Trailer Music: What You Need to Know

Sync Tip Of The Week

Let’s explore the world of trailer music and what it takes to get your songs featured in these thrilling promotional pieces.

Contrary to popular belief, trailer production teams don’t always use songs from the film’s own soundtrack. In fact, multiple trailers can be created for a single movie, each featuring different music. Some films even run up to 20 or 30 separate TV campaigns, showcasing a wide variety of tracks.

Here are some key points to keep in mind before sending your music to a trailer house:

1. Instrumental Versions: Always have an instrumental version of your track ready. Never send a song to a trailer house without it.

2. Uniqueness Matters: If your song features a unique riff or melody, highlight those distinctive parts when you pitch it. This could set it apart.

3. Dynamic Build: Trailers typically follow a three-act structure, building up to a powerful climax. Songs that grow and intensify are ideal for this format.

4. Ease of Use: Make it easy for trailer houses to work with your music. This means including proper metadata, easy clearance, and providing access to song stems.

5. Cover Songs: Compelling cover versions are always in high demand for trailers. If you have a unique take on a popular song, it could be a great fit.

If you want to learn more about producing trailer music, check out this YouTube video.

Sync Case Study

Alex Petkovski’s artist project FJØRA uniquely blends electronic and cinematic music, coined as “cinematronic.” She has gained recognition for crafting emotionally powerful and compelling trailer music that resonates with audiences worldwide.

Called “a haunting artist to watch” by Rolling Stone, Alex’s talent and creativity have made her a sought-after composer and artist. With her music heard in popular video games like Fortnite, hit TV shows such as Grey’s Anatomy, and major film festivals like SXSW, Alex continues to break new ground in the industry. Her win at the World Trailer Awards adds to a long list of achievements, including nominations at the 2023 Hollywood Music in Media Awards, multiple nominations for the 2023 Music + Sound Awards, and recognition from the Guild of Music Supervisors Canada.

To learn more about Alex’s incredible journey and her insights on the industry, check out her episode on the Selling The Soundtrack podcast here.

Trailer Music Publishers Directory

Are you searching for trailer music publishers to get your music featured in movie and TV trailers? Check out this extensive list of over 50 publishers who specialize in creating and pitching music specifically for trailers.

Check out this FREE list here.

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On this 1:1 Video Call, I’ll help you:

• Get personalized advice tailored to your specific situation

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Learn more and book here before spots fill up.

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