Welcome to the official launch of the Sync Tank!
I hope you're excited to get started. I've put a lot of thought and effort into this program, and my goal over the next 90 days is to give you all the information, tools and resources you need to succeed in licensing your music.
Every day, for the next 90 days, I'll be posting a different lead and twice a week, on Mondays and Thursdays I'll be posting a lesson, assignment and video tutorial. On some days, the lesson and video tutorial will overlap, and on other days they won't.
Once we do our consultation, I'll be able to customize the leads I provide you even more based on the type of music you make, and your specific goals related to licensing your music.
My goal is to present all of the information to you in a way that isn't overwhelming and will allow you to move forward, one step at a time, each day, throughout the 90-day long program.
I suggest having 30 to 60 minutes each day to devote to going through all the information I present and submitting your tracks. But, you can always go back and catch up if you miss a day or two, and all of the information can be reviewed at your convenience right here, from this page.
With that said, let's get started!
Today's Lesson - Study The Market:
One of the keys to licensing music successfully is to have a good grasp on the wide variety of music that actually gets licensed. You need to study the "market" as you would in any other industry to be competitive. A lot of artists are simply making the music they make, with little or no thought to licensing, and then shopping it around here and there, after the fact. After their music is already made. This isn't necessarily wrong. You could license music this way. But taking this approach leaves a lot to luck. Maybe you're writing music that works for licensing, maybe you're not. By studying and really paying attention to music that is being used on a regular basis, you'll get a much clearer idea of what the demands of the music licensing marketplace are and where your music fits in.
Today's Assignment:
Today's assignment is to start really paying attention to music that is used in tv shows, films, commercials and so on. The next movie or TV show you watch, I want you to really focus on the songs that are being used. Notice what songs are used and how they're used. Notice the relationship between the dialog and the lyrics of songs. Notice how the style connects with the period and atmosphere of the scene. Notice how the mood of the music relates to the overall story and theme of the show, movie or commercial you're watching. Get a sense for how it all fits together. Could you see your music being used in this way? Do you have music ready to go that would work in a variety of situations? The first step in succeeding in the licensing industry, is really understanding what kind of music gets licensed and why. Don't just make music and then throw it against the wall, hoping it will stick somewhere. This is a craft. Approach it this way and you'll have much more success.
Related: Also, be sure to check out the tracks we've posted in the music licensing reference library.
Today's Video Tutorial:
Today's video is about how to prepare your tracks for licensing opportunities and the different types of files you'll need when you start pitching your tracks.
I hope you're excited to get started. I've put a lot of thought and effort into this program, and my goal over the next 90 days is to give you all the information, tools and resources you need to succeed in licensing your music.
Every day, for the next 90 days, I'll be posting a different lead and twice a week, on Mondays and Thursdays I'll be posting a lesson, assignment and video tutorial. On some days, the lesson and video tutorial will overlap, and on other days they won't.
Once we do our consultation, I'll be able to customize the leads I provide you even more based on the type of music you make, and your specific goals related to licensing your music.
My goal is to present all of the information to you in a way that isn't overwhelming and will allow you to move forward, one step at a time, each day, throughout the 90-day long program.
I suggest having 30 to 60 minutes each day to devote to going through all the information I present and submitting your tracks. But, you can always go back and catch up if you miss a day or two, and all of the information can be reviewed at your convenience right here, from this page.
With that said, let's get started!
Today's Lesson - Study The Market:
One of the keys to licensing music successfully is to have a good grasp on the wide variety of music that actually gets licensed. You need to study the "market" as you would in any other industry to be competitive. A lot of artists are simply making the music they make, with little or no thought to licensing, and then shopping it around here and there, after the fact. After their music is already made. This isn't necessarily wrong. You could license music this way. But taking this approach leaves a lot to luck. Maybe you're writing music that works for licensing, maybe you're not. By studying and really paying attention to music that is being used on a regular basis, you'll get a much clearer idea of what the demands of the music licensing marketplace are and where your music fits in.
