Unlocking Sync Licensing Opportunities: Essential Mastering Tips for Independent Electronic Music Producers

Capitalize on the booming sync licensing market with high-quality mastering and open new revenue streams. Learn how to optimize your music for movies and commercials.

As an electronic music producer with over three decades in the game, I’ve seen the industry evolve in ways we could hardly have imagined back in the 90s. Today, I want to talk to you about an area of the music business that’s exploding with potential: sync licensing. In a world where the current streaming rate is just around 0.003 cents per stream, sync licensing presents a much more lucrative opportunity. But it requires top-notch mastering to be considered for sync in movies or commercials. