Episode Summary: 

In this episode, our guest we explore the complexities of the music licensing world with President of Songtradr, Bryan Biniak. We dive into the importance of artists understanding their rights, the power of community in the music industry, and the impact of AI on music creation and licensing. We discuss platforms like Bandcamp and Songtradr, which offer unique benefits for artists by giving them control, simplifying processes, and connecting them to engaged communities. Bryan shares insights on why Bandcamp’s fan-driven model is so effective and how Songtradr streamlines the licensing process to meet both artists' needs and those of major brands.

We also tackle the intricacies of the sync licensing world, emphasizing the role of validation and the need for comprehensive licensing to avoid costly mistakes. Bryan discusses how Songtradr is positioned to handle complex licensing needs by ensuring that all parties are properly protected and compensated. We touch on essential industry standards, the need for artists to diversify their presence across multiple platforms, and why understanding usage rights is crucial for artists seeking long-term success in the sync market.

Finally, We outline the opportunities and challenges that come with AI in the industry, offering insights on how companies and artists can use AI responsibly to expand their reach without compromising the integrity of original creators.

Key Takeaways

Guest Bio:

Bryan is the President of Songtradr and the Founder and Chairman of Connected Travel, a connected vehicle technology company. With 20+ years of experience leading product innovation and business development within media and technology industries, his roles spanned Entrepreneur in Residence with NGP Capital, Nokia's Corporate venture capital group, General Manager at Microsoft, and Global VP & General Manager of Nokia's Global App Store. He also served as VP of Business Development for Harmonix Music Systems (owned by Epic Games), developers of the most successful music games in history including Guitar Hero, Rock Band and Dance Central, and was COO of Yourmobile the largest ringtone and mobile content platform and production company in the world (acquired by Vivendi Universal).

About the Hosts:

We’re Sonnet Simmons and John Clinebell, 2 indie artists who have found success and creative fulfillment through licensing our music for ads, TV shows and films. 

We were once so disheartened and discouraged that our music wasn’t being noticed or valued through traditional methods. So we both started on a journey to find another way. For us, that “third door” was sync! And what we discovered is a lot better than we could have ever even imagined…[Find out more here]

Resources From This Episode:

In this episode, our guest, Rick Clark takes us on a journey through his remarkable career in the music industry, highlighting the power of integrity and authenticity. He shares how key relationships, like one with a well-connected friend, opened doors to opportunities with filmmakers such as Jason Reitman, leading to his involvement in films like Juno.

Throughout our conversation, Rick emphasizes the importance of owning his work and maintaining control over his publishing rights, even when faced with tempting offers from major labels. He recounts his experiences working on shows like Hell on Wheels and Greenleaf, where he insisted on supporting artists who retained ownership of their music.

With wisdom gained from decades in the industry, he offers advice to fellow creatives about staying true to their art and values. He also talks about his current projects, including a radio show where he continues to share his passion for music. 

This episode is a deep dive into the intersection of creativity, business, and the unwavering commitment to artistic integrity.

Guest Bio:

Rick Clark grew up immersed in the vibrant music scene of Memphis, TN, where genres like Rock, R&B, and Blues shaped his early musical experiences. His passion for music was ignited by his first concert, James Brown & His Famous Flames, in 1966, which inspired him to pursue a life in music. By high school, Clark was already working in the iconic Memphis record shop Poplar Tunes, surrounded by influential artists.

Throughout the 70s and beyond, Clark played live and in recording sessions with notable musicians, including members of Big Star and the Memphis Horns. He also hosted his own radio show on WLYX-FM and earned a reputation for his expertly crafted music mixes. His career expanded to writing for major publications like Rolling Stone and Billboard and producing music for various projects, from albums to TV shows like "Weeds."

Clark's diverse career includes producing and curating music for Sirius/XM radio, working as a music supervisor on films like "Up In The Air," and supervising the acclaimed AMC series "Dark Winds." His work has earned recognition, including a Guild of Music Supervisors Award. Clark continues to release his own music, blending cinematic sounds with jazz, blues, and disco influences.

About the Hosts:

We’re Sonnet Simmons and John Clinebell, 2 indie artists who have found success and creative fulfillment through licensing our music for ads, TV shows and films. 

We were once so disheartened and discouraged that our music wasn’t being noticed or valued through traditional methods. So we both started on a journey to find another way. For us, that “third door” was sync! And what we discovered is a lot better than we could have ever even imagined…[Find out more here]

Resources From This Episode:

2Indie - Visit our website for more resources and information on how to get YOUR music signed

Sync Society - Want to join our exclusive online sync community, with weekly LIVE networking and coaching calls?