Today's Assignment:
Today's assignment is to start really paying attention to music that is used in tv shows, films, commercials and so on. The next movie or TV show you watch, I want you to really focus on the songs that are being used. Notice what songs are used and how they're used. Notice the relationship between the dialog and the lyrics of songs. Notice how the style connects with the period and atmosphere of the scene. Notice how the mood of the music relates to the overall story and theme of the show, movie or commercial you're watching. Get a sense for how it all fits together. Could you see your music being used in this way? Do you have music ready to go that would work in a variety of situations? The first step in succeeding in the licensing industry, is really understanding what kind of music gets licensed and why. Don't just make music and then throw it against the wall, hoping it will stick somewhere. This is a craft. Approach it this way and you'll have much more success.
Related: Also, be sure to check out the tracks we've posted in the music licensing reference library.
Today's Video Tutorial:
Today's video is about how to prepare your tracks for licensing opportunities and the different types of files you'll need when you start pitching your tracks.
Today's Lead:
Heavy Hitters Music
About: Heavy Hitters Music license a wide variety of music in tv and films, including urban, rap, and hip-hop music. With a wide variety of beats and instrumentals, they work with popular shows and brands to bring a fresh sound to their projects.
Submission Details: https://www.heavyhittersmusic.com/hhm-inquiries-1
Day 2
Today's Lead:
Think Music
About: At THINK Music, Inc., we are an exclusive representation and multi-service licensing and publishing company, aimed at providing the music supervision community with premier (and primarily one-stop) music, from indie artists, publishers, and record labels from around the world. We tend to lean a bit left of center, and we love representing artists of all genres. Our primary focus is music licensing for Advertisements, Television, Film, & Trailers.
We pride ourselves on our close relationships with music supervisors and personally work on each project until the supervisor has found what they need. We are also able to utilize our V.I.P artists and producers to create the perfect song for any type of project.
Submit: Please email all submissions to [email protected] with the subject: SUBMISSIONS / artist's name
Contact: http://thinkmusicgroup.com/#contact
Today's Lead:
Think Music
About: At THINK Music, Inc., we are an exclusive representation and multi-service licensing and publishing company, aimed at providing the music supervision community with premier (and primarily one-stop) music, from indie artists, publishers, and record labels from around the world. We tend to lean a bit left of center, and we love representing artists of all genres. Our primary focus is music licensing for Advertisements, Television, Film, & Trailers.
We pride ourselves on our close relationships with music supervisors and personally work on each project until the supervisor has found what they need. We are also able to utilize our V.I.P artists and producers to create the perfect song for any type of project.
Submit: Please email all submissions to [email protected] with the subject: SUBMISSIONS / artist's name
- A download or streaming link to music
- Website/spotify/facebook links
- Bio, press, touring, one sheet information
- If you own your masters and/or publishing (if you are signed, please list with whom)
- The date your music was/is to be released on an album or single.
- Please know that we receive a large volume of submissions and cannot respond to every email!
Contact: http://thinkmusicgroup.com/#contact
Day 3
Today's Lead:
Black Toast Music
About:
Founded in 1991 by noted musician/composer/producer Bob Mair, Black Toast Music is a leading independent music publisher/production music library located in Los Angeles, CA. Since its launch, the company has placed music in hundreds of television series, including “True Blood,” “Dexter” and “The Wire,” specials and TV movies, dozens of high profile motion pictures, including “Arthur” with Russell Brand, “When In Rome” with Kristen Bell, “I Love You, Phillip Morris,” “Dead Silence,” “Jiminy Glick,” and others, along with videogames, internet advertising campaigns, and numerous, multi-media presentations.
