How to Create Custom Tracks for Sync Briefs
Creating custom tracks for sync briefs is a valuable skill that can open doors to lucrative licensing opportunities in film, television, commercials, and video games. Sync licensing requires a strategic approach, combining creativity with business awareness. This guide will walk you through the detailed process of composing, producing, and submitting custom tracks that align with sync briefs and increase your chances of landing placements.
Understanding Sync Briefs
A sync brief is a document provided by music supervisors, agencies, or brands detailing the type of music they are looking for. Briefs typically include:
Genre and Style: Specifies the desired mood and sound (e.g., upbeat indie pop, cinematic orchestral, dark electronic).
Tempo and Energy: Indicates the pace and emotional intensity needed.
Instrumentation and Production: Outlines preferred sounds and arrangements.
Lyrical Themes: If lyrics are required, they often suggest themes that align with the scene or product.
Reference Tracks: Provides examples of songs that match the brief's requirements.
Deadline and Submission Guidelines: Details the timeframe and format for submissions.
All signed musicians at Elizabeth Music Group, my global publishing administration company get access to an exclusive discord community where my team and I compile sync briefs we receive from supervisors, agencies, and brands. New briefs are added frequently.
Research and Preparation
Before you start composing, take the time to fully understand the brief and do some research:
Analyze Reference Tracks: Listen carefully to the tracks provided, noting tempo, structure, instrumentation, and mood.
Understand the Target Media: Determine whether the track is for an ad, film, or TV series, as each requires different musical approaches.
Check Industry Trends: Research successful sync placements to identify patterns in music selection.
Know Your Strengths: Focus on styles and sounds that align with your strengths as a producer.
Composing and Producing the Track
Once you have a clear understanding of the brief, it’s time to start composing.
1. Structure Your Track for Sync
Sync-friendly tracks have a defined structure that allows editors to easily cut and fit the music to visuals. A common sync format includes:
Intro (0-10 sec): Quickly establishes mood and theme.
Build-Up (10-30 sec): Gradually increases energy and instrumentation.
Main Section (30-60 sec): Features the core melody and full instrumentation.
Breakdown (60-90 sec): Introduces variation or a temporary drop in energy.
Final Build and Climax (90 sec - end): Ends with a strong, resolved finish.
2. Keep the Arrangement Dynamic
Sync tracks need dynamic changes to maintain interest. Consider:
Using gradual layering of instruments to build intensity.
Creating alternative sections with different textures and energy levels.
Including an easy-to-loop structure for extended edits.
Adding subtle variations in each repetition to keep things engaging.
When creating music for sync, you want to think about the potential use of your song. It’s possible that a brand will only use 15 seconds of your 3 minute song, so ensure that each section of your song can stand alone and is strong.
3. Choose the Right Sounds
The right instrumentation can make or break a sync track. Ensure:
High-quality samples and instruments that sound authentic.
A clean, professional mix with no unnecessary elements.
Instrumentation that matches the emotional tone of the brief.
A balance between organic and electronic elements if applicable.
4. Vocal Considerations
If the brief calls for lyrics, keep them simple and universal:
Use broad themes like love, empowerment, adventure, or nostalgia.
Avoid overly complex storytelling that may not fit varied visual contexts.
Ensure clear and emotionally engaging vocal delivery.
Pro Tip: Keeping your lyrics simple does not mean to make your lyrics boring.
Polishing Your Track
After production, fine-tune your track to meet sync industry standards. When pitching music for sync, ideally you want to pitch fully finished music that sounds ready to go. Supervisors and brands receive a lot of music and if yours sounds like a demo or sounds unfinished, it’ll likely be skipped over.
1. Mix and Master for Clarity
Your mix should be professional and polished. Key considerations include:
Using EQ to carve out space for each instrument.
Applying compression to balance dynamics.
Ensuring vocals or lead melodies stand out clearly.
Keeping the track loud enough to compete but not overly compressed.
2. Create Alternate Mixes
Music supervisors often request different versions of a track. Prepare:
Full Version: The original completed track.
Instrumental Version: No vocals, for flexible use.
60-sec, 30-sec, and 15-sec Cuts: Shorter versions for different ad placements.
Stems (Optional): Individual instrument tracks for custom mixing.
Submitting Your Track
When your track is finished, submission is just as important as production.
1. Follow Submission Guidelines
Make sure to adhere to the exact format required by the brief. Common requirements include:
WAV format (24-bit, 48kHz preferred)
MP3 version for easy previewing
Metadata (title, composer name, contact info, BPM, key, mood, and genre)
Clear and professional file naming (e.g., YourName_TrackTitle_Version.wav)
2. Include Relevant Metadata
Metadata helps music supervisors search for and categorize tracks. Include:
Song Title
Composer and Contact Information
Genre and Mood Tags
Tempo and Key
Lyrics (if applicable)
3. Write a Professional Submission Email
Your email should be concise and informative:
Greet the recipient professionally.
Mention the sync brief you’re responding to.
Provide a short description of your track and its key features.
Include download links and attachments.
Express gratitude and openness for feedback.
Music supervisors, sync agencies, and brands receive a lot of music. Do not be discouraged if you do not hear back or receive a no - keep going! It only takes one yes. As a sync composer and music producer myself, it took me many attempts before I got my first sync license.
Conclusion
Creating custom tracks for sync briefs is a combination of creativity, technical skill, and industry knowledge. By following these steps, you can craft music that aligns with industry needs, stands out to music supervisors, and increases your chances of landing sync placements. Stay persistent, refine your craft, and keep submitting quality music—success in sync licensing is often a game of consistency and quality!
