If you're attempting to make really substantial money from music licensing it pays, literally, to be pro active. I've been very active recently interviewing and talking to a lot of different people in the industry for participants in my music licensing master classes and for writers I am helping pitch to the licensing industry. Several common themes are beginning to emerge. I often talk about the importance of having your own unique "sound". This week I'd like to discuss how you can find out about more specific licensing opportunities and greatly increase your chances of licensing your own music.
I've interviewed several very prominent music publishers recently and they've all said the same thing. They sign more music than gets licensed and a relatively small percentage of the writers they sign end up getting the majority of placements. So whose music is getting placed more and why? Well in addition to having a style that you specialize in and do really well, you also need to know about what projects are taking place and what music is in demand at any given point. The more opportunities you know about, the more projects you can pitch to. Makes sense right?
So how do you find out? Simple. You just ask. All of the publishers and libraries I've spoken with have indicated they are more than happy to let writers know what kind of music they are in need of. Everyone I've spoken with has also indicated that they have ended up developing long term relationships with writers who have taken the time to do this. The more familiar your publisher or agent is with you and your music, the more they'll think of you when specific projects come up that your music would be relevant for.