@2indieofficial - Follow us on Instagram

Sync It! Music Licensing Community - Follow us on Facebook

@rickclarkmusic -  Follow Rick on Instagram

Rick Clark - Follow Rick on Facebook

Rick Clark Productions - Visit Rick’s Website

WYXR-FM Air-Conditioned - Check out Rick’s weekly show

This episode offers a rich introduction of Marcy Bulkeley, a music supervisor and founder of Subtle Mother. We discuss the intersection of healing music and music used in media, while exploring Marcy's journey through music, addiction, and her spiritual and professional evolution. 

The conversation dives deep into the emotional and spiritual power of music, touching on boundary setting, authenticity, and how music can be a tool for healing and connection. Marcy's story is one of transformation, from her early inspirations to her struggles with addiction, her eventual sobriety, and her discovery of Kundalini yoga and other healing practices. 

Through Subtle Mother, Marcy aims to create sacred spaces for artists to produce music that resonates with deep emotional and spiritual significance. The conversation emphasizes the importance of creating music that is raw, authentic, and healing, blending the spiritual and industry sides of music to foster creativity that is both meaningful and commercially viable.

Guest Bio:

A harmonious conductor, seamlessly blending the realms of corporate, creative, and healing.

Aside from her various high level positions in the music industry spanning over 25 years, Marcy has a vast array of wellness and spiritual experience. Her  background encompasses roles as a Kundalini Yoga teacher, Reiki master, Meditation and Breathwork facilitator, sound healer, and doula.

Marcy's diverse expertise seamlessly merges to infuse wellness, elevate frequencies, instill deeper meaning, and foster a healthier approach across her professional endeavors. Her proficiency in the business world amplifies her pursuits in the spiritual and wellness realms, imbuing them with savvy and unwavering determination.

Marcy's approach to working with artists, both in the studio and one-on-one, is truly unique. Through intimate conversations and genuine connections, she guides them towards intentional and conscious recording experiences.  Marcy employs various modalities to help artists access their creative essence, guiding them away from analytical thinking and into their raw, artistic energy. This may involve breathwork, meditation, or exploring the artists' ancestry for inspiration. Marcy has mastered the art of unlocking each artist's authentic magic, enabling them to express their offerings in their truest form.

About the Hosts:

We’re Sonnet Simmons and John Clinebell, 2 indie artists who have found success and creative fulfillment through licensing our music for ads, TV shows and films. 

We were once so disheartened and discouraged that our music wasn’t being noticed or valued through traditional methods. So we both started on a journey to find another way. For us, that “third door” was sync! And what we discovered is a lot better than we could have ever even imagined…[Find out more here]

Resources From This Episode:

In this episode of the Music Licensing Podcast, host Sonnet Simmons explains the complexities of exclusive versus non-exclusive music licensing deals with sync agencies. She breaks down what each type of deal entails, discussing the pros and cons of each arrangement and how these decisions impact an artist's ability to pitch their music. 

Sonnet provides practical advice on negotiating contract terms and choosing the best strategy based on individual needs and goals. Additionally, listeners are invited to a free workshop on July 25th to learn effective methods for pitching music to licensing agencies. 

Don’t miss the How to Pitch Your Music for Sync Free Workshop happening July 25th @ 10am pst. RSVP HERE

About the Hosts:

We’re Sonnet Simmons and John Clinebell, 2 indie artists who have found success and creative fulfillment through licensing our music for ads, TV shows and films. 

We were once so disheartened and discouraged that our music wasn’t being noticed or valued through traditional methods. So we both started on a journey to find another way. For us, that “third door” was sync! And what we discovered is a lot better than we could have ever even imagined…[Find out more here]

Resources From This Episode:

In this solo episode of the Music Licensing Podcast, Sonnet from 2Indie shares invaluable insights into creating the perfect pitch for sync agencies. Responding to feedback from a sync agency overwhelmed by poorly crafted pitches, Sonnet announces a free, hour-long workshop aimed at helping artists refine their pitch emails to stand out and effectively communicate their value. She recounts her personal journey of learning to pitch while working at Catch the Moon Music under Kathy Heller's mentorship, emphasizing the importance of being clear, personable, and concise in pitch emails.

Sonnet expresses the significance of building personal connections and following up respectfully with potential partners. Additionally, the benefits of joining the Sync Society, a community that supports independent artists in landing sync placements is highlighted. With regular sync briefs, opportunities for feedback, and monthly connections with sync agencies, the Sync Society fosters a supportive environment for artists worldwide to achieve success in the sync industry.

