Pitching Your Music For Sync: Do's and Don'ts (PART 1)

Recently, we conducted a survey and the results are in! Yes - we actually read your thoughtful responses and it was CLEAR! You are looking for more information on writing music for film and t.v.

If you're a songwriter, you've probably had the experience of pitching your music at some point. Maybe you pitched your music in order to get signed to a publishing deal. Or maybe you're still out there trying.

But , you probably also know that the pitching never really ends. 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.

At some point, you'll find yourself pitching to publishers, music supervisors or other decision makers. In fact, unless you're outsourcing it, it will be a big part of what you do.

Now putting your music out there can be a difficult thing as it is. Let alone actively competing to get it heard by industry decision makers. But you can increase your success rate with a little know-how.

So I'm going to give you some important do's and don'ts to help you approach it the right way.

Pitching your music: first things first

Do: make sure your music is of a quality that is professional and competitive with what’s on the radio. Music supervisors and decision makers are looking for musical craft, emotional quality and a style that fits the palette of the show they're working on.

Don’t: start pitching your music unless it’s of the quality and sound that decision makers are looking for. Once you know you have what they want, then start pitching with confidence.

Your initial pitch

Do: keep it short. When you're approaching decision makers, state who you are and the reason for your call or email. Respect their time and don’t make it all about you.

Don't: be too salesman-like. Let your music speak for itself.

Sending files

Do: send relevant links. Use Dropbox, Box.com or SoundCloud links. These are all trusted sites and familiar to the industry.

Another popular way to send files is through an app. called DISCO . A lot of music supervisors/publishers/artists use this to send, receive, tag and pitch music (it’s a paid app, btw).

Don't: clog inboxes with large files. Never send WAVS or MP3s to someone's inbox unless you are specifically asked. And never have an expiration on your relevant links (as listed above.) It might be awhile until they get to your music, so don’t put a time limit on it because when they do get around to listening you won’t have shot yourself in the foot by not having it be available to them for listening.

Follow-up

Do: follow up. Reach out to publishers and music supervisors but build relationships slowly.

Don't: pester. If music supervisors or publishers are interested, they will contact you. Following up once is O.K. Following up incessantly is pestering.

Preparation

Do: your research. Before you make contact with someone, research the projects they're working on. Watch the productions they have done in the past. This will help you understand what songs to pitch and increase your success rate. Arm yourself with good information.

Don't: wing it. Show that you respect the work they are doing by actually watching their work!

Availability

Do: be reachable. If a publisher or supervisor listens to your music and wants to use it, they'll need to be able to get in touch with you. Be available and respond in a timely manner.

Don't: ignore your emails, texts and phone calls. You will lose out on a placement if you have no sense of urgency if/when they reach out to you. Waiting on voicemails or emails and taking days to respond to requests for information might result in you losing a sync. opportunity. Music supervisors and publishers are busy people and they will move on if they can't get in touch with you.

So these are just a few tips to get you started on pitching your music.

Stay tuned for more tips… Part 2 coming next!

Do you have a tip you would love to share? Please drop it in the comments below!