SyncRiffs

EP. 22: INTERVIEW WITH JEFF CAUDILL OF LOW COAST 

This week on SyncRiffs, Charles interviews Jeff Caudill of Low Coast.  

After more than two decades with the fan-adored band Gameface, Jeff Caudill returns with a new band, Low Coast, and a debut album, Existing the Dream. Low Coast is a departure from the SoCal melodic punk rock world and a foray into the direction of bands like Wilco, Gin Blossoms, and Death Cab For Cutie. 

 Topics  

0:00 Introduction  

1:09 Jeff’s first band Gameface 

2:30 Going Solo & forming Low Coast 

4:01 Working & crafting songs with the band  

6:00 Low Coast Influences  

7:35.The song “Hard to Believe”  

10:00 Jeff’s influences & creative process 

12:24 The creative process & writing songs 

16:00 Playback of “Everybody Shines” 

19:00 Songwriting and writing for sync 

20:05 Live performances 

22: 47 Playback of “Car Stereo” 

26:18 Kevin Ratterman and mixing the Low Coast Release 

31:05 Playback of “Hard To Believe”  

34:50 The recording of “Hard to Believe” and the process 

36:54 Low Coast Vinyl + Website 

39:17 What’s Jeff listening to currently? 

 Follow the band on IG: @lowcoastyams 

Website: https://www.spartanrecords.com/artist... 

Linktree: https://linktr.ee/lowcoastband 

 🎙️ 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 Consultations 

🎵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. 21: INTERVIEW WITH COMPOSER TROY MACCUBBIN OF ALLOY TRACKS 

 This week on SyncRiffs, Charles interviews Troy MacCubbin, President and owner of Alloy Tracks, an audio production company specializing in Custom Music & Sound Design for Trailers, Film, TV, Gaming, Commercials, New Media & more.  

 Some of their work includes compositions in films and trailers like: Wonder Woman, Aquaman, Big Sugar, It, Cocaine Bear, and Oppenheimer to name a few.  

 Topics:  

0:00 Introduction 

2:00 Troy’s career as an Indie Artist 

3:20 Forming Alloy Tracks 

7:30 The Art of Trailerization + Remixes 

9:45 Trailer for Stranger Things 

11:05 Chatting with Steve Perry of Journey  

15:15 Working with the Trailer House “Trailer Park” 

15:52 Working on Christopher Nolan’s Oppenheimer  

17:45 Trailers and the Creative Direction 

19:25. Working with a Specific Team 

21:00 Competition in the Trailer Space 

24:00 What is Alloy Tracks known for? 

27:00 U2 Documentary  

28:55 Advice for Composers  

32:14 Advice from Blue Buddha Ent.  

32:39 Tracks with Vibes will still work  

35:18 Troy’s Process Working with His Composers 

36:50 The Secret to Success for Trailers 

37:44 Sound Design for Cocaine Bear 

39:14 Trailer Deadlines  

41:00 Competition and Songs Released  

43:49 Trailers and the Magic Formula 

48:29 Vocal Tracks vs Score 

48:43 Trailer Houses and Stems 

 Follow Troy on IG: @alloytracks/ 

Website: https://www.alloytracks.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! 

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. 20: Interview with music supervisor Laura Webb

This week on SyncRiffs, Charles interviews music supervisor Laura Webb.

A veteran music supervisor of television and film, a proud member of the Guild of Music Supervisors, and a three Times GMS Award Winner, Laura Webb is known for her work on hit projects like: The Hills, Kung Fu, XO Kitty, To All The Boys, I Still Love You, Teen Wolf, The Purge, Resident Alien and others. Laura peels back the curtain on the art of being a music supervisor and selecting and clearing music for various media.

