Pitching Your Music: 5 Do's and Don'ts - Part 2
In my last post, I started giving you some tips about the Do's and Don'ts of pitching your music. If you missed it, you can read it here.
And I promised you more ……. here you go!
Last week I said this:
QUOTE FROM DIONA…..
As long as there are songs being written, there is pitching to be done. And pitching your music is an especially important aspect of being a songwriter if you're interested in having it placed in film or television.
Music Permissions
Do: Figure out the ownership and writer splits before you start pitching and make sure you have all the permissions you need.
Don't: Risk losing your placement by not having all the permissions (sometimes referred to as clearances) you need. You’ll need clearances from:
co-writers
producers
union musicians and singers
sample owners ( if you’re re-using somebody’s sample)
So again, all this means is that you need to get permission from these folks. It’s best to do it ahead of time so that you’re not scrambling when the call comes. If you co-wrote a song, then you need permission from your co-writer. If you use a producer who works on your songs in exchange for a part of your publishing then you need permission. If you hire a pro singer or musician who is a member of a union, then you need permission. If you use a snippet of another’s song (namely a well known song) then you need permission.
2. Instrumental Versions
Do: Have instrumental versions of your songs. Music supervisors often ask for these.
Don't: Wait until you're asked for instrumental versions. If you don't have them up front, you're reducing your chances of getting your song placed. I have never gotten a placement for a song which didn’t include an instrumental version, so make a point to get this alternative version.
3. Web Presence
Do: Have a home on the web where a music supervisor will be able to find out more about you. A website also gives you a place to post your songs (or clips of your songs), so that music supervisors can find your work. This is your “digital footprint.” (A bonus: good for SEO)
Don't: Be INVISIBLE. If a music supervisor wants to know more about you, but can't, you might lose your placement. Plus, having no web presence looks unprofessional.
4. Social Media
Do: Use social media to promote your music. A music supervisor may want to see that you have a following or even see your demographics.
Don't: Be inaccessible. Music supervisors can't gauge your following if you're not on social media. You don’t need to be on all of them, just pick 2-3 and commit to posting.
5. Paperwork
Do: Register your songs, distribute them to sales and streaming sites, do your meta-tagging and collect your royalties. Getting paid = good.
Don't: Don't assume the money will find its way to you automatically without you doing the administrative work. There are many streams of income out there which is your responsibility to collect. In the case of performance money (for film and t.v. placements) you’ll need to register with a P.R.O. (performance rights organization. ) Which ones are available to you will depend in which country you live. For example, in the U..S. there are three choices: ASCAP, BMI or SESAC.
So that’s it- more tips to get you started on pitching your music.
Again, If you missed my previous post, read it here for more tips.
Good luck!
Diona
PS - Do you have any tips to share with our audience? Please drop them in the comments below. We are all here to help each other.