SyncRiffs

Sync Agent, Charles Levan of Blue Buddha, breaks down songs synced in Season 6, of Love Is Blind. What are the trends in Sync and what Sync Agents are looking for.

SyncRiffs Podcast
🎵 First Step For Sync? Get Your Music Meta-Data Done Right! - Grab your FREE guide on how to do this here:  https://mailchi.mp/b61df3981662/abngm...

🎧 Sign up for our 10-week LIVE sync & Songwriting Masterclass:
https://bluebuddhaentertainment.com/s...

🔊 Join, create and connect with our indie music community here: https://www.patreon.com/BlueBuddhaEnt...

-------------------------------------------
CONTACT US:

📨 Email:  [email protected]
🔵 Blue Buddha Website: https://bluebuddhaentertainment.com/
📸 Instagram: @‌bluebuddhaent @‌syncriffs

--------------------------------------------

🎙️ SyncRiffs is a weekly podcast where we discuss sync placements in multimedia (TV/Film/Advertising, etc.), the music industry, pop culture and everything in between including exclusive interviews with musical artists, composers, agents, and music supervisors where we riff about syncs and the state of the music industry. Subscribe to the channel for future episodes.

Music: "Flying Tigers" from Magic Tiger

Podcast produced by Blue Buddha Entertainment
This content is for educational purposes. We encourage others to conduct proper research, and if needed, consult an attorney for any legal advice regarding music licensing. (c) (p) 2023

#musiclicensing #musicindustry #synceducation #syncagent 

Sync Agent, Charles Levan of Blue Buddha, breaks down songs synced in Season 6, of Love Is Blind. What are the trends in Sync and what Sync Agents are looking for.

SyncRiffs Podcast
🎵 First Step For Sync? Get Your Music Meta-Data Done Right! - Grab your FREE guide on how to do this here:  https://mailchi.mp/b61df3981662/abngm...

🎧 Sign up for our 10-week LIVE sync & Songwriting Masterclass:
https://bluebuddhaentertainment.com/s...

🔊 Join, create and connect with our indie music community here: https://www.patreon.com/BlueBuddhaEnt...

-------------------------------------------
CONTACT US:

📨 Email:  [email protected]
🔵 Blue Buddha Website: https://bluebuddhaentertainment.com/
📸 Instagram: @‌bluebuddhaent @‌syncriffs

--------------------------------------------

🎙️ SyncRiffs is a weekly podcast where we discuss sync placements in multimedia (TV/Film/Advertising, etc.), the music industry, pop culture and everything in between including exclusive interviews with musical artists, composers, agents, and music supervisors where we riff about syncs and the state of the music industry. Subscribe to the channel for future episodes.

Music: "Flying Tigers" from Magic Tiger

Podcast produced by Blue Buddha Entertainment
This content is for educational purposes. We encourage others to conduct proper research, and if needed, consult an attorney for any legal advice regarding music licensing. (c) (p) 2023

#musiclicensing #musicindustry #synceducation #syncagent #indieartists

EP. 30: INTERVIEW WITH MUSIC SUPERVISOR ANN KLINE

This week on SyncRiffs, Charles sits down with Ann Kline, an experienced music supervisor and attorney with film and television credits including some of the most successful and prestigious television series (ER, The West Wing, Shameless, The Good Doctor, etc.).

Ann’s experience is unique in that it combines high level creative skills for placing music with the ability to understand the increasingly complex content rights landscape and negotiate deals addressing complex rights issues among myriad interconnected parties including artists, managers, attorneys, agents, composers, producers, writers, directors, labels, publishers, networks and studios. Ann is also a frequent speaker at industry events including SXSW, TIFF, etc. Ann has taught Music Supervision at UCLA extension and mentored several women who have gone on to become successful music industry executives and music supervisors.