Topics
0:00 Introduction
1:49 How Laura first broke into the business
2:51 Laura’s first gig- an agent trainee
4:15 Working for The Firm
5:40 UTA job list and landing a job
6:37 Danny Boyle’s Trainspotting
8:29 Landing her first gig and working with Laura Wasserman
9:25. Shark Tale, XXX and feature films
9:53 Working at MTV’s The Hills
10:23 Re-score for The Hills
11:16 Working on Unscripted Shows
11:23 Parental Control- Reality Show
12:11 The collaborative side of music supervision
12:42 Teen Wolf and scripted shows
13:10 Working with Lindsay Wolfington
14:50 To All The Boys Franchise
15:50 Monster High Sequel
17:15 Kung Fu and using authentic music
19:49 Favorite projects
20:52 Love At First Sight (Netflix Production)
22:45 Bad Bad Hats & To All The Boys
24:38 The use of music libraries
26:17 Listening to new music
27:10 Curating playlists & briefs
28:30 Receiving music from clients
30:01 Working with showrunners & the creative process
32:38 Working with a trusted agent
33:01 The scope of a music supervisor’s job
35:06 Music supervisors & forming a union
43:51 Support for music supervisors
46:41 Advice for artists looking to get into the sync space
50:34 The traditional TV season
51:53 What’s on Laura’s Spotify playlist

Laura Webb’s website: https://www.webbworldwidemusic.com/about
Follow Laura on IG: https://www.instagram.com/webb.worldw...


🎙️ 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 19: Hollywood Strike + Answering Your Questions

Charles and Chase discuss the current and future impact of the TV & Film production shutdown in Hollywood, strategies for indie artists during the work stoppage, and answer viewer + listener questions. Want your questions answered on a future episode? Tag us on Instagram @syncriffs and @bluebuddhaent.- Namaste -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.com⁠Instagram:@syncriffs@bluebuddhaent@chasewalkerbandMusic: "Flying Tigers" from Magic TigerPodcast produced by Blue Buddha EntertainmentThis 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 18: SYNC 101 Samples & Cover Tunes 

 Charles and Chase break things down as it relates to songs with samples and having cover versions in your catalog of work.  

 Understanding BOTH topics is uber important in the sync space. 

 Topics Discussed: 

0:00 Introduction 

1:00 Definition of Cover Tunes & Pitching Cover Songs 

2:08 Why Record Cover Tunes? 

3:00 Getting Cover Tune Assets from Label Partners 

4:50 Mechanical License vs. a Cover Tune 

7:32 Derivative Works 

8:40 What Songs Should I Cover? 

9:01 Which Artists Won’t Approve Cover Versions? 

10:10 Do the Homework to Make Sure It'll Clear 

10:40 Definition of a “Sample” 

12:04 Definition of a “Sample” Broken Down 

12:48 Manipulating Samples 

13:23 Copyright is Copyright 

14:12 Sampling from Vinyl 

15:25 Working with Your producer & Samples 

16:00 Sample Packs & Syncs 

18:12 Can I use Sample Packs? 

19:12 Example of 2 Songs Using the Sample 

20:00 Creating Your Own Samples 

21:55. Details on a Compulsory License  

23:50 Due Diligence and Metadata  

24:00 Artists Creating Their Own Samples 

27:45 News Episodes and Fair Use 

29:00 Public Domain Tracks 

32:50 Working with a Sync Agent 

33:00 Working with a Producer  

 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 SyncRiffs on Apple Podcasts: 

https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast...  

🎙️ Subscribe to SyncRiffs on Spotify Podcasts: 

https://open.spotify.com/show/5YN9QiC... 

🎙️ Subscribe to SyncRiffs on Amazon Podcasts: 

https://music.amazon.de/podcasts/49ee... 

 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.17: Interview with music supervisor Jen Pyken

This week on SyncRiffs, Charles interviews music supervisor Jen Pyken.

A veteran music supervisor of television and movies, Jen Pyken landed her first Emmy nomination for her work on NBC’s “This Is Us.” She is a proud member of the Guild of Music Supervisors and recently launched an online Masterclass on music supervision (see link below). In this episode Jen breaks down her process and the craft of music supervision.

