Today let's consider what kind of songs get used in TV and Films and how you can write music that you will be able to license. First of all, there is an extremely wide variety of music that is used in TV and Film, but there are some general parameters that if you adhere to will greatly increase the odds that your music gets picked up.
This is one of those topics that makes some musicians cringe, the idea of changing or altering their music to sell it. I know, because I'm one of those musicians. In the past I've been very reluctant to alter my music at all. But over time I've learned that by loosening the grip on my music a little bit and taking constructive criticism from others with more objective ears, I've been able to have more success in actually making money from my music. If that's not part of your goal with your music you can disregard the rest of this email. But... if you're interested in learning how to make money from your songs keep reading.
Ok, you're still with me. Let's put aside our egos for a second and consider the reality of why music gets licensed at all. In TV and Films music is used to enhance the scene the music is being used in. That's it. Music is used to create or evoke a certain mood that works within the context of the story being told.
Here are some general guidelines to consider:
1) Don't bore us, get to the chorus. Music that is written for TV and Films needs to be concise. This isn't the best forum for grandiose statements or long intros. Write songs that get to the point and have strong hooks and you will get a lot more of your songs placed.
2) Relationship songs are always in demand. Since songs are used to support the story being told and since most stories are about relationships, songs that are about relationships have a greater chance of being used. Pretty simple. This obviously only applies to vocal songs.
3) The more mainstream the better. For licensing your music that is. Mainstream music is mainstream for a reason. A lot of people connect with it. If your music sounds obscure, it won't appeal to as many possible supervisors, publishers, etc..
Those are just a few points to consider. I go into this topic, as well as many others related to licensing your music in tv and film, in depth in my upcoming program, The 90 Day Summer Music Licensing Challenge.
My upcoming 90 day long course starting Monday, is a distillation of everything I've learned over the years about the music licensing business. This is the course I wish was available when I was starting out.
In the program you'll learn everything you need to know to start making money by licensing your music. You'll learn exactly who to submit your music to and you'll even get two half hour phone consultations with me where I'll address your specific situation.
Tomorrow, Sunday, is the last day to sign up.
Here's what's included in the 90 Day Challenge:
-Two one on one half hour phone consultations with me
-Email coaching throughout the entire program
-90 daily licensing leads of specific places to submit your music
-30 BRAND NEW, never before seen video tutorials covering everything you need to know about the music licensing business and how you can successfully license your own music.
-10 audio interviews with music publishers, supervisors, producers and songwriters working full time in the music licensing business.
-Member's Only Forum (connect with other participants)
-Submission Manager
-The 2012 TV And Film Music Business Directory
-A Songwriter's Guide To Music Licensing Ebook
-The A To Z Of Music Licensing Audio Program
-Sample Licensing Contracts
-The Music Licensing Newsletter Compendium
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