Our long-awaited Emmy has finally arrived at the Audiobrain Studios. Audrey Arbeeny received the award as part of the NBC Team for the Best Live Event Turnaround for the NBC Beijing Olympics Games Broadcast. Thanks to all at NBC, and we are looking forward to Vancouver 2010 Olympics, our fifth collaboration!

As part of a long-term sonic branding initiative, “Processional Anthem-The Official MLS Theme”, was composed specifically for Major League Soccer by Audiobrain and recorded with an 80 piece orchestra in Prague in 2007. The anthem, which has been played at every game since its debut at the start of the season to overwhelming critical acclaim.

The historic branded theme song is the cornerstone of a long-term sound branding initiative, which in addition to the athlete’s procession, consists of a television sound signature, rock versions, promos and future initiatives for other MLS touchpoints.

“We wanted something that would stand the test of time, become iconic, with an emotional core and heartfelt sincerity, in the tradition of other great anthems throughout the world. But this is an American League, so we wanted to add elements that were in an American style, like our string homage to Aaron Copland at the end, or the counter melody in the middle with the trumpet. In the end, everyone was extremely happy and excited, and the feedback from the fans has been amazing”.

“Audiobrain was the prefect partner for the creation of the MLS Theme Song.  Their expertise on big events such as the Olympic Games plus their understanding of branding through music has been evident throughout the creative process”, says MLS Executive Producer Michael Cohen.

“We’re a young and growing league and, as we described to Audiobrain, we wanted to capture the feel of a young league looking out over a horizon of unlimited possibilities,” Deputy Commissioner Gazidis said. “I think this piece of music superbly captures the emotion we wanted.”

Audiobrain’s long-term sound branding initiative for MLS, which in addition to the Official MLS Theme Song and athlete’s procession, consists of a television sound signature, rock versions, promos, ringtones, iTunes and many other touchpoints. Hear them all here, as well as a behind the scenes look at the Prague recording session.

MLS Sonic Branding by Audiobrain: Rock Promo

Audiobrain’s long-term sound branding initiative for MLS, which in addition to the Official MLS Theme Song and athlete’s procession, consists of a television sound signature, rock versions, promos and future initiatives for other MLS touchpoints. This is the rock version that appears in every television broadcast.

MLS Sonic Branding by Audiobrain: Choral Version

In additional to the long-term sonic branding initiative for MLS which consisted of the OMLS Official Theme, a special  choral version was created for the Championship Cup Finals. “We always had it in mind that the anthem should have a grand, choral version, but we went with the instrumental during the season so that the fans could get used to the music first. We are very happy with the response to the music- the fans have had an extremely positive response and we now have all versions as ringtones and downloads. The Choral version was recorded in New York at Audiobrain’s studios.

MLS Sonic Branding by Audiobrain: Official MLS Anthem Prague Recording Session

As part of a long-term sonic branding initiative, “Processional Anthem-The Official MLS Theme”, was composed specifically for Major League Soccer by Audiobrain and recorded with an 80 piece orchestra in Prague in 2007. The anthem, which has been played at every game since its debut at the start of the season to overwhelming critical acclaim. Here’s a look at the live recording session in Prague!

MLS Sonic Branding by Audiobrain: Dreaming of Beijing MLS Young Guns Shoot for Gold

After the creation of the sonic branding initiative for MLS, the sound is now rolled out to various other touchpoints. Here is the open from the MLS film featuring its Beijing Olympic hopefuls!

Along with the NBC Olympics Production Team, Audiobrain Owner and Executive Producer Audrey Arbeeny was awarded an Emmy Award in the category Outstanding Live Event Turnaround for NBC’s Broadcast of the Beijing Olympics. Audrey was Music Supervisor for the Networks of NBC and along with the entire Audiobrain team headed the music operations for the networks of NBC in both Beijing and New York. Thank you and congratulations to our colleagues at NBC for this once-in-a-lifetime, history-making broadcast experience!

This theme is now everywhere from Rhapsody, to iTunes, to eMusic.  Just so you can fully appreciate how universal this piece of music is, here are some examples of our theme in action:

A short Documentary on the Theme and what is means for the entire League:

Click here to view the embedded video.

Brand Attributes:

• Elegant
• Traditional
• American
• Optimistic
• Gladiator/Warrior
• Sophisticated – on par with other world soccer leagues

A short Rock version for Promotion:

Yet another perfect example of how, when done properly, branded music and sound adds tremendous value and continuity across many avenues.

Click here to view the embedded video.

A Formal, Symphonic Choral Version:

Click here to view the embedded video.

A Beijing Olympic Feature:

Click here to view the embedded video.