1:15 The process
3:20 Average budgets in television
5:00 Collaborating with her showrunner & editor
6:00 Listening to new music & music briefs
7:00 Spotting sessions & cuts
10:00 Music supervision Masterclass course
11:55 Island Records, Jen’s first gig
13:45 Managing expectations of the showrunners
14:50 The creative process & working with showrunners
16:00 Budgeting songs & clearance 
16:55 Needle drops & songs used 
17:50 Transitional songs 
18:30 Working with editors (Collaboration)
20:00 "The Way Home" and the sonic palette
22:15 Working on ABC’s "Alias"
23:55 One stop rep. Sync Agent
25:15 Split sheets & cue sheets
26:45 Splice and sample packs
32:00 Advice for indie artists entering the sync space
35:00 Exclusivity
35:28 Working with new contacts
39:00 What’s on Jen’s reading list
40:50 Music supervision Masterclass
41:55 East coast music conference

Follow Jen Pyken on IG: @https://www.instagram.com/jenpyken/
Jen Pyken's Masterclass:https://www.musicsuper.net/courses/mu...
Jen Pyken on YouTube: @MusicSuperJen 

🎙️ 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.16: Interview with singer songwriter Lenka 

This week on SyncRiffs, Charles interviews Lenka, an Australian singer songwriter who is back working with the Blue Buddha Sync Team. Charles & Blue Buddha Entertainment first worked with Lenka in 2007, securing her two syncs before she went on to secure a major label and publishing deal.  

Welcome to Lenkaland! Inhabited by Aussie singer-songwriter Lenka and all her sugar bombs, Lenka has spent much of her time on this earth making music to soothe her own heart and hopefully yours. Her early career as an actress spiked everything with a sense of drama. Her education in fine art peppered all with visual expression. Her love of nature began with a blissful early childhood in the Australian bush. Career highs saw her tour the world extensively and perform on live TV around the globe. Motherhood has brought her back to the Australian countryside, where she resides and continues to make music. 

 She takes us through her journey as a singer songwriter and talks about her process for writing music, her forthcoming new album & a 2023 winter U.S tour.  

🌟Early career and signing to a record label  

🌟 Sony ATV publishing & Epic Records deal 

🌟 Past sync placements 

🌟 The making of “The Show” video & song 

🌟 Lenka’s songwriting process 

🌟 Lenka’s new song “One Moment”  

🌟 Touring Southeast Asia 

🌟 New record in the works 

🌟 Fall U.S. tour 

🌟 Indie Australian bands vs. U.S. bands and making it big 

🌟 The future of music & A.I. 

🌟 The current WGA writers’ strike  

 Follow Lenka IG: @lenkamusic 

YouTube: @lenkatv  

Website: https://lenkamusic.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. 

 🎙️ Subscribe to SyncRiffs on Apple Podcasts: 

https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast... 

 🎙️ Subscribe to SyncRiffs on Spotify Podcasts: 

https://open.spotify.com/show/5YN9QiC... 

 🎙️ Subscribe to SyncRiffs on Amazon Podcasts: 

https://music.amazon.de/podcasts/49ee... 

 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 

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.15: Interview with music supervisor and KCRW DJ Francesca Harding

This week on SyncRiffs, Charles interviews KCRW DJ & music supervisor Francesca Harding.

Francesca Harding has worked as a radio host, DJ and music supervisor for over a decade. From DJ’ing internationally to working in the sync and licensing world, Francesca has provided the musical backdrop for a variety of projects. Francesca’s music supervision credits include 911 (FOX), Kings of Napa (OWN), and High School Musical: The Musical, The Series S3 (Disney) She takes us through her journey as a music supervisor and gives us insights into working in the music business.

Topics discussed:
✔️ Background and breaking into the Industry
✔️ Working at Yayteam Music Supervision
✔️The Difference between Trailers Vs. Television Projects
✔️Managing & curating playlists
✔️The sonic palate for Fox’s (911) show
✔️Managing budgets for television
✔️Advice for folks wanting to get into music supervision
✔️ Mentorship programs and Q&Yay
✔️Benefits of working with a sync agent
✔️ ️A.I. & the future of music
✔️ Mindfulness and enjoying music
✔️ ️What's on “repeat” on Francesca’s playlist?
✔️KCRW & The Hollywood Bowl Summer Nights

Follow Francesca Harding on IG: @thefrancescaharding
Website: http://djfrancescaharding.com/
Francesca Harding’s KCRW playlists: https://www.kcrw.com/music/shows/fran...
YayTeam Mentorship Program: https://www.yayteaminc.com/education

🎙️ 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.14: Interview with pop artist Jess Meilman 

 This week on SyncRiffs, Charles welcomes pop artist, Jess Meilman, to the studio for a special interview about her singles “Ketamine Kids” and “Nothing,” her musical influences, how she approaches the songwriting process, upcoming releases, and more! 