Don’t miss the How to Pitch Your Music for Sync Free Workshop happening July 25th @ 10am pst. RSVP HERE

About the Hosts:

We’re Sonnet Simmons and John Clinebell, 2 indie artists who have found success and creative fulfillment through licensing our music for ads, TV shows and films. 

We were once so disheartened and discouraged that our music wasn’t being noticed or valued through traditional methods. So we both started on a journey to find another way. For us, that “third door” was sync! And what we discovered is a lot better than we could have ever even imagined…[Find out more here]

Resources From This Episode:

In this engaging episode, we delve into the creative processes and philosophies of Music Composer & Music Producer Dario, who emphasizes the importance of evolving with the ever-changing sync industry. Dario discusses the significance of constantly acquiring new instruments and plugins to stay inspired and invigorate his creative process. He highlights his preference for tactile interaction with real instruments, which often sparks new ideas and unique sounds that samples cannot replicate. The conversation also covers the potential impact of AI on music, with Dario advocating for maintaining the human touch in creation, believing that AI cannot fully replicate the authenticity and emotional depth of hands-on music-making.

Additionally, the episode explores Dario's experimental EP "Anomaly," a purely artistic project blending organic and synthetic elements, showcasing his ability to push creative boundaries without commercial constraints. He emphasizes the value of collaboration, working with lyricists and other musicians to enhance his projects and bring out the best in each endeavor. Reflecting on the importance of both formal education and self-taught skills, Dario encourages musicians to master core skills while exploring new technologies and techniques.

Tune in to discover how Dario's insights can inspire and elevate your own musical journey.

Guest Bio:

Dario is composer, producer, song-writer, and multi-instrumentalist based in Los Angeles. He has a certificate in Film Scoring at UCLA Extension in Los Angeles, a bachelor degree in “Music Sciences and Technologies” at Università degli Studi di Milano, and earned several diplomas in Arrangement, Theory, and Guitar Performance from many prestigious classical and modern music academies in Milano, such as the Conservatory “G. Verdi”, CPM and NAM.

After many years of touring across Europe, the US and Asia, Dario started writing and producing music for visual media. His work has ranged from writing and performing the theme for Ubisoft’s best selling video game ‘Rocksmith’, to composing the theme songs for Ambie-nominated podcasts “Bunga Bunga” and “Do No Harm” (Wondery), as well as scoring a variety of independent films, documentaries, and television shows like Hulu Original documentary "We Live Here: The Midwest" and National Geographic's "Called to the Wild.”

About the Hosts:

We’re Sonnet Simmons and John Clinebell, 2 indie artists who have found success and creative fulfillment through licensing our music for ads, TV shows and films. 

We were once so disheartened and discouraged that our music wasn’t being noticed or valued through traditional methods. So we both started on a journey to find another way. For us, that “third door” was sync! And what we discovered is a lot better than we could have ever even imagined…[Find out more here]

Resources From This Episode:

In this episode, we sit down with Tim Bern from Disco, a cutting-edge music organization platform transforming the industry. Disco provides artists with a comprehensive toolset for managing and sharing their music effortlessly. Tim delves into the platform's functionality, emphasizing the importance of metadata, presentation, and accessibility. 

He shares insights on leveraging Disco to optimize exposure, streamline collaboration, and enhance professionalism in the music industry. With new features like AI auto-tagging and multi-Disco search, Disco continues to revolutionize music discovery and distribution, offering artists unprecedented opportunities for visibility and success. 

Tim emphasizes the platform's origins in addressing the needs of music professionals, particularly in the sync industry. They delve into the importance of metadata in music organization, stressing its role in facilitating smooth transactions and fostering positive relationships with music supervisors. 

Join us for an illuminating conversation on navigating the digital landscape of music with Disco.

Guest Bio:

Tim is Head of Education at DISCO (http://disco.ac/), a music and media industry platform for catalog management, discovery, and promotion.

Tim was the first boots on the ground to launch DISCO in Los Angeles in 2016, and has onboarded and trained thousands of businesses from indie to major labels, publishers, film studios, tv networks, sync agents, artist managers, radio promoters and more.

Tim’s experience has provided him with a wealth of practical knowledge from the frontlines of the industry, which he spends his time regurgitating for anyone who will listen. He built DISCO’s new education hub The School of DISCO (https://school.disco.ac) which features a wide range of articles, video courses, and live online classes.

Tim has a few side projects - he is a founding partner at Koze Music Publishing - a sync agency and pub admin service based in LA and Nashville. He also runs Familiar Strangers, and creative industry relationship building collective.

