22 May, 2025
The Clios Set a New Standard for Sonic Branding
Design News • Sneha Mehta • 4 Mins reading time

Synopsis:
The Clios Awards partners with MassiveMusic to launch a bold, sonic branding identity that merges classical prestige with contemporary innovation.
Key Takeaways:
- The Clios turn up the volume on brand identity with an immersive sound signature.
- MassiveMusic masterfully bridges history and modernity for the awards’ auditory presence.
- Sonic branding is no longer optional—it’s becoming a creative status symbol.
- The new sound captures the legacy of creativity’s muse, Clio, in every note.
Why sonic branding matters more than ever?
Sonic branding isn’t new—think of the unforgettable ba-da-ba-ba-baa of McDonald’s or the iconic Apple startup chime.
But in an age of saturated visuals and ever-distracted audiences, sound has emerged as a powerful emotional tool.
The Clio Awards, long revered for recognizing the best in creative advertising, have taken note—and made the leap.
As sonic identities become the next frontier of branding, The Clios’ new auditory logo proves this is more than a trend; it’s a transformation.
The Clios embrace the sound of now
While brands everywhere rush to adopt sonic branding, the Clio Awards have gone a step further.
In an exclusive collaboration with global sonic branding leader MassiveMusic, the Clios crafted an “audibly decadent” identity that masterfully combines classical orchestration with cutting-edge production.
This is not just a sound—it’s an experience, designed to reflect the creative world’s legacy and evolving dynamism.
The result? A rich soundscape that positions the Clios not just as the pinnacle of creative excellence but as a forward-thinking force, audibly shaping the industry they celebrate.
How the muse of creativity came to life in sound?
More than just background music, the sonic identity was shaped by the story of Clio, the Greek muse of history and creativity.
This isn’t branding for branding’s sake. Every note is a narrative, reflecting bold ideas that have historically shaped culture, now reimagined for today’s audience.
“The Clios celebrate bold creativity, and that same spirit drove our approach, blending classical prestige with contemporary energy to craft something truly distinctive.”
— Cece Wyldeck, EMEA Creative Director, MassiveMusic
The sonic identity is timeless yet modern. It embodies the awards’ prestige while speaking to a generation that experiences the world through headphones and TikTok. It’s no longer just about being seen—it’s about being heard.
This sonic identity isn’t just beautiful—it’s tactical
From a strategic perspective, this sonic identity literally helps the Clios cut through the noise.
Creating a recognizable, emotion-evoking sound becomes a competitive edge in a world of autoplay videos, podcasts, and sonic logo fatigue. The Clios are no longer just a visual trophy but an auditory icon.
“Sound has the power to make people feel something, and this project was about capturing that energy in a way that honours the legacy of Clio, the muse of creativity.”
— Samuel Andryk, Senior Creative Lead, MassiveMusic
The new sound tells a story: you’ll hear “the call to Clio’s quest” followed by the ripple effect of creativity echoing across business, culture, and society. It’s bold, it’s intricate, and it’s uniquely Clio.
Behind the scenes of the sonic renaissance
What sets this project apart is its foundation in true creative collaboration. Rather than dictating the sound, the Clios and MassiveMusic engaged in a shared vision-building process.
Just as the awards celebrate collective brilliance, their brand identity now stands as a case study in the power of co-creation.
“Collaboration was key; just as creativity thrives through shared ideas, this project was a testament to the power of collective vision.”
— Cece Wyldeck, MassiveMusic
The result is a sonic identity that feels bespoke and intelligent and elevates the essence of what the Clio Awards represent: the enduring impact of creative collaboration.
Final Word
In a time when brands are clamoring to be memorable, the Clios didn’t just follow the trend—they redefined it.
Their new sonic branding proves that when creativity is given the right tools and collaborators, it resonates—literally and emotionally.
The message is clear: in the future of branding, you can’t just be seen; you must be heard.
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Sneha Mehta
Senior UX Designer
Sneha is determined to take new challenges and find ways to solve them. She excels at communication, which helps conduct research with target users.
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