FAQs Blog

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

How can I find specific producers, composers, and artists that work in sync? mindset & goals songwriting & producing

IMDB is a great tool to see who has worked on what projects. IG and Music credits from DSPs (i.e., Apple Music, Spotify) can provide songwriter and producer credits on popular projects.

Other Resources:

Group Coaching 02/08/22 @1h 26m 9sec

Should I ask questions when presented with a licensing deal? agreements & contracts mindset & goals

I am a big advocate of not being afraid to not asking the question when it is appropriate. If you have specific questions about terms or clauses in a contract, go for it.

Other Resources:

Group Coaching 01/24/22 - 53m 17sec

Should I focus on making one great song? mindset & goals songwriting & producing

Let's not get precious about one song. Our goal should be to create so many songs that we increase our chances of getting placements. I have songs which I thought would get placements that I haven't heard back on. Don't stop creating.

Other Resources:

Group Coaching 01/24/22 - 51m 5sec

What is the difference between non-exclusive and exclusive agreements? agreements & contracts

If you choose to have a third-party company represent your music, you can either ask

them to represent you exclusively, or have numerous companies represent you non-

exclusively. Exclusivity means that the third party you signed the agreement with is the only party that can pitch that music. On th...

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 ...

What is a copyright? master & publishing rights songwriting & producing

The moment you create something original and tangible, it is a copyright within itself. If the time ever comes where you need to prove in in court that this is yours, you can do so by providing timestamps from your Digital Audio Workstation. You can also formally copyright your music via copyright.g...

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...

Does it matter how I approach sync professionals? mindset & goals music supervisors

If you nurture the relationship going into it rather than going full force, it shows you value this person as opposed it just being transactional. It's important to do your homework. Look at what they may be working on, show that you want to build a working relationship with them. Try to connect wit...

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

Do audio engineers typically go on a split sheet? agreements & contracts master & publishing rights

When it comes to splits, with regard to whoever is doing mixing and mastering, if it's not your producer, typically they do not go on the split sheet. They do not necessarily have owner stake on a song. They usually are paid a fee as a service to mix and master your song.

Other Resources:

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What is "Synchronize?"

Sync (or synchronisation) is a process where songs are combined with moving images – film, TV series, adverts, video games, trailers etc. Sync deals are usually arranged between a music publisher and a prospective client, which is normally a music supervisor or a film producer.

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 "Use?" agreements & contracts tv/film

How the work will be used (synched to picture) in the media. e.g. Background Vocal (BV), Background Instrumental (BI) etc.

What is "Timing?" agreements & contracts tv/film

How much of the work will be used in the given media. e.g. 1:24, "up to full use" or "up to 1:00" etc.

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