Follow Ann Kline on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/theannkline/

0:00 Introduction
1:44 Ann’s initial work in the music industry
3:24 Working with John Wells Production
5:25 Ann’s musical palette & influences
7:35 Streaming content vs. traditional cable format
10:00 Working with showrunners & music budgets
11:02 Tying in sync to marketing music from the majors
12:14 Working catalog music (period shows)
12:58 Working on the show Aquarius
14:35 Evergreen artists and sync
17:10 Art vs. Commerce
18:20 The pacing of legacy Shows vs. streaming content
20:18 When a music supervisor is brought onto a show
21:55 The benefits of working onsite vs. remote
23:02 The nuances of syncing a song to picture
26:16 Benefits of working with a sync agent
27:00 What sync agents do
29:00 Working with trustworthy agents & partners
30:00 Benefits of meditation
36:29 Sensory deprivation + floating
38:00 What’s on repeat on Ann’s playlist

🎙️ SyncRiffs is a weekly podcast where we discuss sync placements in multimedia (TV/Film/Advertising, etc.), the music industry, pop culture and everything in between including exclusive interviews with musical artists, composers, agents, and music supervisors where we riff about syncs and the state of the music industry.

Check out our linktree for opportunities to connect with us: https://linktr.ee/bluebuddhaent

🎵Sync & Songwriting Masterclass
🎵Sync & Songwriting Strategy Workshop
🎵Working With a Sync Agent Minicourse
🎵Listening Sessions & more to come!

Website: https://bluebuddhaentertainment.com
Instagram:
@syncriffs
@bluebuddhaent
@chasewalkerband

Music: "Flying Tigers" from Magic Tiger

Podcast produced by Blue Buddha Entertainment
This content is for educational purposes. We encourage others to conduct proper research, and if needed, consult an attorney for any legal advice regarding music licensing. (c) (p) 2023

EP. 29: INTERVIEW WITH MUSIC SUPERVISOR JENNIFER SMITH 

 This week on SyncRiffs, Charles sits down with Jennifer Smith, a Los Angeles based Music Supervisor with over a decade of experience in music and film/TV. Jennifer's impressive career includes working on shows such as America’s Best Dance Crew, Dancing With The Stars, The Ellen Show, and Netflix’s Deadly Illusions. She is also the founder of her own music supervision company, Rat Dance Party, which specializes in Film, TV.

Jennifer's work has been featured on projects produced by Showtime, Paramount+, Netflix, Viacom, Shorts TV, Amazon, Pluto TV, NBC, Voltage Pictures, Indican Productions, Kiss & Tale Productions and many more. When she's not working, Jennifer is teaching as part of the music business faculty at the Los Angeles College Of Music or hanging out with her pet rats. 

Jennifer is a board member of The Guild Of Music Supervisors and a member of the Television Academy, Women In Media, Women In Music, and the Recording Academy. Don't miss this episode to hear from a true industry expert! 

 (Note: At the time of this interview, the WGA-SAG AFTRA strike was occurring. Since the airing of this episode, a deal has been reached.) 

 Follow Jennifer on IG at: @rat_dance_party 

On the web: https://www.ratdanceparty.com/ 

0:00 Introduction 

1:05 Background and work 

1:58 Breaking into the Industry 

1:26 Working at Kobalt 

3:46 American Idol 

4:13 Sonic Storytellers 

5:31 Understanding all angles of the music industry 

7:30 Forming Rat Dance Party Music Supervision 

8:52 Mentorship Programs and Jennifer’s work 

10:05 Working & Teaching Artists 

11:30 WGA - Sag Aftra Strike + Music Supervisors forming a union 

12:56 Protections during Covid 

13:50 Protections and Equity for Music Supervisions 

17:08 Giving Folks the tools for Change 

17:27 Relationships with your Show runners & creating change 

18:30 A livable wage in the Entertainment Industry 

19:33 Working through the studios & Show runner to create change 

25:34 Jennifer’s teaching curriculum 

26:19 Advise for new artists 

27:18 Building your team in the music industry 

28:00 Unscripted Television 

30:00 Protocol with working with Music Supervisors 

36:00 Working with Mark Cherry 

38:48 Working on Why Women Kill 

39:41 Working on Behind the Music 

41:56 What’s on repeat on Jennifer’s playlist? 

43:30 Jennifer’s sweet spot for getting work done. 

45:35 Etiquette for reaching out to Music Supervisors 

48:37 Building authentic relationships with Music Supervisors 

49:25 Bending Music to Picture 

🎙️ SyncRiffs is a weekly podcast where we discuss sync placements in multimedia (TV/Film/Advertising, etc.), the music industry, pop culture and everything in between including exclusive interviews with musical artists, composers, agents, and music supervisors where we riff about syncs and the state of the music industry. 

Check out our linktree for opportunities to connect with us: https://linktr.ee/bluebuddhaent 

buddhaentertainment.com 

Instagram: 

@syncriffs 

@bluebuddhaent 

Podcast produced by Blue Buddha Entertainment 

This content is for educational purposes. We encourage others to conduct proper research, and if needed, consult an attorney for any legal advice regarding music licensing. (c) (p) 2023 

EP. 28: INTERVIEW WITH DAVE GREEN OF THE FILTHY SOULS 

This week on SyncRiffs, Charles interviews Dave Green of The Filthy Souls, an indie-rock band originally from Manchester, England. Front-man Dave Green possesses a creative energy that drives their music and electric live performances. His strength of voice transcends any era classification, while still giving just a hint of his many musical influences. The music of this Brit rock/pop group has been featured in many TV shows, film trailers, and adverts.  

 Follow Dave on IG: @davegr33n 

Music & Merch: https://thefilthysouls.bandcamp.com/ 

 🎙️ SyncRiffs is a weekly podcast where we discuss sync placements in multimedia (TV/Film/Advertising, etc.), the music industry, pop culture and everything in between including exclusive interviews with musical artists, composers, agents, and music supervisors where we riff about syncs and the state of the music industry. 

Check out our linktree for opportunities to connect with us: https://linktr.ee/bluebuddhaent 

🎵Sync & Songwriting Masterclass 

🎵Sync & Songwriting Strategy Workshop 

🎵Working With a Sync Agent Minicourse 

🎵Listening Sessions & more to come! 

Website: https://bluebuddhaentertainment.com 

Instagram: 

@syncriffs 

@bluebuddhaent 

@chasewalkerband 

 Music: "Flying Tigers" from Magic Tiger 

Podcast produced by Blue Buddha Entertainment 

This content is for educational purposes. We encourage others to conduct proper research, and if needed, consult an attorney for any legal advice regarding music licensing. (c) (p) 2023 

EP.27: INTERVIEW WITH SUSAN DOLAN OF DIG MUSIC 

This week on SyncRiffs, Charles interviews music supervisor Susan Dolan of Dig Music. Susan has spent the last fifteen years spearheading the music related aspects of productions. Some of her past work includes placements and scores in notable ad campaigns for Fortune 500 companies, network TV shows and award winning independent films.  

 Topics  

0:00 Introduction  

1: 28 Entering the Industry  

2:06 New York ad agency in the early days  

2:41 Moving to Los Angeles and connecting with KCRW 

3:41 Working at Hum Music  

4:47 Working on ABC’s Men In Trees  

7:08 Working as an Indie Music Supervisor 

8:09 What prepared Susan to work in the Ad space  

9:39 The Art of Working as a Music Supervisor  

10:15 Focusing and learning from past clearances 

11:52 The overall arc of working in the Ad Space 

13:20 Guiding clients in the Ad Space 

15:29 Working with different teams and adding value 

15:50 Car Commercials 

18:45 Soundtracks 

20:20 Trends and Cultural Events  

23:54 Brand alignment with artist identity  

25:01 Band identity matching with an Artist Brand 

26:05 Social media and driving the creative process  

27:44 The ability of brands to break an indie band 

29:50 Ads and connecting with their end consumer 

31:03 Artificial Intelligence and the challenges  

32:40 Current trends in Ads and counter movements 

35:47 Navigating evergreen tracks and budgets 

38:26 Cover tunes and the creative process 

40:24 The role of musicologists and “sound alikes” 

41:49 Susan’s Spotify playlist  

Susan Dolan website: https://www.digmusic.tv/work 

IG: @dig_music 

🎙️ SyncRiffs is a weekly podcast where we discuss sync placements in multimedia (TV/Film/Advertising, etc.), the music industry, pop culture and everything in between including exclusive interviews with musical artists, composers, agents, and music supervisors where we riff about syncs and the state of the music industry. 

Check out our linktree for opportunities to connect with us: https://linktr.ee/bluebuddhaent 

🎵Sync & Songwriting Masterclass 

🎵Sync & Songwriting Strategy Workshop 

🎵Working With a Sync Agent Minicourse 

🎵Listening Sessions & more to come! 

