Advice From A Music Supervisor On Submitting To Music Supervisors

Published: Wed, 01/26/11

Submitting To Music Supervisors
I recently came across an article on ASCAP's website that I thought was really insightful. The article features tips from music supervisors, music libraries and music placement companies about how to do business with them. One of the things I always stress is that you research the needs of people you're submitting your music to. The better you know the needs of the market, the better your chances will be of connecting your music with relevant opportunities. Market research is important in all industries, and the music licensing business is certainly no exception.

Here's a quote from one of the music supervisors quoted in the article:

"Do your homework and be conscious as well as respectful of our time. As buyers of music, we are relentlessly solicited by the music community to listen to an enormous amount of music while trying to do the job we are hired to do.

Most music supervisors prefer to deal with companies who have already built a relationship and know what they want, especially because they make it quick and simple. However, if you plan to seek out a music supervisor on your own, you should have plenty of background research prepared on who you're calling and why.

For the record, simply checking imdb.com doesn't qualify as research. Know the programs or films that we've worked on and assess if your music will fit the genre, tone, lyric content and/or mood of the medium appropriately. For example, thrash metal won't have a lot of consistent licensing opportunities in most prime-time dramas given today's current television season. You might have better luck going after sports programming or video games in that case. Most TV shows post the music they license for each episode on the network's website. Finally, try to resist the temptation to follow up or check in more than once. If you haven't heard from us, there is probably nothing to talk about....yet.

If you are left with making a cold call to a music supervisor's office, try to get the name of the person who answers the phone - be polite and courteous - then remember that a friendly voice on the end of the line is appreciated. Often times those same people are the first screeners of your music and are also future music supervisors...Networking will be one of your keys to success and another is having the "right" material at the "right" moment in time. Don't expect to get feedback. If they are not interested, accept it and move on."

If you're serious about licensing your songs for use in Film and Television and getting started in the music licensing business, the most comprehensive program I have is called "The A-Z Of Music Licensing". This program comes with a copy of the current TV/Film Directory, A How to audio program, my ebook "A Songwriter's Guide To Music Licensing, several bonus audio interviews about the music licensing business, sample contracts and more! The program is available by itself or with one on one coaching from me via both phone and email . I'll work with you to help you develop a specific game plan that is tailored to your own unique situation that you can implement immediately to achieve your goals.

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Happy Songwriting!
Aaron Davison