Music supervisors are responsible for selecting and licensing music for various media projects, including TV shows, films, commercials, and video games. Their job involves finding songs that fit the project's mood, theme, and budget constraints. By understanding their role and their needs, you can better tailor your pitch to meet their specific needs and
preferences.
Research and Target the Right Supervisors
Before you start pitching, it’s crucial to research music supervisors and identify those who work on projects that align with your music style. This targeted approach ensures that you are reaching out to individuals who are more likely to appreciate and use your music.
Here are some detailed steps and tips to help you effectively research and target the right music supervisors:
Identify
Your Music Style and Genre
First, have a clear understanding of your own music style and genre and where your music fits in the context of music licensing. Create a list of keywords that describe your music, such as “indie rock,” “electronic,” “acoustic folk,” etc. Then, study different films, series, tv shows and see on to get a sense of where your music potentially fits. This will help you narrow down the types of projects and supervisors who might be interested in your
music.
Use IMDb to Find Relevant Projects
IMDb (Internet Movie Database) is an invaluable resource for identifying music supervisors. Start by searching for films, TV shows, and other media projects that feature music similar to yours.
Look at the credits for these projects to find the names of the music supervisors involved. IMDb
Pro offers even more detailed information, including contact details and project history, which can be extremely useful for your research.
Leverage LinkedIn for Professional Networking
LinkedIn is another powerful tool for connecting with industry professionals, including music supervisors. Use LinkedIn’s search functionality to find music supervisors by name or by the projects they’ve worked on.
Follow their profiles to stay updated on their latest projects
and industry activities. You can also join groups and forums related to music supervision to gain insights and network with other professionals.
Connect with me on Linkedin here.
Explore Professional Organizations
Professional organizations like the Guild of Music Supervisors provide a wealth of information and networking opportunities. The Guild’s website
often lists members and their contact information, along with news and events related to music supervision. Attending conferences, webinars, and networking events organized by these groups can help you meet and connect with music supervisors in person.
Use Music Licensing Platforms and Databases
Platforms like Music Gateway, TAXI, and Songtradr provide databases of music supervisors and other industry professionals. These platforms often offer submission services where
you can pitch your music directly through their system. Additionally, they provide valuable information about industry trends and supervisor preferences.
Another valuable resource is my website, How To License Your Music Premium, where you can find a wealth of information, courses, and tools specifically designed to help musicians succeed in the world of music
licensing.
Create a Targeted List
After gathering all this information, create a targeted list of music supervisors who are most likely to be interested in your music. Include their names, contact information, the types of projects they work on, and any specific notes about their preferences. This list will be your go-to resource when you start pitching your music.
Personalize Your Outreach
When reaching out to music supervisors, personalize
each message based on your research. Mention specific projects they have worked on that you admire and explain why you think your music would be a good fit for their future projects. Personalizing your outreach shows that you have done your homework and increases the chances of your pitch being well-received.
Stay Organized and Track Your Efforts
Keep track of your interactions with music supervisors in a spreadsheet or CRM tool. Note down when you contacted them, any
responses you received, and follow-up actions. Staying organized helps you manage your pitching efforts efficiently and ensures that no opportunities slip through the cracks.
A great resource to help with this is The Ultimate Music Licensing Starter Pack available on my website. This starter pack includes a submission tracking spreadsheet
designed to help you keep detailed records of your pitches and follow-ups. You can find more information about the starter pack and access it here.
By investing time in thorough research and targeting the right music supervisors, you increase your chances of getting your music heard and licensed. This targeted approach not only makes your pitches more effective but also
builds a professional reputation that can lead to more opportunities in the future.
Prepare Your Music
Your music should be of the highest quality, professionally mixed and mastered. Additionally, it’s important to have instrumental versions of your tracks available, as well as any necessary metadata. This metadata should include lyrics, credits, and your contact information. Music supervisors need to have all the details at their fingertips to make licensing decisions
quickly and efficiently.
Create a Professional Pitch
When creating your pitch, aim for a concise, professional, and personalized approach. Start with a brief introduction about yourself and your music.
Explain why your music is a good fit for the supervisor’s projects, and provide streaming links to your tracks. Avoid attaching large files to emails, as this can be cumbersome for recipients. Instead, use platforms like SoundCloud, YouTube, or a dedicated website
to share your music.
Follow Up and Build Relationships
After sending your pitch, it’s important to follow up if you haven’t received a response within a couple of weeks. A polite follow-up email can remind the supervisor of your submission without being intrusive. Building relationships with music supervisors is also key. Engage with them on social media, attend industry events, and show genuine interest in their work. Over time, this can lead to more opportunities and
collaborations.
Resources for Pitching Your Music
For more in-depth information on how to
contact music supervisors, get The 2024 Sync Licensing Directory, which has an entire section devoted specifically to music supervisor contact information.
Get the directory here.
By following these steps and leveraging these resources, you can increase your chances of successfully pitching your music to music supervisors and securing more placements.
Good luck!
Aaron Davison
HTLYM Premium
The Sync Lab (Coming soon!)