Website: https://bluebuddhaentertainment.com 

Instagram: 

@syncriffs 

@bluebuddhaent 

@chasewalkerband 

Music: "Flying Tigers" from Magic Tiger 

Podcast produced by Blue Buddha Entertainment 

This content is for educational purposes. We encourage others to conduct proper research, and if needed, consult an attorney for any legal advice regarding music licensing. (c) (p) 2023 

EP. 26: INTERVIEW WITH JACKSON WHALAN

Charles interviews Jackson Whalan, an American lyricist and producer known for his high-impact rapping, music production, live performance, and collaboration. He has independently released over 100 songs, including LPs, EPs, singles, and features, while touring extensively both solo and with a live band.

Topics
0:00 Introduction
1:50 Jackson’s start in music
2:35 Early influences: Nas, Fugees
3:33 Early mixtapes and the road to being a rapper
4:05 Passing out mixtapes in high school & live performances
5:00 Early days of “The Aposoul” aka Jackson Whalan
5:35 Early gear & a casio keyboard
7:07 Learning with DJ Rob Swift @ The New School
9:45 Jackson’s creative process
11:02 The song “SNAG”
11:25 Making the time to be creative
12:18 “Big Facts” and “Discipline”
13:00 Performing at The United Nations - International Day of Peace
15:00 The best time to be Creative
16:10 Collab with KRS-One of B.D.P
17:05 Working with Ian Evans to write the song about “From The Woods” (KRS Remix)
17:45 Linking up with KRS-One and the backstory
19:23 Old School Hip Hop
21:04 Live performances with other hip hop acts
22:47 “Bring It Back”- New track
24:55 Playback of “Bring it Back”
26:28 The recording of “Bring it Back”
28:15 Playback of “Encourage”
32:54 Writing songs for sync
34:34 Producing and writing songs for sync
35:40: What’s on Repeat for Jackson?
37:03. Freestyle Rap by Jackson Whalan

Follow Jackson on IG: @jacksonwhalanmusic
On the web: https://www.jacksonwhalan.com/

🎙️ SyncRiffs is a weekly podcast where we discuss sync placements in multimedia (TV/Film/Advertising, etc.), the music industry, pop culture and everything in between including exclusive interviews with musical artists, composers, agents, and music supervisors where we riff about syncs and the state of the music industry.

Check out our linktree for opportunities to connect with us: https://linktr.ee/bluebuddhaent
🎵Sync & Songwriting Masterclass
🎵Sync & Songwriting Strategy Workshop
🎵Working With a Sync Agent Minicourse
🎵Listening Sessions & more to come!

Website: https://bluebuddhaentertainment.com
Instagram:
@syncriffs
@bluebuddhaent
@chasewalkerband

Music: "Flying Tigers" from Magic Tiger

Podcast produced by Blue Buddha Entertainment

This content is for educational purposes. We encourage others to conduct proper research, and if needed, consult an attorney for any legal advice regarding music licensing. (c) (p) 2023

EP. 25: INTERVIEW WITH COMPOSER JERMAINE STEGALL 

 Charles interviews composer Jermaine Stegall, an accomplished and versatile composer and conductor. With over 50 projects to his credit, Stegall is most well-known for the score to “Coming 2 America,” the highly anticipated sequel to the Eddie Murphy classic, with Murphy, Arsenio Hall and James Earl-Jones all reprising their roles. Jermaine recently completed the score for "Praise This" for Universal Pictures. Other scoring and conducting assignments have included “Senior Year” (2022) for Paramount Pictures, and the upcoming film “Oracle” for Universal Pictures.  

As a musical conductor, Stegall led a live string orchestra alongside Grammy-winning artist Tori Kelly at the televised 2019 ESPY Awards. A year prior, he conducted the orchestra to Camila Cabello’s performance of “Consequences” on ABC’s American Music Awards. In addition to scoring 2 seasons of "Our Star Wars Stories,” an original digital series from Lucasfilm and StarWars.com, in which host Jordan Hembrough uncovers heartfelt tales of fans and families who have found inspiration in the galaxy far, far away, Jermaine was also nominated for a MPSE Golden Reel Award for scoring the animated Netflix short film "Canvas" directed by Pixar's Frank Abney III. 