In a previous life, Tim was a professional jazz musician, artist manager (The Checks), Brooklyn restaurant owner (Mominette), and music supervisor at Level Two Music.

About the Hosts:

We’re Sonnet Simmons and John Clinebell, 2 indie artists who have found success and creative fulfillment through licensing our music for ads, TV shows and films. 

We were once so disheartened and discouraged that our music wasn’t being noticed or valued through traditional methods. So we both started on a journey to find another way. For us, that “third door” was sync! And what we discovered is a lot better than we could have ever even imagined…[Find out more here]

Resources From This Episode:

In this episode, we explore the world of sync licensing with a focus on the personal journey of our very own Sonnet Simmons. Sync licensing can be a complex and intricate field, and there's no one better to guide us through it than Sonnet. Known for her work as both a Sync Licensing Specialist, co-founding 2Indie and as this podcast’s host, Sonnet has a wealth of experience and insights to share.

Sonnet’s journey into sync licensing is nothing short of inspiring. From her early days as a budding musician to becoming a leading figure in the industry, she shares the pivotal moments and challenges she faced along the way. Her story is a testament to the power of perseverance and passion in carving out a successful career in a competitive field. She talks about her early life, including being born in Athens, Greece, and moving frequently as a child, which fostered her early love for singing.

Sonnet recounts her experience on the ABC TV show "Rising Star" with Josh Groban, Kesha, Ludacris, and Brad Paisley and the impact it had on her career, leading to a pivotal shift towards sync licensing. She discusses the heartbreak of realizing the show's focus on ratings over genuine artistic expression and how this led her to pursue sync licensing more seriously. She credits her mentor, Cathy Heller, with guiding her into the sync world and teaching her the importance of writing music that resonates with broader audiences, beyond personal heartbreak themes.

This episode is a rich source of practical advice for indie artists looking to break into the sync licensing industry, offering a blend of personal anecdotes and professional insights.

Guest Bio: 

One of the top contestants on ABC’s Rising Star with Josh Groban, Kesha, Ludacris, and Brad Paisley, singer/songwriter Sonnet Simmons’ heart-opening voice has been heard by millions around the world. 

Her original music has landed placements with major brands like Coca Cola, GoDaddy, Nivea, T-Mobile, and Microsoft, and TV shows like Younger, Riverdale, Katy Keene and many more. Former VP of music licensing company Catch The Moon, Sonnet helps thousands of indie artists, singers, songwriters and producers around the world find success in sync. She co-founded music company 2Indie. 2Indie is on a mission to make career fulfillment possible for all music makers. Sonnet is a mom of two adorable toddlers and a Los Angeles native. 

About the Hosts:

We’re Sonnet Simmons and John Clinebell, 2 indie artists who have found success and creative fulfillment through licensing our music for ads, TV shows and films. 

We were once so disheartened and discouraged that our music wasn’t being noticed or valued through traditional methods. So we both started on a journey to find another way. For us, that “third door” was sync! And what we discovered is a lot better than we could have ever even imagined…[Find out more here]

Resources From This Episode:

This week, I'm thrilled to chat with Los Angeles-based producer, Billy Lefler. Billy has secured countless sync placements for his artists and collaborated with major publishers like Warner Chapel, Secret Road, and Position Music. We'll dive deep into the life of a highly successful producer and have a bit of fun along the way.

In this episode, Billy and I reminisce about the iconic Death Star studio where we've both spent many nights recording. We explore what it's like to be immersed in LA's vibrant music scene and how it fuels creativity and opportunities. Billy shares invaluable insights on collaborating online versus in-person and the magic that happens when artists and producers can vibe off each other in the same room. We also discuss his approach to making music that resonates authentically, aiming for sync success without compromising artistic integrity. 

Tune in to learn from Billy's experiences and get inspired by his journey in the music licensing world.

Guest Bio: 

Billy Lefler's journey through the music industry is marked by the accolades he's received and the platinum success of his projects. At the heart of his career lies a dedication to storytelling through sound, facilitated by his diverse roles predominantly as a producer, alongside being a songwriter and multi-instrumentalist. 

From the indie pop charm of Ingrid Michaelson to the rock anthems crafted for Dashboard Confessional and the dynamic beats for Gym Class Heroes, Billy's adaptability shines through. Working with artists like Avril Lavigne, Patrick Stump of Fall Out Boy, and America's Got Talent standout Mandy Harvey, he has showcased his capacity to excel across various musical landscapes.

