How To License More of Your Songs
Published: Mon, 11/24/08
Hi ,
I'm so excited today about the future of music licensing. The power independent musicians have to take their careers into their own hands and move forward and make things happen for themselves is truly amazing. I created this newsletter as a forum for sharing knowledge about the music licensing industry that I've acquired during the last few years of working as a songwriter in the music licensing business. I've had so many exhilarating and rewarding moments over the last few years that it's truly a pleasure to share what I've learned and, hopefully, inspire a few of you as well.
Today I want to share a few things I've learned during the last few years regarding working in the business and share with you some ideas about how you can maximize your success by learning from some of the experiences I've encountered while working in the business.
First of all, I really think it's important to not hesitate when trying to get into the licensing business. I think a common tendency that many musicians have is to over analyze and over critique their own work. If you're making music that you're excited about and you want to make a living from your music, then like anything else you should move forward and go for it. If you're not excited about the music you're making then you might want to reconsider why you're creating it! Your music is never going to be "perfect" so if you've reached a level of competency my suggestion is to just go for it and get it out there. You'll learn as you go what works and what doesn't based on the reaction you get Making music is a life long process and you will always be improving, but your career needs to have some sort of an entry point and you need to decide that now is that time! I started my licensing career with just one song that I mailed to my publisher and I gradually built up my catalog from there.
Secondly, you need to also be prepared for opportunities that arise. Looking back, this is one of the biggest lessons I've learned about the industry. Once you start making connections and getting songs placed more opportunities will come your way. But it's critic ial that you be ready for them if you're looking to make this a career. If someone is able to successfully license your music, a publisher for example, then they are going to most likely want to continue to work with you.Why wouldn't they? Be prepared to work to meet the needs of who you're working with and you will get more and more opportunities presented to you. One of the best ways to do this is to be able to create things on demand within a short amount of time.
When I first got involved in the music licensing business I was eager to take whatever work I could get and so I was pretty persistent in asking my publisher about what projects she was working on at the time. I would email her, per her request, once a week and she would tell me what she was working on. After a couple weeks without much going on she called me and said she was in need of a rock song in the vein of The Strokes for an upcoming film called "Freaky Friday" starring Jamie Lee Curtis. I excitedly got to to work, lined up some studio time with a few friends, and within about 48 hours had written, produced and delivered a complete song. To make a long story short, the song didn't end up in the movie, but my publisher was so impressed with my work that this led to many more opportunities since then that have worked out. Most notably a variety of daytime television spots over the last few years.
If you're interested in licensing your own music I offer a program on the music licensing business called "The A-Z Of Music Licensing". I created this program about a year ago based on everything I've learned about the music licensing and music publishing business. I walk you through the exact steps I took to get started and I show you how you can do the same. I also cover the technical side of the industry, I go over things like how you get paid, how copyrighting works, how to present yourself professionally, how to record music on a budget and much, much more! The program also comes with an updated directory of WHO to send your music to. There are over 130 listings for publishers, supervisors, music libraries, etc... I've heard nothing but good things about my program. Here are just a few of the actual emails I've received from people who purchased "The A-Z Of Music Licensing":
Aaron,How are you? My name is Tim Byrd and I purchased your online version of your program. It's great.
Hello Aaron,
I thought I would pass on to you the fact that I also got my whole catalogue (47 tunes) signed to one of the libraries in your directory.
Thanks for your help!
Colin
I did purchase your 'A-Z of music licensing and the directory. I think they are great!
Mike
Hello Aaron.
I just ordered and downloaded your audio files and .pdf files and though I haven't put in effect any of your ideas, I see where you are headed.
I think this is some wonderful information and will soon be using it.Hello Aaron,
I sent you an email a few weeks ago asking about your thoughts of pitching my music ( Mostly Blues & Jazz ....But also Guitar instrumentals, folk, French cabaret, Christmas and some Traditional Country )and actually making any money at the library thing. Your reply was that these genres were not yours and you couldn't really comment on that domain .
I appreciated your honest answer and went ahead and bought your repertoire of libraries, publishers etc...
Well here's the lowdown after 3 weeks of hard work sending emails and submitting songs online and via CD by mail.
I've signed deals for 27 songs and there's another 60 or so that are being screened as I write this email....
Out of all the addresses I've checked so far there wasn't ONE library that I knew ( that's good ), because through the other independent company I was a member of I had made connections with about 10 libraries and have signed in less than a year about 100 songs with companies in L.A., Texas, U.K. etc.and had one placement on The Everybody Hates Chris TV Show....So a total of 127 + songs...And 60 + in waiting...
Mike
Hey Aaron,Mike
I thought I would pass on to you the fact that I also got my whole catalogue (47 tunes) signed to one of the libraries in your directory.
Thanks for your help!
Colin
Hey Aaron,
I'm in the process of signing two songs to a publishers thanks to your info! Thank you!!
Stacy
hi aaron,
thanks for all your info and directory. such a great help!
Tracy
Thank YOU!!!
I must say I find your products extremely helpful....keep it up!!!
Tammy Hunt
Great, inspiring information....exactly what I was looking for in regards to publishing and the like. Much appreciated!!
Brian Thunberg
Yesterday I purchased your Film/TV directory and I must say it is a whole lot different from "Song Writers Market" book. It's great!
Mark
I did purchase your 'A-Z of music licensing and the directory. I think they are great!
Mike
I currently offer two different versions of The A-Z Of Music Licensing as well as a directory of contact information for the music licensing industry. The directory is included with The A-Z Of Music Licensing or can be purchased separately:
1) The A-Z Of Music Licensing Online Edition With Email Coaching This is my newest package. It features my program, The A-Z Of Music Licensing in an online format bundled with additional coaching via email. The A-Z Of Music Licensing is a comprehensive program that covers in detail EVERYTHING you need to know to start successfully licensing your music. This package also includes additional email support. After you review the material I'll work with you via email to go over any questions you have and help you implement a strategy for going forward that is tailored to your own unique situation.
2) The A-Z Of Music Licensing Online Edition - I also offer the A-Z Of Music Licensing in an online format by itself. Access the program immediately online. Only $40.00 Get the online version here!
3) The 2008 TV/Film Music Industry Directory- And finally I also offer the comprehensive 2008 TV/Film Music Industry Directory by itself. This directory includes a list of over 130 Music Supervisor, Music Publisher, Music Libraries and more all in the business of licensing music for use in TV, Film and Video Games. Get the directory here. Only $24.99! Includes free updates for life!!
Good luck And Happy Songwriting!
Aaron Davison
Aaron Davison
PS - You can now follow me on Twitter - visit www.twitter.com/musiclicensing to sign up!