As a musician, it’s incredibly frustrating to spend countless hours honing your craft, producing your tracks, pitching them to music supervisors and music libraries, only to find that it’s not getting licensed. 

You likely have the talent, the passion, and the drive, but for whatever reason, things don't seem to be working. Over the years, I’ve worked with many musicians who have faced this exact challenge, and what I’ve found is that the reasons for this often go beyond just the quality of the music itself. Let’s explore some of the deeper reasons your music might not be getting licensed and what you can do to turn things around.
 

Understanding the Market

One of the most overlooked aspects of music licensing is understanding the market you’re trying to break into. The music licensing industry is highly competitive, with music supervisors and decision-makers receiving hundreds, if not thousands, of submissions for every project. They’re not just looking for good music; they’re looking for music that fits the specific needs of the project they’re working on. This means that even if your music is great, it might not be what’s in demand at the moment.
 

To better understand the market, it’s important to do your homework. Watch TV shows, movies, and commercials, and pay close attention to the music that’s being used. What genres are popular? What moods or themes are prevalent? How does the music complement the visual content? This will give you a clearer idea of what’s currently in demand and how your music can fit into that landscape. 

It’s also worth noting that trends in music licensing can change quickly, so staying updated is crucial. This might involve regularly revisiting your catalog and creating new tracks that align with what’s popular.
 

Presentation Matters

The way you present your music can make or break your chances of getting licensed. Imagine being a music supervisor who is juggling multiple projects, tight deadlines, and an inbox full of music submissions. In such a scenario, a poorly organized submission is not just an inconvenience — it’s often a dealbreaker. 

Music supervisors don’t have the time to sift through disorganized files or chase after missing information. They need to be able to quickly assess whether a track is right for their project.
 

To improve your presentation, make sure that every track you submit is properly labeled with all relevant information. This includes the track’s title, the composer’s name, the mood or theme of the track, the tempo, and any alternative versions (such as instrumental or vocal). It’s also essential to include accurate and detailed metadata, as this helps music supervisors find your track when searching through libraries. Metadata should include keywords that describe the genre, instruments used, mood, and potential uses (e.g., “upbeat indie rock for commercials”).

Another key aspect of presentation is the way you package your submission. Create a professional-looking one-sheet or pitch document that provides an overview of the track and how it could be used. Include streaming or download links that are easy to access, and make sure your contact information is clearly visible. 

If you’re submitting to a music library, take the time to familiarize yourself with their submission guidelines and follow them to the letter. A polished, professional presentation can set you apart from the competition and make a strong first impression.

The Quality Factor

Quality is a critical factor in music licensing, and it’s often the area where musicians fall short. It’s not enough to have a great composition; the track also needs to be production-ready. Music supervisors are looking for tracks that are polished and ready to be placed in a project immediately. This means that your recordings need to be of the highest quality, with professional mixing and mastering. Even if the composition is strong, a track that sounds amateurish or unfinished will likely be passed over.

To ensure your music is up to industry standards, it’s important to invest in the right tools and expertise. If you’re not confident in your production skills, consider collaborating with a professional producer or audio engineer. The cost of mixing and mastering can be an investment, but it’s one that pays off when your music is licensed and used in a high-profile project. Additionally, be mindful of the arrangement and instrumentation of your tracks. In some cases, less is more — stripping down a track to its essential elements can make it more versatile and easier to license.
 

It’s also important to listen to your tracks from the perspective of a music supervisor. Does the track have a clear, engaging beginning, middle, and end? Is it dynamic and emotionally resonant? Does it complement visual media without overpowering it? By critically assessing your music and making necessary improvements, you can increase the likelihood of it being licensed.  Again, listen to and study music that is being used in the types of projects you want to license your music into, to get an idea of what works.
 

Timing and Persistence

Timing plays a crucial role in the music licensing process. Sometimes, your track might be a perfect fit for a project, but if it’s submitted too late and the opportunity is lost. Or, conversely, your music might be great but it's simply not what someone is looking for when you submit it.

Music supervisors often work under tight deadlines, and they need tracks that are ready to go as soon as they’re requested. This means that, as a musician, you need to be proactive and timely with your submissions.
 

One way to stay ahead is by building a relationship with the music supervisors and libraries you’re submitting to. Keep track of the projects they’re working on, and try to anticipate their needs. If you know a particular show or film is in pre-production, reach out and offer tracks that you think might be a good fit. 

Persistence is also key — just because your track isn’t picked up immediately doesn’t mean it never will be. In fact, many tracks sit in a music library for months or even years before they’re finally licensed. I've had several tracks that ended up getting licensed years after I signed them. 
 

Staying organized with your submissions is vital
Keep a spreadsheet or database of where and when you’ve submitted each track and follow up periodically. If a track doesn’t get licensed for one project, don’t be discouraged — there’s always another opportunity around the corner. The key is to remain persistent and keep refining your approach. The more you submit and the more you build relationships, the greater your chances of success.

Final Thoughts

Getting your music licensed is about more than just talent—it’s about understanding the market, presenting your music professionally, making sure the production quality is great, and being persistent. By addressing these areas, you can significantly improve your chances of getting your music heard and placed in TV shows, films, and commercials. Remember, each “no” is just a step closer to a “yes.” Keep refining your craft, stay informed about industry trends, and don’t get discouraged. I've seen too many artists get discouraged and give up after just a few months of pursuing music licensing.  This business takes time!  
 

If you’re serious about taking your music licensing career to the next level, consider joining HTLYM Premium. 

As a member, you’ll gain access to exclusive resources, in-depth courses, and insider tips that can help you navigate the complex world of music licensing more effectively. With HTLYM Premium, you’ll be equipped with the tools and knowledge you need to stand out from the competition and increase your chances of landing lucrative licensing deals. 

Join the community of musicians who are already making strides in their careers and start making your music work for you.

Talk soon!
Aaron Davison

HTLYM Premium