Billy’s contributions have not only garnered industry accolades but have also made a lasting impact on the music scene. His production work on Ingrid Michaelson's hit "Be Ok" is a prime example of his talent for creating catchy, emotionally resonant tracks that connect with audiences far and wide. Moreover, his production efforts helped propel Laura Jansen's album Bells to platinum status in The Netherlands, solidifying his role as a pivotal figure in music production on an international scale.

Beyond his collaborations with individual artists, Billy's skills and vision have been recognized and sought after by leading record labels and publishers, such as Warner Chappell, Secret Road, and Position Music. Billy Lefler’s knack for sync licensing underscores his unparalleled ability to weave music into the fabric of popular culture. His success in securing placements for the artists he works with in TV shows, advertisements, and movie trailers include: Ad spots for McDonald's and Evian Water, episodes from "The Blacklist," "Grey's Anatomy," and "The Vampire Diaries," “Pretty Little Lies,” “So You Think You Can Dance,” “One Tree Hill,” “Switched At Birth,” “Smallville,” various movie trailer campaigns, and a significant highlight was the placement of Daniel Blake's cover of Dido's "Here With Me" in the season finale of the CBS show "Roswell."

About the Hosts:

We’re Sonnet Simmons and John Clinebell, 2 indie artists who have found success and creative fulfillment through licensing our music for ads, TV shows and films. 

We were once so disheartened and discouraged that our music wasn’t being noticed or valued through traditional methods. So we both started on a journey to find another way. For us, that “third door” was sync! And what we discovered is a lot better than we could have ever even imagined…[Find out more here]

Resources From This Episode:

In this episode, I sit down with Julian Drucker, a seasoned music supervisor sharing his journey and insights into the world of music synchronization. Coming from a family of musicians and composers, Julian naturally gravitated towards a career in music supervision. We discuss the vital role of one-stop representation, the challenges of music licensing, and the importance of creating authentic music that resonates with artists rather than merely chasing synchronization trends.

We also delved into the complexities of exclusivity and retitling in music licensing. Julian highlights the conflicts that can arise when the same song is pitched by multiple companies and the ethical considerations involved. He emphasized the need for more artist-friendly practices and expressed hope that retitling is becoming a thing of the past. Additionally, Julian shares his personal musical projects, including writing three musicals and composing electronic music for a dance production in San Francisco, as well as an upcoming indie pop release.

Julian offers valuable advice for aspiring artists: learn about all aspects of the music industry, from streaming and distribution to touring and licensing, and stay true to your artistic vision. 

This episode is packed with knowledge and inspiration for anyone in the music industry.

Guest Bio:

Julian Drucker is an independent music supervisor who has worked on a wide array of film and television productions.

His recent supervision work includes the prison docuseries Justice, USA (HBO Max), the procedural drama 9-1-1 Lone Star (FOX), the reality hit Love Island (CBS), The Great Muslim American Road Trip (PBS), The Sundance Film Festival trailer, Vax Live: The Concert to Reunite the World (ABC) and various independent films. In 2023, Julian was nominated by the Guild of Music Supervisors for the drum ‘n’ bass drama Purple Beatz.

Julian works with fellow music supervisor Christine Greene Roe on a variety of projects, including the award-winning miniseries Lessons in Chemistry (Apple), the screwball sci-fi satire Made for Love (HBO Max), and the upcoming family comedy The Pradeeps of Pittsburgh (Amazon).

Julian began his music supervision career at Deep Cut Music under the wing of veteran supervisor Maggie Phillips, with whom he worked closely on numerous critically acclaimed TV shows and films, including The Handmaid’s Tale (Hulu), Shrill (Hulu), Homecoming (Amazon), Snowfall (FX) and Juliet, Naked (Lionsgate).

He later went on to become the first hire at Yay Team Productions, working alongside music supervisor Amanda Krieg Thomas on hit series such as Big Mouth (Netflix) and The Shrink Next Door (Apple), in addition to a full slate of projects from executive producer Ryan Murphy, including American Horror Story (FX), Pose (FX) and movie musical The Prom (Netflix).

Two of his musicals have been given workshops and performances in theaters across the country and he has a third in development. Most recently, he released an album of experimental electronic music – Here. Now. by Charivari – written for a contemporary dance production that went up at the Exploratorium in San Francisco.

About the Hosts:

We’re Sonnet Simmons and John Clinebell, 2 indie artists who have found success and creative fulfillment through licensing our music for ads, TV shows and films. 

We were once so disheartened and discouraged that our music wasn’t being noticed or valued through traditional methods. So we both started on a journey to find another way. For us, that “third door” was sync! And what we discovered is a lot better than we could have ever even imagined…[Find out more here]

Resources From This Episode: