Bumper music, also known as a bump, is a radio broadcasting term for short clips of signature songs or theme music used to transition between different elements of a program. These clips typically last no longer than fifteen seconds.[1] Bumper music is also played at music venues, such as concerts, before the show begins. Its purpose is to create a musical atmosphere and fill the air.
In radio, bumper music is commonly used when a syndicated program takes a break for local station identification or when it goes to a radio advertisement. In today's radio landscape, it is often referred to as a "bump," and NPR uses the term "button" as well. When the bumper music marks the end of a local break on a radio network, it is sometimes called "rejoiner music."