The Many Uses of Drone Music in Filmmaking

Drone music uses long, continuous tones to produce ambient, minimalist, and avant-garde soundscapes. It can often feel hypnotic and create a sense of meditative transcendence. It has become a staple of the modern music scene, with its roots in jazz and academic music. However, it has also made its way into a wide range of genres, from rock and post-punk to electronic and contemporary classical. Artists like Brian Eno, Sonic Youth, Throbbing Gristle, My Bloody Valentine and more have all used drone to add dimension and depth to their music.

One of the most famous examples is La Monte Young’s work, which was influenced by African and Middle Eastern music. Terry Riley and Pauline Oliveros also developed a compositional style that centered around droning tones. More recently, composers such as Alvin Lucier and Charlemagne Palestine have explored the use of drone in their music.

While drone is often associated with dark and drony music, it can be heard in all kinds of genres. It is a staple of the contemporary world of experimental and indie rock, with bands like Sunn O))), PJ Harvey, Swans, and Godspeed You! Black Emperor incorporating it into their musical palette. It can also be heard in the works of more mainstream acts, like The Beatles and Velvet Underground, as well as in many popular styles such as dance music.

The use of drone in filmmaking is also very popular. It can be used to create a feeling of tension and suspense, as well as to add drama or emotion to a scene. It is also common to hear drone music in the soundtracks of movies, television shows and video games.

If you are interested in learning more about drone music, Harry Sword’s book Monolithic Undertow is a great place to start. It explores the history of drone music and how it has shaped modern music, as well as its many applications in various fields.

For filmmakers, drone music can be useful for creating a mood and atmosphere for a scene. It can be used to create a sense of isolation, anxiety, and transcendence. Using drone music can also help to build up tension and anticipation in a film. It can be especially helpful for scenes featuring natural landscapes, where the viewer can focus on the beauty of nature without distractions.

When choosing drone music for your next film project, it is important to pick songs that don’t compete with the visuals of your shot. For this reason, you should avoid lyrical or spoken word pieces. Instead, choose instrumental or electronic music that is more sparse and minimal in tone, as this will be better suited for the drone shots you plan on including in your final footage. You should also be careful to select drone music that is long enough for the duration of your planned shoot, as this will ensure that your drone song is synchronized with the visuals of your footage. For example, if you are planning to use the drone for a scene that features a large crowd, you may want to select drone music that is longer than the length of your planned video, so that you can match up the rhythm of the drone music with the movement and flow of people in your shot.