đŸŒđŸŽ” How To Optimize Your Website For Sync Licensing

The 4 main types of copyrights in sync licensing and how they affect you

Sup! Happy Thursday 👀

Today’s newsletter covers:

  • đŸŽ© Sync Tip Of The Week: How to optimize your website for sync licensing

  • 📚 Sync Legal Breakdown: What are the 4 main types of copyrights in sync licensing and how they affect you

  • đŸŽ™ïž New Selling The Soundtrack Podcast Episode: We interviewed Paul Sanderson, an esteemed music lawyer with over 40 years of experience counselling large indie record companies and gold and platinum recording artists in all aspects of the music business

  • đŸ—“ïž Not-to-Miss Events: Starting July 19, learn from three-time Emmy-nominated supervising television and film editor Josh Young to make your tracks more likely to be placed on shows and films

Sync Tip Of The Week: How To Optimize Your Website For Sync Licensing

With social media, you never know when a music supervisor might stumble upon your videos/music. Be prepared with a well-organized, sync-optimized website. This increases your chances of getting picked up by licensing companies and agents when they discover you on Spotify or social media.

Image created by Selling The Soundtrack

Here are some tips for building your sync-friendly website:

  • Dedicate a page/tab to sync licensing on your music website - tailor it for companies and agents (not fans)

  • Embed a DISCO.ac player on your website. Include ownership and contact details in your metadata via DISCO.ac (this ensures a seamless music player for quick streaming and downloading)

  • Include contact info at the bottom of this new “Sync Licensing” website tab (make it easy for quick communication)

Sync Legal Breakdown: Copyrights

As an independent musician entering the sync world, understanding the different types of copyrights is crucial.

  • Mechanical rights cover the reproduction of your songs in formats like CDs or streaming (i.e. Spotify streaming)

  • Performance rights pertain to the public performance of your music (i.e. if your music is broadcasted on TV)

  • Synchronization rights grant permission to pair your music with visual media

  • Master rights belong to the owner of the original recording, allowing its use in visual media

Image from Pexels (www.pexels.com)

Knowing these rights ensures fair compensation for your work when you’re signing contracts in sync. You don’t want to give away rights you don’t mean to. Whenever you’re unsure of things, don’t be afraid to open up dialogue with the people you’re working with to ensure you’re on the same page. Consulting with trusted people in your community, music licensing professionals or legal experts can help you understand the fine print and ensure all parties are protected and compensated fairly. Having good communication and forming strong relationships is paramount in this industry. You want to be on the same wavelength as the people you chose to work with.

New Selling The Soundtrack Podcast Episode

Have you listened to our music law podcast episode with Paul Sanderson yet? Our guest, Paul, brings over 40 years of legal expertise in the music industry. He has advised major music publishers, independent record companies, and gold and platinum artists across various legal aspects, from domestic to international licensing and distribution. His guidance has been instrumental for clients navigating complex contractual and copyright matters in both the music and visual arts sectors.

Don’t miss this insightful discussion, available on Spotify, Apple Music, Amazon, Audible, and more. Tune in here to gain a comprehensive understanding of the legal challenges and strategies in music sync licensing!

FULL EPISODE DISCLAIMER:

1. The CDN copyright registration fees went up effective January, 2024;

2. MROC, one Canada’s performers neighbouring rights collective aggregators is ceasing business.

3. Bob Dylan has also sold his masters since the interview. He has already sold his songs.

4. This interview is informational only, and in specific situations skilled legal advice should be sought.

Not-to-Miss Events: Attractive Tracks For Editors brought to you by 2Indie & Atrium Music

Transform your tracks into must-have hits with three-time Emmy-nominated editor Josh Young. In just 4 weeks of live instruction starting July 19th, 2024 - you'll gain insider knowledge to boost your chances of getting placed in top TV shows and films. Don't miss out! Check out the link here and use code TIFF50 for a $50 exclusive discount for being part of the Selling The Soundtrack community.

Resources to succeed in sync

  • Check out the Selling The Soundtrack Podcast for interviews with sync industry veterans sharing tips on how to succeed in the world of sync

  • Scroll through www.ispot.tv (it’s free) to listen to the music in some of your favourite commercials for inspiration before your next recording session

  • Check out our sync outreach email templates - it’ll help you streamline your emails to sync agents, music supervisors and music library owners.

Questions or anything you want to learn more about in sync? 🧐 Let me know here: https://www.sellingthesoundtrack.com/contact-us

Keep hustlin’ guys, you got this and I’m here for you! See you in the next podcast episode and email newsletter :)

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