The world of Sync

Understanding Sync and Licensing in Music

Definition of Sync

Synchronization, or sync, is essentially the commercial marriage of music to moving images.

Licensing Explained

Licensing, on the other hand, encompasses various scenarios:

• Within a record company: Licensing a song for a compilation.
• TV programs or films: The use of a song in different media.

In essence, licensing is the legal process you go through to allow someone to use your music in another context.

Commercial and Ethical Considerations

When discussing sync, we also need to consider:

• Commercial considerations: How your music will be used and associated.
• Ethical considerations: Some artists may have specific brands they prefer not to be associated with.

Quote: "In publishing contracts, you often find clauses that allow you to specify certain brands you don't want to sync your music with."

Syncing and Library Music

Differences Between Commercial Tracks and Library Music

• Commercial tracks are existing recordings licensed for use in various projects.
• Library music is specially composed for TV, film, or media, making it readily available for sync.

Instrumental vs. Vocal Music

What Percentage is Synced?

• Approximately 80% of synced music is instrumental.
• About 20% is vocal.

Typically, themes in media may include vocals for interest, but background music, especially during dialogue, tends to be instrumental to avoid distraction.

Composing for the Sync Market

Getting Started

To showcase your work in the sync market:

• Research briefs: Some websites offer opportunities to submit compositions.
• Write to existing footage: Use film or trailer clips to create original music without listening to existing scores.

Tip: Always credit your work appropriately, and if you showcase music and visuals together, ensure you have permission if you intend to monetize it.

Collaboration with Film Schools

Reaching out to film schools is a great way to find opportunities:

• Team up with students working on short films to create original scores.

Balance Between MCPS and Library Music

Understanding Royalties

In the UK:

• Joining MCPS (Mechanical-Copyright Protection Society) provides access to a network of broadcasters.
• If you're part of MCPS, you're bound by their rate card, which means you cannot negotiate your own rates.

Criteria for Being a Library:

• Typically requires a minimum of around 30 tracks.

Publishers and Libraries

An individual can function as a library by joining as a publisher, but:

• Being a non-MCPS member allows you to negotiate your fees directly with networks, though it may require significant effort.

Broadcaster Preferences

From a broadcaster's perspective:

• They tend to prefer MCPS libraries due to the streamlined negotiation process and the efficiency it offers in selecting music.

Closing Thought: It ultimately hinges on the desirability of your music. If it's in high demand, broader negotiations may take place, but MCPS offers a simpler solution for many broadcasters.