:
How is a ‘branded intro’ created?
Producing power intros is an intensive creative process, in which we closely collaborate with the radio station. First, the radio station determines periodically, usually monthly, which music tracks should be provided with a branded intro. These music tracks are provided by the radio station. Secondly, based on the customer’s input, our voiceovers and/or singers get to work to create the optimal mix. Next, this is incorporated by our producers into the intro of the song. Finally, we deliver the end result to the radio station.
Reasons to choose power intros
1: identity
The most obvious plus is identity. Brand intros compliment the identity and character of your radio station. Moreover, they subtly link your radio brand to that specific song in the listener’s head. It also ties in with another good reason to use them, which is….
2:power intros are always unique
Creating the link between your radio brand and a music track in the listener’s brain gives you a unique place in their brain. By doing this with the most important songs on the playlist, you’re giving the listener a sign that THIS is the kind of music you play, and what it’s all about. Moreover, if that song is or becomes a favorite of theirs, they connect that song to YOUR radio brand in their head. So even if they hear that track on another station, they still connect it to YOUR brand.
3: always the perfect flow
A branded intro creates a natural flow without the music stopping. It creates energy, sets the mood and creates a sense of excitement for the song to come.
4: communicate your core message
Station slogans, core messages you want to convey… Brand intros create an opportunity to implement these messages in a cool way. Instead of stopping the music to wrap core messages in sweepers, for example, good intros can integrate them. In addition, they help to inculcate the station’s identity in the mind of the listener.
How do we deliver power intros?
We deliver power intros to most of our customers every month. But there are even some for which we produce weekly. By creating new branded intros every week, the radio stations we work for remain at the forefront of audio production. In addition, they remain in perfect harmony with an ever-changing musical landscape. In short, power intros ensure a consistent sonic identity.
Would you like to know more? Get in touch!
Have you listened to the demos? And are you as enthusiastic about branded intros as we are? Contact us and we’ll be happy to get started for you! Would you like to know more about how we can produce the perfect brand intros for you? Contact us and we’ll gladly discuss it. Whether it concerns spoken power intros or sung branded intros, or any other sonic imaging, we are happy to answer your questions.
Author: Rene Visschers