Writing Music for Sync Licensing: A Guide
Music is an essential element in visual media, helping to convey emotions, enhance storytelling, and create an immersive experience. One of the most lucrative and rewarding ways for composers and songwriters to monetize their music is through sync licensing — the process of licensing music to be used in TV shows, films, commercials, video games, and other forms of media. If you're an aspiring musician or songwriter looking to break into sync licensing, understanding how to write music for this purpose is crucial. This guide will provide you with the knowledge and tips you need to succeed.
1. Understand the Basics of Sync Licensing
Sync licensing occurs when a piece of music is "synchronized" to a visual element, such as a scene in a TV show or a commercial. This involves the music being paired with visuals to help drive the narrative or evoke a specific mood. For example, a dramatic scene in a movie may require orchestral music, while a commercial may need an upbeat pop song.
When your music is licensed for sync, you'll typically receive a fee, which can vary greatly depending on the project, its exposure, and the type of media in which the music is used. Additionally, you’ll receive publishing royalties which can also lead to long-term income, as your music is played across various platforms.
2. Know Your Audience and the Market
To write music that fits the needs of sync licensing, it’s essential to understand the types of media where your music might be used. Different media platforms have varying demands, so your style, genre, and tone need to align with the specific needs of each platform:
TV Shows/Films: These projects often require music that complements the scene’s emotions — for instance, a sad scene may call for ambient or orchestral music, while an action scene might need something intense and fast-paced.
Commercials: Commercials often require music that is catchy and instantly recognizable. Brands look for songs that will help sell their product or evoke a strong emotional response in a short amount of time.
Video Games: Video games often require instrumental tracks or atmospheric music that helps to immerse the player in the game's world. Music needs to adapt to the pacing and energy of the gameplay. Most video game music created with looping in mind, as individual players will spend different amounts of time on each level.
Trailers: These often feature dramatic, high-energy music, with a build-up that matches the suspense of the trailer. Epic orchestral music or edgy electronic sounds are popular here.
3. Focus on Composition and Structure
When writing music for sync, your composition needs to be structured in a way that works well with visuals. Below are some key aspects to consider:
A. Keep the Intro Short
Music used in sync typically needs to catch the listener's attention immediately. Whether it's for a commercial or a scene in a movie, a long, drawn-out intro may not work well. Start with an impactful hook or melody that can quickly capture the mood of the scene.
B. Versatility and Adaptability
The more adaptable your composition, the better the chance it has of being selected. Write music that can be easily edited and placed in a variety of scenes. For example, if you create a dynamic track with multiple sections, it will be easier for music supervisors to cut and re-arrange the piece to suit different visuals. Generally, having unique arrangement with lots of new sounds increases the potential of your track being used for sync.
C. Mood and Emotion
Think about the emotions you want to evoke with your music. Is the scene tense, dramatic, or joyful? Music for sync often revolves around the emotional undercurrent of the visuals. Make sure your composition conveys the right feeling, whether it’s through melody, rhythm, harmony, or instrumental choices.
D. Instrumentation
While many sync placements use traditional instrumentation, including orchestral, pop, rock, and electronic, consider which instruments best suit the visuals. A film scene might call for a full orchestra, while a commercial might be looking for a simple guitar or a catchy synth melody.
4. Write with the Sync Process in Mind
When creating music for sync licensing, always consider the following:
Versioning: Sometimes, music supervisors need different versions of the same track. This can include an instrumental version, a vocal version, and a stripped-down version for easy customization.
Licensing-Friendly Content: Avoid any complex or controversial themes that could restrict the track's use. Keep your lyrics neutral (if applicable), and make sure your song doesn’t contain any potentially problematic content that might not be suitable for certain brands or media.
5. Quality Control
Music supervisors and sync licensing agencies are inundated with submissions, and they’re looking for high-quality, polished music. This means:
Recording and Mixing: The sound quality of your track needs to be professional. Whether you're recording at home or in a studio, make sure the final version is clean, balanced, and properly mixed. Poor sound quality could lead to your track being passed over, regardless of how good the composition is.
Pro Tip: Do not submit demos. Ensure that the music you pitch is high quality and ready to go.
Mastering: Proper mastering is critical for sync licensing. Your track should be mastered to industry standards, ensuring it will sound great in any setting, whether on a TV speaker, a commercial, or a cinema sound system.
6. Submit Your Music
Once you have created high-quality music, you need to get it in front of the right people. There are several ways to submit your music for sync licensing:
Music Libraries: Music libraries act as intermediaries between musicians and media companies. They often have large catalogs of pre-cleared tracks that can be licensed for sync. Research reputable music libraries that focus on sync licensing.
Music Supervisors: These professionals are responsible for selecting the right music for specific scenes or projects. Reach out to them directly with a well-curated portfolio or demo reel. You can also attend industry events and network to connect with music supervisors.
Sync Licensing Agencies: Some agencies specialize in placing music in media. These agencies can pitch your music to TV shows, films, commercials, and other media outlets.
7. Be Persistent and Patient
Sync licensing is a competitive industry, and success doesn’t usually happen overnight. You may face rejection, and your music might not always be a perfect fit for every opportunity, but persistence is key. Continue to create and submit high-quality music, build relationships with music supervisors and licensing agencies, and be patient. When I was beginning my career as a sync composer, it took over a year to get my first yes in sync licensing.
Conclusion
Writing music for sync licensing can be a highly rewarding and profitable endeavor for songwriters and composers. By understanding the needs of the market, focusing on quality composition, and being proactive in promoting your music, you can set yourself up for success in the world of sync licensing. Always remember that music is a powerful storytelling tool, and with the right approach, your compositions can find their perfect home in media.