 Topics  

0:00 Introduction  

1:30 Starting In the industry  

3:14 Star Wars, "Our Star Wars Stories"  

5:05 Scoring for various projects  

7:52: Recording ideas as they happen 

10:00 Improvising and creating as a composer 

11:50 Jermaine’s favorite projects to work on 

13:35 Composing for horror films 

17:16 Working on the film "Praise This" 

18:30 Using score vs licensing a piece of music for a film 

19:07 Creating music and art, being ready for the moment 

20:53: Exercises for composers to sharpen their craft 

22:10 Telling a story with one instrument  

23:10 Capturing emotion through chord progressions  

26:00 Hans Zimmer and touring  

27:10 Live shows to catch  

28:00 Animated films and what to look for 

30:47 Composing for film vs television  

32:55 Scoring for television with respect to underscore 

34:35 New projects in the pipeline  

35:29 The creative process for "The Oracle"  

37:10 Jermaine’s intention and drive as a composer 

38:55 Working on short films and working with a team 

40:00 Jermaine’s most creative time to work 

41:20 Composing to picture 

43:25 Composing for "Coming to America 2" 

46:21 Preparing for a new film and the process 

52:12 What’s on repeat at the moment 

54:00 The work of John Williams  

57:12 Closing Thoughts  

Follow Jermaine Stegall on IG: @jermainestegall 

On the web: https://www.jermainestegall.com/ 

Check out our linktree for opportunities to connect with us: https://linktr.ee/bluebuddhaent 

🎵Sync & Songwriting Masterclass 

🎵Sync & Songwriting Strategy Workshop 

🎵Working With a Sync Agent Minicourse 

🎵Listening Sessions & more to come! 

Website: https://bluebuddhaentertainment.com 

Instagram: 

@syncriffs 

@bluebuddhaent 

@chasewalkerband 

Music: "Flying Tigers" from Magic Tiger 

Podcast produced by Blue Buddha Entertainment 

This content is for educational purposes. We encourage others to conduct proper research, and if needed, consult an attorney for any legal advice regarding music licensing. (c) (p) 2023 

EP. 24: INTERVIEW WITH ANNABEL LEE

Charles interviews Annabel Lee, a force in the underground Los Angeles music scene, packing every venue she plays (The Echo, School Night, Satellite, Moroccan Lounge, Hotel Cafe and more). Her current album MOTHER’S HAMMER is available on all D.S.P’s.  

 “Alt-rock killer Queen Annabel Lee is rising from the L.A. underground scene biting down a knife as sharp as the lyrics to her song. She started out kicking it in the New England scene, where she would develop that manic, live-wire stage presence and energy that’s characterized her every step of the way. Lee seems to go berserk and believable rumors say that she has the power to induce that savagery in the audience as well.“- LADYGUNN  

 ANNABEL LEE is also the creator and curator of the Sweat Gala, an annual multi-media, fine art rock showcase and art auction in Los Angeles. Annabel was direct support for one of Amanda Palmer’s tours, and has had songs featured on shows such as Mrs. Fletcher (HBO), Lucifer (Netflix), The Rookie (ABC), and in a national ad campaign for Casper Mattress. She was booted off of Songland by Leona Lewis and Ester Dean said, “you’re an artist, don’t give away your song. . . I love everything about you.” 

 Annabel’s debut album ‘MOTHER’S HAMMER’ released in March of 2023. “The alt-pop frontrunner rises to the tempestuous challenge of the debut album, impressing with the diverse and compelling project. A provoking, consistent and complex album, Mother’s Hammer is a more than worthy entry into the pop-rock stratosphere, and leaves Annabel Lee poised for a big future.” - Wonderland Magazine 

0:00 Introduction 

1:40 Mother’s Hammer and the inspiration for the album 

4:48 Recording with Justin and “All of my Ghosts” 

9:30 The creative process and going with the flow 

10:23 Annabel Lee’s musical influences 

11:27 Recording “Los Angeles”  

13:45 Different mixes for Annabel Lee’s song 

14:10 Recording of “Alas I’m a Lady” music video 

22:41 New music and songs in the future 

24:20: Merch drop and beyond 

28:04 Recording and inspiration for Annabel Lee 

35:12 Performing Live 

36:00 Floating and meditation  

40:00 Playback of “Sarah, Sarah” 

43:44 Recording of “Sarah, Sarah” 

46:04 Recording of “Los Angeles” + new video  

50:00 What’s on repeat for Annabel Lee 

Follow Annabel on IG: @yourannabellee 

Website: https://www.annabelleemusic.com/ 

🎙️ SyncRiffs is a weekly podcast where we discuss sync placements in multimedia (TV/Film/Advertising, etc.), the music industry, pop culture and everything in between including exclusive interviews with musical artists, composers, agents, and music supervisors where we riff about syncs and the state of the music industry. 

