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Good morning everyone! This is a really good topic for discussion, and comparing our findings!! Coming from the Record/CD side of the business, I too was in the mindset that “Louder is Better”. As well, I have found some things that I would like to share in the hopes of “helping others get a ton more placements and/or re-affirming something that someone was feeling about how the process gets the better result”.
1) Several versions of the same track, with some of the versions broken down to the most minimal of parts.
2) Know what you want to do with “the Cue”. Do you want it in the forefront, background, trailer, SFX, etc.
3) If you want to mainly focus on TV/Film backgrounds, “know how to write cues that stay out of the way!” Cues that “invade the Vocal/Narration space” will not get the placement.
4) Sparkly, or edgy Lead music parts invade the Vocal/Narration space. Have alternate mixes ready to go
5) Master to sound “polished, but not too aggressive”. I hear a lot from EDM Composers that they are getting far less placements. Keep in mind you are not in the clubs..
Just throwing in a couple of cents, and hope it helps.
To be honest, it really depends on “If you really need the bread, and/or the conditions for the “commissioned works””. I would say make sure you know what you are getting into, and if there is a back-end/residuals or any other payments that will happen for this work.
Good morning to ALL. Chuck, I was just thinking the same thing..
I am new at trying my hand on these “RF styled sites” but, by a wide margin my main source of income is coming from the exclusive libraries I am in.
In addition to standing out from the rest of the cues/tracks; “make tracks so good/interesting that they will want to play them for longer durations”. Unless you get a re-curring theme song; THAT’S where the money really is! Boring, cookie cutter, this is good enough tracks “usually” do not get longer durations. At the end of the day, be a “salesman”. Do you want to be a salesperson that produces a one item sale every day. Or a salesperson that gets several items in one purchase?
Also, make your product SO GOOD that they make your catalog their “Go To!!”
Hello to ALL! After being in this side of the business; for a little over 10 years (Was mainly in the record side) I have come to find out that “this is really not a numbers game, but setting yourself apart from the rest by going the Extra Miles!!” Having done it both ways, cranking them out for Quantity; or top tier production quality tracks. Quantity tracks I’ll get maybe 1-4 placements each, per each quarter. Quality Tracks 15-to-25 placements each per quarter. Rather than having 5-10 OK solid, but not the Hot Sh*T Tracks. I now put a LOT of energy into making those 2 to 5 per week THE BOMB!! In addition, EXTRA focus needs to go into your Mixes!! Set them to “The hottest tracks on The Radio, and Mastered to perfection!!” Numbers don’t get you noticed, and get you into bigger Libraries. The Product is EVERYTHING!!!
Oh, well if you are not young.. If you believe in the song, Then simply hire “an Attorney that specializes in song placement/negotiations”. There are several, and that would get you a better deal in the long run! Are you a NARAS member? (National Academy Recording Arts and Sciences) or have a Chapter in your area?
I know this for a fact. “Unless you have someone that is either a close relative in the business; or someone that is seasoned has/will take you underneath their wing to mentor you. You are going to have to give a lot of your percentages, and/or first songs away to get in!”
With “no Plug-in, you have zero bargaining power, or leverage!!” The market is more closed than ever before, and the Sharks that were feeding on larger prey like Tuna; are now circling after The Minnows!!
You want the song “placed” with someone that has a chance at seeing the light of day? Get ready to give a minimum of 1/2 of everything.
Also, anyone that you are hearing a “Buzz” about? Rule them out immediately. There is a fortress wall around them!
My friend Chuck. We are on some of the same Libraries. I really enjoy your work!
I have a couple of ideas to share..1) Continually update your “Sound Portfolio”. It’s like a painter having new Canvas’ and Brushes.
2) Branch out, and try working on different styles that are in trend.
3) Re-address older portions of your catalog that are close to being finished. try adding New/timely drum programming. As well, a couple of additions here and there could bring them to life!
You need a person that pitches songs. Question: Do you have a specific artist in mind?