When trying to get your music featured in films, TV shows, or commercials, connecting with the right music supervisors is crucial. These industry professionals are key decision-makers who select the perfect music to enhance a project. By submitting your music thoughtfully, you have the opportunity to have your work included in exciting media projects. To succeed in this, standing out in your submissions is essential. You want to capture the supervisor’s attention in a way that highlights your unique style and suitability for their project. Addressing the music supervisor by name and mentioning specific projects can also capture their attention and show that you have done your homework.
Understanding the Role of Music Supervisors
Music supervisors have a critical role in the entertainment industry. They are responsible for:
- Selecting and licensing music for movies, TV shows, video games, and advertisements
- Ensuring the chosen music fits the director’s vision
- Negotiating deals and managing budgets for music use
- Collaborating with composers, artists, and producers to create the best musical outcome
Their decisions can make or break a scene, setting the mood and enhancing storytelling. For instance, notable music supervisors like Thomas Golubić, known for his work on Breaking Bad, have made significant impacts through their keen musical insights.
Understanding the supervisor’s role helps you align your submissions to better meet their needs and preferences. By doing so, you increase your chances of getting your music chosen for high-profile projects.
Research and Target the Right Music Supervisors
Finding the right music supervisor is the first step in effectively getting your music heard. Not all supervisors work in the same genre or with the same projects, so pinpointing those whose tastes align with your music is essential. Here’s how you can successfully identify and target the right music supervisors:
- Identify your genre: Clearly understand the niche or genre your music fits into. This will guide your search for music supervisors who work with similar styles.
- Use professional networks: Platforms like LinkedIn can help you connect with industry professionals. Review profiles to understand supervisors’ past projects and preferences.
- Leverage project references: Pay attention to credits on TV shows, movies, or ads where you think your music would fit well. Directly research the music supervisors involved in these projects.
- Check industry directories: Resources like the Guild of Music Supervisors provide lists of certified supervisors, which can be a great starting point. Visiting websites related to industry associations can offer insights into active supervisors.
Understanding the preferences and past work of a music supervisor can help you tailor your submission, increasing your chances of being noticed. If you are interested in submitting your music, check out Level 77 Music.
Optimize Your Music Submission Package
A well-prepared and professional submission package is key to catching a music supervisor’s attention. Here’s a breakdown of what your package should include and how to customize it for effectiveness:
- Music Tracks: Choose high-quality recordings that best represent your musical style. Include a range of tracks to showcase versatility, but remain within the supervisor’s known preferences.
- Press Kit: An informative press kit is essential. It should consist of:
- Artist Bio: Provide a captivating narrative that details your musical journey and key achievements.
- Photos and Artwork: Include professional-grade images and any impactful album or single artwork.
- Links to Social Media: Add links to your active social media profiles to give supervisors a sense of your online presence and following.
- Customized Approach: Each submission should be tailored to the individual music supervisor. Research their prior projects and personalization in your communication, making references to specific instances where your music might align with their needs.
- Additional Resources: Consider referencing guides such as this press kit guide for more detailed instructions on crafting an effective press kit.
By customizing each submission and presenting your music in a polished, professional way, you increase the likelihood of making a positive impression on music supervisors. This personalized approach can differentiate you from many generic submissions they receive.
Craft a Personalized and Compelling Message
When you’re ready to submit music to music supervisors, the way you craft your message can make a big difference. Here’s how to stand out:
- Create an Engaging Pitch: Your email should instantly grab attention. Begin with a brief introduction of who you are and your music style. Quickly get to the point, explaining why your music is a good fit for their projects.
- Avoid Generic Content: Tailor each submission to the supervisor’s preferences. Include links to specific tracks relevant to their past work. This not only saves their time but also highlights your seriousness.
- Include Essential Information: Always add:
- A link to a private streaming service where your music can be easily accessed.
- A short artist bio that includes notable achievements or collaborations.
- Contact information for easy follow-up.
Taking the time to personalize your communications demonstrates respect and professionalism, setting you apart from others who submit music to music supervisors through one-size-fits-all emails.
Know the Timing and Follow-Up Etiquette
Timing and follow-up can significantly impact whether your music gets noticed. Here’s what you should keep in mind:
- Understand Industry Trends: Stay updated on when music supervisors are actively sourcing songs. This could be before new seasons of shows or upcoming film shoots. Aligning your submissions with these timelines increases your chances of getting noticed.
- Follow-Up Appropriately: It’s important to follow up without being intrusive.
- Wait at least two weeks after your initial submission before reaching out again.
- **Keep your follow-up message concise. Politely inquire if they had a chance to review your submission.
- Use Best Practices: Following up is part of building a professional relationship, but it must be done respectfully.
By understanding submission timing and maintaining good follow-up etiquette, you stand a better chance of forming fruitful connections and ensuring your music submission isn’t overlooked.
Utilize Available Online Platforms
In today’s digital age, there are several online platforms you can use to submit music to music supervisors, making the process easier and more streamlined. By leveraging these tools, you can reach a wider audience and increase your chances of getting your music placed in various media projects.
Here are some popular platforms to consider:
- Music Gateway: This platform connects artists with industry professionals, including music supervisors. It offers submission tools and networking opportunities.
- TAXI: Known for its long-standing reputation, TAXI acts as a middleman, helping artists get their music to the right music supervisors and industry professionals.
- Songtradr: This platform allows you to upload your music for licensing opportunities. It’s user-friendly and offers insights into where your music might be a fit.
- SoundCloud and YouTube: While not traditional submission platforms, these sites are valuable for showcasing your work. Music supervisors often scout these platforms for potential music.
When choosing a platform, consider:
- Ease of use: How simple is the submission process?
- Reach: Who can your music reach through the platform?
- Cost: Does the platform fit within your budget?
Using these platforms can enhance your music submission strategy, making it easier to stand out.
Build and Maintain Relationships
Building strong relationships is a vital strategy in the music industry. Music supervisors are more likely to remember and consider your submissions if you’ve developed a rapport with them. Here are some tips on how to create and sustain these valuable relationships:
- Attend Industry Events: Networking events, such as music festivals and conferences, offer opportunities to meet music supervisors face-to-face. These interactions are more memorable than an online submission.
- Use Social Media: Follow supervisors on platforms like LinkedIn and Instagram to engage with their content and stay updated on their projects.
- Be Respectful and Professional: Always maintain a professional demeanor. Being polite and respectful makes a lasting positive impression.
- Provide Value: Share any industry insights or relevant information that might interest supervisors. Engaging with them beyond music submissions helps cultivate a stronger connection.
- Consistent Communication: Keep in touch periodically without overwhelming them. Share updates on your music journey and new releases.
Building relationships takes time, but the effort is worthwhile. Networking can lead to long-term benefits, opening doors for future opportunities in music submission and more.
