What do you want to be when you grow up? Dreams of Rock Stardom and choosing the background music for Waterloo Road

I asked my 4 year old daughter yesterday what she wanted to be when she grew up.  She thought about it for a bit and then replied ‘I don’t know’.  I admit I threw her (not literally, before you pick up the phone to Social Services) with that question but totally relate to her answer – I’m 32 years her senior and I still don’t know!

I am a Media Planner at a Media Agency in London.  My mum still thinks I make the ads on the telly, in the newspaper etc (bless her!) but I just plan where the ads go (it’s slightly more complicated than that but that’s sort of it ‘in a nutshell’).  What I’d really like to be though is a Rock Star, failing that, I wouldn’t mind choosing what music is used in TV programmes.

As you’ve probably guessed by now, I’m quite into music so this probably doesn’t come as a surprise.  Unless my ukulele playing goes amazingly well, and I become the new uke playing equivalent of Jimi Hendrix (at least there’s a niche in the market!), I think my Rock Star days are numbered.  As for the ‘choosing what music is used in TV programmes’ part – there’s still a chance!

It’s really sad but I always listen out for the music whilst watching TV.  The programme Waterloo Road is a prime example.  I’m not a big fan of the programme (but will watch it if there’s nothing else on) but you always hear the odd Drums or Libertines song on there and also some less known bands such as Broken Bells (Danger Mouse collaboration with the lead singer of The Shins which is very good).  Match of the Day as well has always been fruitful – ‘Is this music?’ by Teenage Fanclub on ‘Goal of the month’ is one of my fondest memories of that programme (other than the 2004 season when Arsenal were Invincible).  Soccer AM have always championed new bands as well – ‘Men’s Needs’ by The Cribs has been one of my favourite ‘Goals of the Week’ soundtracks in recent times.  The beauty of ‘Soccer AM’ as well is that the name of the track and band pops up in the bottom corner so you don’t have to Shazam the song or anything to find out what it is.

So, to finish today’s blog, I’m going to recommend some songs that I believe should be used in some of today’s TV programmes and why – you never know when someone at a TV station might be reading :

Spooks – imagine a car chase scene, the theme from Mission Impossible would be perfect, but I doubt they’d be allowed to use that.  We need something equally as pounding.  ‘Pounding’ by Doves? Too obvious.  ‘The Number Song’ by DJ Shadow? Yes!  I wonder if they have meetings at the BBC just like this.

Downton Abbey – needs something orchestral, not too modern sounding, something beautiful.  Something by Adele? I can’t commit to a song just yet but if I get the gig, I’ll make a decision then.

Countryfile – I must admit I cheated on this one tonight and watched a bit of Countryfile to get the ‘vibe’.  They like acoustic numbers – I’m going for ‘Scattered Black and Whites’ by Elbow.

Dragons’ Den – Needs some really slow funky tune for when the Dragons’ are thinking about investing the money.  Needs to be something relevant too – ‘The Boss’ by James Brown? Perfect.

Embarrassing Bodies – ‘Beautiful’ by Christina Aguilera – too easy!

I do apologise if any of these have been used before in that particular programme but surely that must prove I’m qualified for the job!

Oh and don’t even get me started on songs used in TV adverts…