 After her sparkling debut with the soulful indie pop tracks “Guilty Soulmate,” “Plenty,” the summer anthem “Summer Nights,” the witty “Life Is A Bitch,” and “Ketamine Kids,” the up-and-coming indie pop vocalist recently released her heartbreak anthem “Nothing” in Spring of 2023. 

Originally from New York, Meilman grew up singing, songwriting, and performing and was often found in her family’s piano room, creating songs for hours on end. It was there that she honed her artistry, leaning into the soundscapes of Tame Impala, SZA, Dayglow, and others. Meilman quit her 9-5 in 2021 and moved to LA to bring the songs in her voice memos to life. 

 Meilman explains her approach to crafting music simply as: “Creativity without force creates intuitive magic.” An empath, she feels things deeply and writes with a desire to connect, heal, and understand herself and the world through music. Jess turns her sensitive self-reflection into catchy tracks that hold surprising depth and come straight from the heart. 

 Topics discussed: 

 🌟 Recording process with her producer 

🌟 The songwriting process 

🌟 “Ketamine Kids” music video 

🌟 Playing live in Hollywood 

🌟 Latest single + music video for “Nothing” 

🌟 What’s next for new music 

🌟 Musical influences 

🌟 Writing for sync 

🌟 Advice for upcoming musicians + artists 

🌟 Remixing music 

 “Ketamine Kids” Music Video: https://youtu.be/KNztfTTbA3k 

“Nothing” Music Video: https://youtu.be/rZk8SOJ1uHQ 

Subscribe to Jess Meilman on YouTube: @jessmeilman2814  

Follow Jess Meilman on IG: @jessmeilman 

Website: https://jessmeilman.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, LLC (c) (p) 2023

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 13: Interview with music supervisor Melany Mitchell 

This week on @syncriffs, Charles interviews music supervisor Melany Mitchell. 

Melany Mitchell was born in Burlington, North Carolina, USA. She is known for The Broken Hearts Gallery (2020), As They Made Us (2022) Everything's Gonna Be Okay (2020), Fantasy Island (Fox), I’m Totally Fine (2022), Block Party (2023) God Save the Queens (2022) and more. 

She takes us through her journey as a music supervisor and gives us insights into working in the music business. 

 Topics discussed: 

 ✔️ Background and breaking into the Industry 

✔️Challenges & opportunities as a music supervisor 

✔️Music supervising film vs television projects 

✔️Managing music budgets & clearance 

✔️Clearance and unforeseen issues  

✔️Independent artists and the licensing process 

✔️Music supervisors and the need for a union. 

✔️Streaming platforms vs traditional television cycle 

✔️Benefits of working with a sync agent 

✔️Pride month and representation in Film + TV 

✔️Working with briefs and the pitching process. 

✔️Workflow of television projects 

✔️One piece of advice for aspiring music supervisors 

✔️Be open to new opportunities and projects 

✔️Mentorship programs and Sidetime 

✔️What new music is on repeat on your playlist 

✔️Broadway shows and music supervision  

✔️TikTok & clearing music for productions  

Follow Melany Mitchell on IG: @melanymitchell 

Check out her linktree: https://linktr.ee/melanymitchell 

IMDB: https://www.imdb.com/name/nm2903260/ 

Twitter: https://twitter.com/melanym 

Mentorship: https://sidetime.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. 

 🎙️ Subscribe to SyncRiffs on Apple Podcasts: 

https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast... 

 🎙️ Subscribe to SyncRiffs on Spotify Podcasts: 

https://open.spotify.com/show/5YN9QiC... 

 🎙️ Subscribe to SyncRiffs on Amazon Podcasts: 

https://music.amazon.de/podcasts/49ee... 

 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