Identifying Your Target Market and Finding the Right Contacts

In this post, we delve deeper into identifying your target market and crucially, how to find the right people to submit your music to. This step is critical in bridging the gap between creating music and successfully licensing it. Let's explore how to pinpoint where your music fits and how to get it into the right hands.
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Target Markets: Where Does Your Music Fit?

TV Shows: Analyze different TV genres and their musical needs. For example, a reality show might need upbeat, energetic tracks, while a drama series may require more emotive, subtle scoring. Research current popular shows and identify the music supervisors or production companies behind them.
 
Films: Each film genre has its unique musical requirements. Investigate upcoming film projects and the studios producing them. Pay attention to indie film festivals as they are often more accessible for emerging artists.
 
Commercials: Ads require music that aligns with the brand's identity. Research advertising agencies and the brands they represent. Look for ads that use music similar to yours for a better fit.
 
Emerging Media Platforms: Web series, podcasts, and online content creators frequently look for fresh music. Identify popular content in these categories and note the production teams or channels hosting them.

Understanding Different Genres and Themes

Genre-Specific Targeting: Your music genre can often dictate your primary targets. For instance, classical or instrumental pieces might be more suitable for film scores, while pop and rock tracks might find a better home in TV shows or commercials.
 
Thematic Alignment: Assess the mood and themes your music conveys. Does it fit better with action-packed sequences, emotional scenes, or lighthearted moments? This can guide you to the right type of content.
 
Cultural and Demographic Reach: Your music might resonate more with certain cultural groups or age demographics. This understanding can help in targeting content that caters to these audiences.

Finding the Right Contacts and Submission Tips

Researching Music Supervisors and Producers
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Music Supervisors: These are the key figures in selecting music for TV, films, and ads. Use industry directories, LinkedIn, and credits in media to find their contact information.
 
Production Companies: Especially for films and TV shows, reaching out to production companies can be beneficial. Websites, trade publications, and film credits are good resources.
 
Networking and Industry Events:
Attend film festivals, music conferences, and industry meetups. Networking can lead to direct introductions and valuable contacts.

Join online forums and social media groups dedicated to music licensing and media production.

Utilizing Online Databases and Platforms:
Several online platforms and databases list contact information for music supervisors and production companies. Subscription services like IMDbPro are a good resource.

HTLYM Premium also offers an updated directory of contact information for those working in sync licensing.  Learn more.


Preparing Your Submission

Ensure your music is professionally recorded and mastered.
Create a compelling and concise pitch, highlighting why your music is a fit for their content.

Include links to your music (preferably hosted on professional platforms) rather than attaching large files.

Follow-Up and Professionalism:
After submitting, a polite follow-up email can be effective. However, avoid being overly persistent.  One follow up email, several weeks after your initial submission, is usually sufficient.

Maintain professionalism in all communications. First impressions are crucial in this industry.
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Conclusion
Successfully licensing your music involves not just creating great content but also strategically identifying and reaching out to the right people in your target market. This module has equipped you with the knowledge to find these contacts and effectively present your music for potential licensing opportunities.