Christian P. Pewitt Blogs: 5 Key Things To Know About Music Licensing

Thursday, June 22, 2017

5 Key Things To Know About Music Licensing

Sync licensing has become one of the most important ways for artists to earn an income off of their recorded music, but many artists are still in the dark as to what it is, or how it can directly benefit them. Here we look at the top five things all artists should know regarding music licensing.

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Guest post by Shivani Patel from the Symphonic Blog

Sync-licensing is when the owner of a specific piece of music grants a license to synchronize music with some kind of visual. It can be extremely beneficial to artists but yet some don’t know a thing about it.

Here are 5 things you need to know about music licensing that can help you get a head start on doing what you love:

1. You don’t need to have a huge following to start licensing your songs.

Music supervisors are looking for new and unique material so if they release fresh content then it gives them an edge. If you have a song that works with the specific ad or film, it can get used regardless of you being widely known.

2. You don’t give away the rights of your song when you license them.

The licenses that are exclusive are only for a short period of time and you can mostly likely license your songs again.

3. Just because you have good music, doesn’t mean it can get licensed.

The question you have to ask yourself is if your song is right for the ad or film you are pitching for. Your song needs to fit the project in the way it sounds and its lyrics. With some basic research you can alter your song to fit a certain project.

4. You don’t need a publishing deal to license your music because there are licensing agents that will do it without it.

There is a possibility where you can pitch your own music and this will make it easier for you to clear instead of going through multiple supervisors.

5. You have to be resourceful with your money.

There are great producers out there and you just have to strategize on getting the most music made without going into debt. You can approach a producer and make a deal including to pay money upfront and the rest later. This way, you can cut your production expenses. You need to be focused so you are able to create music you enjoy as well as music that is perfect for licensing.

These are basic things you should take into consideration when thinking about licensing your music. Remember it is a process and you should think strategically about your plans.