HOW TO LICENSE YOUR MUSIC

As an independent musician and home producer, licensing your music is crucial for protecting your intellectual property and creating a passive income stream. Here’s a guide on how to license music through sync licensing.

WHAT IS A MUSIC LICENSE?

A synchronization license, or sync license, allows others to use your music in a visual medium for a fee. This could be in advertisements, films, TV shows, YouTube videos, or video games. A music license typically grants usage rights for a set period and may include restrictions on usage. There are two main types of sync licenses:

Exclusive – Grants one party the exclusive right to use your song. Neither you nor the party can license the song to others.

Non-exclusive –  Allows multiple parties to use your music under agreed terms, provided no party demands exclusivity.

Licensing your music ensures you retain the rights to your songs, even with exclusive deals.

HOW MUCH CAN I EARN?

Earnings from licensing your music depend on various factors:

Project Size – Higher-budget projects generally pay more.

Scope – Long-running TV shows yield more income than short-term projects.

Deal Type –  Non-exclusive deals can sometimes be more lucrative than exclusive ones.

Usage – Prominent use of your song in a project increases earnings.

Contributors – Earnings are split among creators, reducing individual shares.

LICENSING MUSIC IN THE US

STEP 1: APPROACH MUSIC LICENSING COMPANIES

In the US, PRS for Music and PPL are two main bodies handling music licensing. PRS for Music collects fees for songwriters, composers, and publishers, while PPL represents record labels, musicians, and performers. You can join these organizations for a fee, and they will store your music in a library accessible to filmmakers and other content creators. They also ensure you receive royalties and manage license or quote requests.

STEP 2: NETWORK WITH MUSIC SUPERVISORS

Music supervisors select music for various media projects. While they often use licensing companies, direct networking through industry connections can be effective. Let supervisors pitch fees based on project budgets.

STEP 3: GET IN TOUCH WITH INDEPENDENT AND LOCAL FILMMAKERS

Engage with indie and local filmmakers who need music but lack resources to find artists. Offer existing tracks or create custom music for their projects, facilitating mutual growth.

STEP 4: GET REPRESENTED BY A SYNC LICENSING AGENT

Similar to an agent for actors, a sync licensing agent pitches your music. They have connections with music supervisors, indie film groups, and advertising agencies, saving you time by directly approaching them with suitable projects. They typically earn a percentage or a set fee from your earnings.

STEP 5: DIY

In the DIY era, you can license your own music. Set up an official website with your tracks available for listening, and include a contact form for music supervisors and filmmakers. You’ll need to manage contracts, negotiate fees, and handle your music independently.

HOW TO GET YOUR SONGS READY TO EARN

To license your music successfully, offer professionally produced tracks. Even as a home producer, consider booking studio time to ensure high-quality recordings. A professional studio provides soundproofing, expert sound engineers, and top-notch recording equipment.

At Studio 713 in Houston, TX, we focus on creating a space for great music. Our fully equipped, soundproof studios and talented sound engineers and producers help you perfect your sound for production use. We’ve worked with artists like Justin Bieber, Travis Scott, Karol G, and Post Malone, and we’re ready to work with you. Contact us today about our rates and services.