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I have a question, that I am not sure if it goes here. But.
is there a Database, or a Company where we can run our name (and any other pertinent information) to see if we are on Cue Sheets, but the Information/PRO might have been listed incorrectly?
I have a LOT of programming. that I have heard my music in over the years; and never got payment for..
Any information on this would be greatly appreciated!!
Thank You for sharing this. I saw this a few days ago in one of my Social Media Groups.
I keep saying, “The Money IS There, and as soon as it messes with the WRONG Group; we will see legislature go into place”.
Quite simple. There needs to be “Clear distinctions between consumer, and professional usage; with mandatory guidelines & regulations for Music in Media, and Advertisement/Branding”.
Hi there Vasim, I guess you could say I’m an old timer in this business. So, I know how important it is to “Not Concentrate on how many placements, but more on the how quality”.
Every time you sit, fantasize, and “Calculate how much you think You should be getting. You will not only be disappointed. You might very well become discouraged & disillusioned”.
Just write/compose great material, make music that is unique enough to make a Library/Sync say.. “Wow, that’s different, and something we currently can use”. And, forget those Tracks/Songs, and KEEP MOVING!!
In my experience, an initial and intensive deconstruction of cues is the gift that keeps on giving.
You can learn a LOT from Paul!
I would “open up” your mixes with “Lusher/Warmer Effects”, and I would invest in some “Wideners/Mid & Side Enhancements” to loosen up that “confined, and too In The Box sound”.
Also, unless you have “Studied” under Ken Lee, Herb Powers, Bernie Grundman, or equivalent. You are not going to sound like Sony Extreme, until You’ve done “World-class Mastering” to the track/song. Those tracks 8-out of-10 times NEVER come in sounding like that.
Tough question. Sometimes tracks sit for years then get lots of placements. Sometimes tracks sit for years and get no placements. If you signed 100 tracks and none were placed you should probably move on. If you signed 5, it’s hard to say. Also, given royalty lag time, you could have year 2 placements that haven’t appeared on your royalty statement yet.
Hopefully, no offense is taken by this, because there is none intended.
Understanding the “Climate” of this business has changed “DRASTICALLY”. About 10 years ago, that would have been the way to think. But now with everything running at break-neck speed. It is “Highly Unlikely” that something sitting in a library more than 3 years will see any action..Query: Do I even mention the current JP relationship and that I want to move?
Move? I would not word any correspondence like that. Move “to me” means there was a problem or issue..
I would stick to accomplishments, and if there are any bigger/better placements you can list those. I don’t think JP is something a Top-Tier would look at and say.. “Oh, They are with a premium boutique, or a heavy hitter”..
**Also** I guess there must being something taking place with an “Americana with live instruments surge”. Someone just posted this same ‘Scenario” on The PMA Board..
Beatslinger: Good question. I gather AMERICANA is a very broad genre. I’m doing acoustic instruments. Dobro, Guiitar, Mandolin, Banjo, Harmonicas. Fairly traditional stuff.
I would try “The Old Industry staples in The UK”
Beatslinger: Yes. I’m doing brand new “virgin” tracks.
Question. Your “Americana” is more Folky, Bluesy, R&B, or Rock?
Very good points. I have a good portion of my material with JP on both non-exclusive and exclusive basis. However, all my exclusive is at a point where I can terminate. There is some notice period, which I will need to review. I think it is 6 months or less notice. My non-ex can terminate immediately. So, it sounds like this is something I need to disclose up front. Right?
Do you have new music that is “Completely free of anything previous?”
Me personally, I would not submit anything that could even remotely be attached to a separate relationship.
Not sure about anyone else’s journey with the majors, but the paper-work is super tight/a lock down. Especially when it gets to Uni******. I don’t know about all of The Majors. BUT, “Be prepared to sign over exclusives with NO reversion”.
How much to send? Reading their sites, it seems like the preferred platform is Disco. In the “old days” we would send three examples. If they were interested, they would ask for more. Is that still the norm?
I read the “Faq and/or how to submit requirements VERY Carefully!!” They frown when it looks like you didn’t do your homework, or follow directions on how to submit!!
If they do not have a number of tracks they want you to submit. I usually only do about 5-7 Pieces. Yes, they really do ask if you could send more tracks (means you have them on the fence, and they need to have that little bit more) When they do ask, I have had great success by sending them something “Completely Different” from the genre I sent previous. Also, I get back to them ASAP while it’s still fresh in their minds!!
What to send? I have a choice of material that has had good placements, or material (I personally prefer) that has not been placed yet. I will certainly note my bigger placements in my email, but not sure what is the best strategy to get them interested. Any thoughts there? Any insight will be greatly appreciated. Thanks!
You know how you dress for success? “You also send for success!!” Go with your “Wheelhouse!!”
ALSO. Here’s a BIG One. From personal lessons (and where I have turned companies off) When you send as a “Cold Call”. Companies will act like “They are your ONLY Cold Call”. So, they will ask.. “Are These Tracks Available?!” Do NOT send music Material that is “Tied Up/Already taken” UNLESS You have made that completely clear in your correspondence!!
When they ask if it’s available, it means “They have albums that are slated, or near to be in production on, and this would fit”.
Based on your experience, will one really get anywhere with the majors, like Universal or Warner, submitting cold on the website? Haven’t done it for quite awhile, but I always thought it was a relationship game.
Trust Me, it really works!!
Just be super friendly, personal/personable, and brief in your emails and correspondance. Play “Your Wheelhouse”, and don’t send too much. If they need more they will let you know.Give them time to get back to you, and accept yes’ and no’s, and no reply “graciously”. You Bug them, they will write you off.
Also, Here’s a BIG one. “Just because they said no, or did not respond to you previously; does not mean it’s a permanent no”. I had people that were on my radar, and I submitted to them “Once a Year”, and eventually I got a deal with ALL of them except Sony Extreme. I will get a few more “Major Placements, and hit them again”. I don’t need them now, but “It’s Vanity.LOLOL”
I have tracks starting its 3rd yr in an excl lib with a 3yr reversion clause that has’nt seen any placements. If it hasnt seen any movement after the 3rd year would you pull it out and try a different lib, or leave it in and hope yr 3-6 would fair better? would be helpful to hear experiences on either path and how it worked out for you…thanks
No Movement in 3 years? Time to “pull’em”. You wait till the 6 year mark, and depending on the genre they might be too old to do anything..
Does anyone have any experiences that might be helpful?
Sounds like MLR is good for A&R!!
just a quick FYI. Just about ALL of The Majors have a ‘Submissions Email” on their websites.
Good Luck!
NOT attacking anyone’s stance. I just had to wonder out loud why my experience is so opposite of what I am reading here.
Not opposite. Some are just looking, and observing while things “go thru their cycle”..
To give you an idea…
We have some really talented people here on this Forum. (Not sure if they want anyone to shout them out. So, you have to watch as they chime in, and make themselves known) As well, there is a lot of really good advice that gets given here. I would really watch the threads, postings carefully, and “Recent Library Comments”. They will give you up to date info.