FAQs Blog

Is it necessary to have stems files for all of the songs that we are pitching? custom music pitching & licensing songwriting & producing

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How do I overcome the fear of pitching my music? mindset & goals music supervisors pitching & licensing research & outreach

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How do I find emails of music supervisors and reps? music supervisors pitching & licensing research & outreach

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What is sync licensing? ads games pitching & licensing trailers tv/film

Sync Licensing is whenever your music is synchronized to moving picture. In order for productions or studios to use your music they need a license or a "Synchronization License".

Other resources: "What is sync licensing?"

Can I pitch my own music as an independent artist? master & publishing rights pitching & licensing songwriting & producing

1000% correct! This is not something that is only available for companies and people within the industry. This is why we created the Indie Music Xcelerator. A link to the module will be linked below to learn how to pitch your own music.

If you were a part of the creation of a song, until you sig...

Can I pitch my music without stems? licensing agents pitching & licensing

Yes, you can. A majority of the time, they just use the instrumental and acapella. There may be occasions where they might want the track stems out, but you can absolutely pitch your music without them,

Other Resources: Group Coaching 02/15/22 @ 41min 15sec

When pitching my music, should I have stems ready? mindset & goals pitching & licensing

Whenever you're getting ready to pitch, it is a rule of thumb to have your stems ready. You do not need to pitch your stems, but it is always good to have them ready in the case your music is placed.

Other Resources: Group Coaching 02/15/22 @ 18min 12sec

Are covers acceptable in sync? pitching & licensing publishers songwriting & producing

Covers are 100% acceptable in sync as long as you have permission from the publisher of the original song. Without the publisher's clearance, you have no chance of getting that cover cleared for commercial use.

Other Resources: Guest Interview 02/02/22 @ 1hour 11min 18sec

How can an artist or producer be best positioned when providing music that is to be repped by an agency or music supervisor? licensing agents mindset & goals pitching & licensing

The moment you enter a licensing agreement with an agency or music supervisor, start working on your metadata and deliverables.

Metadata is vital information that you add to enrich the tracks in your library or catalogue. Whilst automated metadata tagging is available, there is no substitute for...

What does buy-out mean? agreements & contracts master & publishing rights pitching & licensing

When you purchase a piece of music once, and never have to pay for it again.

Other Resources: Guest Interview 02/02/22 @ 43min 3sec

What can I expect when my music is repped by an agency? licensing agents pitching & licensing

It starts with a Sync Agent or Agency. Sync or "Licensing" agents are companies or individuals that aim to connect producers of visual media with artists. Sync agents will represent your music and secure you a synchronization license.

A license is an agreement where the licensor allows the licen...

What does "all-in" mean? agreements & contracts master & publishing rights pitching & licensing

When you license both the sound recording (master rights) and the song (publishing

rights) for one “all in” fee.

Ex: $10K "all in" mean $5k to license the master copyright and $5K to license the publishing copyright.

Other Resources: Guest Interview 02/02/22 @31min 55sec

Why do music supervisors and agencies have a need for my music instead of "Top 100" artists? master & publishing rights one-stop & easy clear pitching & licensing royalties & money

BUDGET! For a charting song, an artist, publisher, and label can demand whatever they want on top of those other parties essentially being gatekeepers for usage rights of a song.

Other Resources:

Guest Interview 02/02/22 @30m 25sec

What are music supervisors and agencies listening for when looking for potential music? licensing agents mindset & goals music supervisors pitching & licensing

Originality. Being able to have some level of uniqueness while still incorporating elements that make a song sound like it's ready for sync. The quality of the song has to be consistent with what is being already being used as well.

Other Resources:

Guest Interview 02/02/22 @22m 22sec

Should I pitch to a music library or get a sync agent? licensing agents pitching & licensing

There are options that exist when it comes to licensing your music. People are winning in multiple different ways. I am an advocate for owning as much of your song as you can. That doesn't mean I haven't given away owner ship on songs. If you are going the library route, I would suggest saving your ...

As an artist that fits into multiple genres, how should I approach pitching music? music supervisors pitching & licensing songwriting & producing

If you have identified what you want to be known for, only pitch that stuff. Showcase the best of what you're creating. However, you don't have to if you are able to create and fit into multiple genres. It is entirely up to you. Make it clear to music supervisors what you're pitching, especially if ...

Should I have an agreement in place with my collaborators? agreements & contracts master & publishing rights pitching & licensing songwriting & producing

If you're working with a producer (Beatstars, Soundclick, etc.), you should know what that producer has given allotment for when it comes to sync licensing. It's important to have an agreement in place before pitching. It can be as easy as talking and having a plan before pitching. The same goes for...

Can having "too many" relationships in sync be detrimental to my potential success? mindset & goals pitching & licensing

It is good to get your music out there. I started with non-exclusive stuff. I might take 1 song and give it to 2-3 people and see how it goes. As I began to learn more about this space, it has been ebb and flows. There are times where there were too many and other times where I've felt like I wanted...

Is it common for a third party to rep and pitch my music? agreements & contracts pitching & licensing

Yes, it is absolutely acceptable and common for a third party to be pitching your music on your behalf. They just get a commission on what they land. Also, it is important for artists to learn how to go direct and broker their own deals. This is one of the things we teach here in the IMXL. It is emp...

What are some strategies for a label signed artist vs. an independent artist? agreements & contracts mindset & goals pitching & licensing

Unless there is a specific agreement in place, you have a lot of options when it comes to releasing your music.

You can create an alias to release sync music that is a completely different brand than your original artist brand. You also have options when deciding who you want to represent or p

What is a "Pitch?" pitching & licensing

This refers to when a copyright owner (i.e Label, Publisher) or representative of the copyright (i.e. licensing Agent) sends out a song to try and acquire potential licensing opportunites.

Ex. "I just pitched a song for Season 3 of Insecure."

What is "Schedule A?" agreements & contracts pitching & licensing

In reference to licensing: this is a separate document attached to an agreement laying out the details the agreement states will be included in the schedule for example publishing details, media terms, etc. In reference to administration: this is a document that lists out all of the compositions for...

What is "Micro-Sync?" pitching & licensing

Micro licenses refer to “smaller” licenses for personal projects, indie films, and smaller companies.

What is a "Kill Fee?" pitching & licensing royalties & money

Fee to cover spec work that was commissioned but not used

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