Submit: Contact Bob Mair for submission instructions: [email protected]
Contact: [email protected]
Today's Lead:
Black Toast Music
About:
Founded in 1991 by noted musician/composer/producer Bob Mair, Black Toast Music is a leading independent music publisher/production music library located in Los Angeles, CA. Since its launch, the company has placed music in hundreds of television series, including “True Blood,” “Dexter” and “The Wire,” specials and TV movies, dozens of high profile motion pictures, including “Arthur” with Russell Brand, “When In Rome” with Kristen Bell, “I Love You, Phillip Morris,” “Dead Silence,” “Jiminy Glick,” and others, along with videogames, internet advertising campaigns, and numerous, multi-media presentations.
Submit: Contact Bob Mair for submission instructions: [email protected]
Contact: [email protected]
Day 4
Today's Lesson - Researching Companies:
I've interviewed over 100 people working in the music licensing industry over the last several years. I've interviewed publishers, supervisors and owners and founders of music libraries. When you talk to this many people working in the same industry, certain recurring themes and patterns come up over and over. One of these themes, is that very few musicians take the time to really research and get to know the companies they're reaching out to, when trying to get their music licensed. Most musicians are just randomly contacting companies, submitting there music to anyone and everyone. I've heard from multiple publishers and supervisors that this is a real issue. Most people working in this industry are inundated with submissions and they simply don't have time to listen to everything that is sent to them. If you're not submitting music that is relevant and you're not demonstrating that you've researched the company you're sending your music to, there's a good chance your music won't be heard.
Today's Assignment:
Today's assignment is two-fold. One is to simply spend time researching the companies you are trying to work with. Go to their website, read their bio, listen to the artists they work with, do a google search and find out as much as you can about them. Look at past projects they've worked on, search for upcoming projects when possible. In short, try to learn as much as you can about each company you want to work with prior to submitting your music. Then, when you do reach out, let them know why you think your music is a good fit. Indicate what projects you think your music would be a good match for. If this isn't possible, let them know what it is about your music stylistically that is a good match for their company. In other words, let them know you've taken the time to learn about their company and you want to help them with their needs. Remember, this is a service oriented business. You are in the business of helping people meet their musical needs.
Part two of today's assignment, is to watch today's video tutorial, about how and why to approach music like a business. This video features an excerpt from an interview I did with Joel Feinberg of DeWolfe Music. Warning: Joel uses some pretty harsh language in getting his point across!
Today's Lesson - Researching Companies:
I've interviewed over 100 people working in the music licensing industry over the last several years. I've interviewed publishers, supervisors and owners and founders of music libraries. When you talk to this many people working in the same industry, certain recurring themes and patterns come up over and over. One of these themes, is that very few musicians take the time to really research and get to know the companies they're reaching out to, when trying to get their music licensed. Most musicians are just randomly contacting companies, submitting there music to anyone and everyone. I've heard from multiple publishers and supervisors that this is a real issue. Most people working in this industry are inundated with submissions and they simply don't have time to listen to everything that is sent to them. If you're not submitting music that is relevant and you're not demonstrating that you've researched the company you're sending your music to, there's a good chance your music won't be heard.
Today's Assignment:
Today's assignment is two-fold. One is to simply spend time researching the companies you are trying to work with. Go to their website, read their bio, listen to the artists they work with, do a google search and find out as much as you can about them. Look at past projects they've worked on, search for upcoming projects when possible. In short, try to learn as much as you can about each company you want to work with prior to submitting your music. Then, when you do reach out, let them know why you think your music is a good fit. Indicate what projects you think your music would be a good match for. If this isn't possible, let them know what it is about your music stylistically that is a good match for their company. In other words, let them know you've taken the time to learn about their company and you want to help them with their needs. Remember, this is a service oriented business. You are in the business of helping people meet their musical needs.
Part two of today's assignment, is to watch today's video tutorial, about how and why to approach music like a business. This video features an excerpt from an interview I did with Joel Feinberg of DeWolfe Music. Warning: Joel uses some pretty harsh language in getting his point across!
Today's Lead:
Bodega Sync
About: https://bodegasync.com/
Submit: https://bodegasync.com/apply/
Contact: https://bodegasync.com/contact/
Bodega Sync
About: https://bodegasync.com/
Submit: https://bodegasync.com/apply/
Contact: https://bodegasync.com/contact/
Day 5
Today's Lead:
Marmoset
About: https://www.marmosetmusic.com/our-story
Submit: https://www.marmosetmusic.com/help#artists
Contact: https://www.marmosetmusic.com/contact
Today's Lead:
Marmoset
About: https://www.marmosetmusic.com/our-story
Submit: https://www.marmosetmusic.com/help#artists
Contact: https://www.marmosetmusic.com/contact
Day 6
Today's Lead:
Steele Sync
About: https://steelesync.com/about/
Submit: https://steelesync.com/contact-2/
Contact: [email protected]
Today's Lead:
Steele Sync
About: https://steelesync.com/about/
Submit: https://steelesync.com/contact-2/
Contact: [email protected]
Day 7
Today's Lead:
The Music Playground
About: The Music Playground is geared toward exposing great music and placing it in Film, TV, and other media. With on staff music supervisors, a vast catalog, and close ties to the record industry we are well suited to find the next big hit or the perfect musical fit for your next project. Please take a minute to listen to some music, contact us for a search, and create an account to save playlists and download music.
Submit: http://www.themusicplayground.com/contact/
Contact: http://www.themusicplayground.com/contact/
Today's Lead:
The Music Playground
About: The Music Playground is geared toward exposing great music and placing it in Film, TV, and other media. With on staff music supervisors, a vast catalog, and close ties to the record industry we are well suited to find the next big hit or the perfect musical fit for your next project. Please take a minute to listen to some music, contact us for a search, and create an account to save playlists and download music.
Submit: http://www.themusicplayground.com/contact/
Contact: http://www.themusicplayground.com/contact/
Day 8
Today's Lesson - Professionalism:
I think it's safe to say that most artists, when they go about trying to get their music licensed, are primarily focused on themselves. They're focused on their music and trying to meet their goals. This is completely understandable and it makes total sense. You make music and you're passionate about it and you're passionate about your goal of hearing your music in TV and Films. So, of course you're going to be focused on your music and your goals. However, if you're trying to license your music through different music licensing companies (libraries, publishers, supervisors, etc) it's not just about you and your music. If you're trying to work with someone else professionally, you have to also be aware of the goals and needs of those you're trying to work with. What are their needs and how can you serve them? How can you make their lives easier? How can you help them do their job and help them achieve their goals. When you start to make this shift and keep this in mind in every email exchange, conversation and interaction you have with people in this business, you'll start to make a lot more headway. You'll also start to see more clearly why perhaps you haven't had as much success as you would have liked in the past, if you've only been focused on your music and achieving your own goals.
Today's Assignment:
Today's assignment is an extension of the last assignment. In the previous lesson I talked about how it's important to research companies and demonstrate you've done a little homework before blindly submitting your music to anyone who will listen. This demonstrates you're not just focused on your goals, but that you're also interested in helping others meet their goals. Along the same lines, think about other ways you can demonstrate you are professional and going to be easy to work with. Publishers and Supervisors are looking for musicians who are going to be easy to work with and efficient. One way to demonstrate this is by anticipating the different types of needs of those in the business and having different edits and versions of your tracks ready to go (See the video from Day 1 for more on this topic). Another thing you can do is make a showreel featuring some of your best tracks alongside some of your placements, if you have them, and if not just using stock video footage or other footage that works to accompany your music. Doing things like this will help you stand out from your competition and demonstrate that you're professional and take your craft seriously.
Today's Video Tutorial:
Today's video is a 30-minute video presentation about how to create an effective showreel, featuring producer Gary Gray.
Today's Lesson - Professionalism:
I think it's safe to say that most artists, when they go about trying to get their music licensed, are primarily focused on themselves. They're focused on their music and trying to meet their goals. This is completely understandable and it makes total sense. You make music and you're passionate about it and you're passionate about your goal of hearing your music in TV and Films. So, of course you're going to be focused on your music and your goals. However, if you're trying to license your music through different music licensing companies (libraries, publishers, supervisors, etc) it's not just about you and your music. If you're trying to work with someone else professionally, you have to also be aware of the goals and needs of those you're trying to work with. What are their needs and how can you serve them? How can you make their lives easier? How can you help them do their job and help them achieve their goals. When you start to make this shift and keep this in mind in every email exchange, conversation and interaction you have with people in this business, you'll start to make a lot more headway. You'll also start to see more clearly why perhaps you haven't had as much success as you would have liked in the past, if you've only been focused on your music and achieving your own goals.
Today's Assignment:
Today's assignment is an extension of the last assignment. In the previous lesson I talked about how it's important to research companies and demonstrate you've done a little homework before blindly submitting your music to anyone who will listen. This demonstrates you're not just focused on your goals, but that you're also interested in helping others meet their goals. Along the same lines, think about other ways you can demonstrate you are professional and going to be easy to work with. Publishers and Supervisors are looking for musicians who are going to be easy to work with and efficient. One way to demonstrate this is by anticipating the different types of needs of those in the business and having different edits and versions of your tracks ready to go (See the video from Day 1 for more on this topic). Another thing you can do is make a showreel featuring some of your best tracks alongside some of your placements, if you have them, and if not just using stock video footage or other footage that works to accompany your music. Doing things like this will help you stand out from your competition and demonstrate that you're professional and take your craft seriously.
Today's Video Tutorial:
Today's video is a 30-minute video presentation about how to create an effective showreel, featuring producer Gary Gray.
Today's Lead:
Bopper Music
About: https://www.boppermusic.com/
Submit: https://www.boppermusic.com/contact
Contact: https://www.boppermusic.com/contact
Day 9
Today's Lead:
Sodabox Music
About: https://sodaboxmusic.com/#contact
Submit: https://sodaboxmusic.com/submissions
Contact: https://sodaboxmusic.com/#contact
Today's Lead:
Sodabox Music
About: https://sodaboxmusic.com/#contact
Submit: https://sodaboxmusic.com/submissions
Contact: https://sodaboxmusic.com/#contact
Day 10
Today's Lead:
Play It Loud
About: Play it Loud Music was established in 2006 by music entrepreneur Aaron Bethune. With a life long passion for music, an entrepreneurial spirit, and a background in music performance, Aaron has gained a unique perspective into the power of music and those that create it. In recent years Aaron's book Musicpreneur: The Creative Approach to Making Money in Music has become a text book at select universities and music institutions worldwide.
Submission Guidelines: Contact — PlayItLoudMusic
Today's Lead:
Play It Loud
About: Play it Loud Music was established in 2006 by music entrepreneur Aaron Bethune. With a life long passion for music, an entrepreneurial spirit, and a background in music performance, Aaron has gained a unique perspective into the power of music and those that create it. In recent years Aaron's book Musicpreneur: The Creative Approach to Making Money in Music has become a text book at select universities and music institutions worldwide.
Submission Guidelines: Contact — PlayItLoudMusic
Day 11
Today's Lead:
Arts & Crafts Music Publishing
About: https://acpublishing.ca/
Submit: https://acpublishing.ca/contact/
Contact: https://acpublishing.ca/contact/
Today's Lead:
Arts & Crafts Music Publishing
About: https://acpublishing.ca/
Submit: https://acpublishing.ca/contact/
Contact: https://acpublishing.ca/contact/
Day 12
Today's lesson - Production Quality:
Music production is an important component of getting your music licensed. If you have amazing songs that work great for licensing, but they're not adequately produced for licensing, you won't be able to license them. It's that simple. Your songs need to be ready to go, as is. Knowing this, it's important that you take the time to objectively assess whether your songs are ready to go, production wise. Now music production isn't an exact science. It's somewhat subjective, even among music publishers and supervisors. Different people have different tastes and preferences. It's unlikely that you'll ever please everyone. But with that said, a lot of music that is being submitted to music licensing companies, simply isn't "good enough" production wise. Make sure you're not one of these artists. Take the time to really study the market, get a feel for the production quality of music that is being consistently licensed and make sure your music is on the same level, in terms of the quality of music production. Getting your production quality up to speed might involve improving your own production skills, if you produce your own music, or it might involve working with an outside producer. Whatever the case, make sure you know the quality you're shooting for and do whatever you have to do to get there.
Today's Assignment:
Today's assignment is to study the production quality of music that is being licensed and determine whether or not your tracks meet this standard. There are a few different ways to do this, the easiest is to probably simply check out music libraries websites and listen to the artists they work with. Many publishers and libraries will feature music they work with right on their website. Spend some time really getting to know the market and what music is being licensed where. On day one, I asked you to research and listen to music that's being licensed to get a feel for what kind of music is licensed. Today I want you to research and listen to music and specifically focus on the music production. If you listen to enough music that is being licensed, you'll see there is actually a wide variety, in terms of production quality. Some tv shows and placements have lower standards than others. Typically the more lucrative the placement, the more stringent the standards are in terms of production quality. Make sure your tracks at least meet the minimum standards necessary for music licensing, before you start shopping them around.
Today's Video Tutorial:
Today's video tutorial is about what I like to think of as the "Three Pillars Of Music Licensing". I think there are three main areas you need to master when it comes to successfully licensing your music. They are: songwriting/composition, production and marketing.
Check out the video for more.
Today's lesson - Production Quality:
Music production is an important component of getting your music licensed. If you have amazing songs that work great for licensing, but they're not adequately produced for licensing, you won't be able to license them. It's that simple. Your songs need to be ready to go, as is. Knowing this, it's important that you take the time to objectively assess whether your songs are ready to go, production wise. Now music production isn't an exact science. It's somewhat subjective, even among music publishers and supervisors. Different people have different tastes and preferences. It's unlikely that you'll ever please everyone. But with that said, a lot of music that is being submitted to music licensing companies, simply isn't "good enough" production wise. Make sure you're not one of these artists. Take the time to really study the market, get a feel for the production quality of music that is being consistently licensed and make sure your music is on the same level, in terms of the quality of music production. Getting your production quality up to speed might involve improving your own production skills, if you produce your own music, or it might involve working with an outside producer. Whatever the case, make sure you know the quality you're shooting for and do whatever you have to do to get there.
Today's Assignment:
Today's assignment is to study the production quality of music that is being licensed and determine whether or not your tracks meet this standard. There are a few different ways to do this, the easiest is to probably simply check out music libraries websites and listen to the artists they work with. Many publishers and libraries will feature music they work with right on their website. Spend some time really getting to know the market and what music is being licensed where. On day one, I asked you to research and listen to music that's being licensed to get a feel for what kind of music is licensed. Today I want you to research and listen to music and specifically focus on the music production. If you listen to enough music that is being licensed, you'll see there is actually a wide variety, in terms of production quality. Some tv shows and placements have lower standards than others. Typically the more lucrative the placement, the more stringent the standards are in terms of production quality. Make sure your tracks at least meet the minimum standards necessary for music licensing, before you start shopping them around.
Today's Video Tutorial:
Today's video tutorial is about what I like to think of as the "Three Pillars Of Music Licensing". I think there are three main areas you need to master when it comes to successfully licensing your music. They are: songwriting/composition, production and marketing.
Check out the video for more.
Crucial Music
About: https://www.crucialmusic.com/page/about_us
Submit: https://www.crucialmusic.com/user_sessions/new (Select Account)
Contact: https://www.crucialmusic.com/page/wheres_crucial
About: https://www.crucialmusic.com/page/about_us
Submit: https://www.crucialmusic.com/user_sessions/new (Select Account)
Contact: https://www.crucialmusic.com/page/wheres_crucial