MUSIC FOR TV / SYNC LICENSING - IF I HAD TO START OVER.. THIS IS WHAT I'D DO... LIGHTING: en.nanlite.com Connect with me: INSTAGRAM: / marlon_gibbons WEBSITE: www.marlongibbons.com / marlongibbonscomposer TWITTER: / marlon_musician
1. Listen (to music, people with experience, etc.) 2. Play all the different genres you usually hear on TV, learn the harmonic, instrumental and melodic vocabulary 3. Write every day 4. Do not give more than 20-30 tracks to a newly signed publisher until they've proven themselves with some placements at least 5. Watch more of Marlon & Finn
This really helps a lot! Thank you. I'm 50 and I am just getting started. I drive a truck only in FL and GA but been doing it since 95 I love creating music, not in a entertainment kinda way but songwriting kinda way. I tend to go overboard with things like gear or classes instead of slowing down and taking stock , so yea thank you
Awesome to hear, Brian. You got this. To be honest, it's a long game but I've also seen placements happen in months! So long as you enjoy the ride, too! Wishing you the best. (I'm in Ft. Myers a couple times a year). Love FL.
Solid Advice! Fully agree with the aspect of building relationships in particular, especially in person. Also focusing on building a solid brand identity.
This is fantastic advice! I couldn't say I would do anything different since I'm just beginning my journey. All the little "mistakes" that I've made seem to lead to something positive. I'm very grateful for you and your willingness to share your journey and wisdom. Thanks again, Marlon!
"Mistakes" I'm glad you mentioned that. Mistakes are super valuable and not always a horrible thing, as you pointed out. I can say the same. I dig the optimism!
This is super solid advice! Definitely agree fully with all aspects of building relationships in particular, especially in person. That has been one of the biggest factors for me for sure. I’m just starting now to fully realize how scattered my approach has been, so I’m also largely focused on building a more solid brand identity like you said. I think it’s important to experiment for sure and find both what you love and what you’re good at, but eventually we all need to find our sweet spot. Wishing you all the best!!
You make a brilliant point, Mark. Finding that balance between what you're passionate about and what you're good at because they are not always the same. But it sounds like you have a solid plan (and I see you on the socials, winning!) Keep it up, my friend!
Thank you, Marlon. This might sound odd but I think I have to try more and fail more. The fear of failure usually keeps me from going out there. That and this incessant need for perfection. LOL
I can't disagree. Fear has always been along for the ride. Though "Mistakes" have been such a valuable lesson to learn from. Of course you don't like to impact others with mistakes but.. there's always a positive lesson.
I've learned a lot from you, and I'm not getting tracks accepted and placed both in a trailer library and a more direct to TV library as well. Thanks so much for all the great advice over the years!
Still in my 20s, living with parents so I have somewhat of a safety net, financially. Thanks for sharing your knowledge and helping me with this topic early on! I'm a drummer and producer and I produced my first composition for the 2023 Canada Arctic Winter Games theme song. Ever since that gig I felt like I should take this career seriously. I want to set goals towards being consistent and providing value. Looking forward to more of your videos.
Hi...Good advice; exactly what I've been doing, so glad to hear someone thinking I'm bon the right track...thanks! I'm someone who isn't 'out there" yet... I started writing with a friend/former music director, who wrote a big retro Xmas musical number with me in the past. Long story short, we registered as partners with BMI, we revamped the Xmas song with SAG performers and started getting it ourselves to ad agencies etc. Then the pandemic hit!!! Since that time, it seems like the whole sync industry changed! They used to say, " Promote your own stuff, until you need an administrator or publisher" ... Now there are a zillion "libraries" with blanket deals with their clients, while they try to take all if the back end money from the songwriter's. ...and all the "micro-license" stuff, RU-vid, Tic-Tok, ...I am doing just what you recommended; studying the industry, looking for what approach to take...been mastering mixing skills with good advice, and Praying a lot!!👍
Hello from Cape Breton, NS. I just recently found your channel and I'm enjoying your videos. Thanks for sharing your knowledge and experience. I've been writing songs since the 80s (mostly ballads), so switching my mindset from telling a story with words to telling a story with music is going to be a big change. Learning about sync licensing and all it entails is a bit intimidating... but if it was easy everyone would be doing it. Lol
Thanks for taking the time! The industry is changing so quickly but I'm very optimistic and believe there's still so much opportunity for those willing to adapt and put in the work! Wishing you the best.
Thanks, Kery. And to be fair, I know some incredibly introverted people who are so successful! But yeah, the biz aspect it pretty important, lol. Cheers!
Marcus, that’s fantastic! Good on you. That was my fav part about NAMM in 2020. Many friends spoke on several great panels. Are you at liberty to say who you have speaking? I’m curious to know if I know them personally. In any regard, I wish you much success with it. Sadly I can’t be there this year.
Hey @djcata7474 I appreciate the ask. When I started this channel, that was the one thing I vowed never to do.. that is "sell" anything to my viewers. A course, seminar, masterclass, merch or "coaching". I'm so sorry. Just free advice and sharing of my experiences.
Not sure I entirely understand your question... but... Many Libraries (not all) add M/D on their end. Adding to that... it's not metadata that notifies your PRO that a track has been placed in a TV show or Broadcasted. It's a cue-sheet.
Such a wonderful, generous offer, Marlon...!!! I am relating to " organic" Being aware of a longer game and being patient, fabulous advice. Perfect timing to hear this today. Some days I'm sure, other days, I get hesitant, not knowing fully, my brand. I think doing this for only one year(recording, composing,producing) after years of just playing Symphonies, I need to take time to know what this new Brand I'm developing actually is..... Thank you!!!
Good question... no, you don't have to submit your tracks to your PRO before you submit them to a Library. Many Libraries will do this on their end. In that process, they will ensure that your IPI# (basically like your BMI I.D.) is associated with the tracks. You're good. Conversely... IF you were to register your tracks before.. that shouldn't be a dealbreaker either.