Check out our linktree for opportunities to connect with us: https://linktr.ee/bluebuddhaent 

🎵Sync & Songwriting Masterclass 

🎵Sync & Songwriting Consults 

🎵Working With a Sync Agent Minicourse 

🎵Listening Sessions & more to come! 

 Website: https://bluebuddhaentertainment.com 

Podcast produced by Blue Buddha Entertainment  

This content is for educational purposes. We encourage others to conduct proper research, and if needed, consult an attorney for any legal advice regarding music licensing. (c) (p) 2023 

EP. 23: INTERVIEW WITH JASON KOITER, ASSOCIATE PRODUCER OF CRIMINAL MINDS

This week on SyncRiffs, Charles interviews associate producer of CBS’s Criminal Minds, Jason Koiter. A fourteen year veteran of post production, Jason Koiter has worked on over 270 episodes of network and streaming TV, as well as music videos, web series, feature films and short films. He got started in the entertainment business as a professional musician, and soon became a recording engineer, working for many years at studios around Los Angeles.

Topics
0:00 Introduction
0:30 Jason’s Background
0:58 Jason’s start as a musician and recording engineer
2:26 Working as a PA for “Charmed” (2019)
2:55 The challenges of working on “Charmed”
3:22 Working on CBS’s Bull (Final Season)
3:52 The role of an associate producer
4:37 The steps of post production
7:33 Spotting Sessions with Music Supervisors + Editors
8:33 The various departments in Post Production and elements
9:27 Budgeting for a television series
10:36 Locking in an episode with music
10:53 Working with a composer with re-edits
11:59 The role of a sync agent and One Stop Rep. Music
12:43 Managing songs and working with Music Supervisor Kevin Edelman
13:42 Dropping in replacement songs
14:14 Sync Agents and Music Supervisors
15:16 Showrunners and the creative music process
15:43 Music cues for Criminal Minds
17:11 The creative flow for a show
18:01 Working with the same creative team
18:26 Working 16 seasons of Criminal Minds
19:42 Actors from Criminal Minds taking a directing role
20:43 Examples of shows directed by actors
21:33 How being in the music industry prepared Jason to be an AP
23:14 Providing vocal + instrumental mixes
24:04 The importance of instrumental mixes
25:25 Mixing and mastering your songs
27:41 Standards and practices and their role
29:37 Editing out expletives
31:10 Ripped from the headlines
34:49 Music matching topical themes
37:44 Criminal Minds evolution
38:52 Preparing to work in post production
44:17 Working in post production
45:18 Internships and your resume
48:04 Vancouver and Los Angeles for post production
49:26 A.I. and the future of production
52:12 Wrapping up

Follow Jason Koiter on YouTube: @jasonkoiter9555 
Follow on IG: @jasonkoiter

🎙️ SyncRiffs is a weekly podcast where we discuss sync placements in multimedia (TV/Film/Advertising, etc.), the music industry, pop culture and everything in between including exclusive interviews with musical artists, composers, agents, and music supervisors where we riff about syncs and the state of the music industry.

Check out our linktree for opportunities to connect with us: https://linktr.ee/bluebuddhaent

🎵Sync & Songwriting Masterclass
🎵Sync & Songwriting Consults
🎵Working With a Sync Agent Minicourse
🎵Listening Sessions & more to come!

Website: https://bluebuddhaentertainment.com
Instagram:
@syncriffs
@bluebuddhaent
@chasewalkerband

Music: "Flying Tigers" from Magic Tiger

Podcast produced by Blue Buddha Entertainment
This content is for educational purposes. We encourage others to conduct proper research, and if needed, consult an attorney for any legal advice regarding music licensing. (c) (p) 2023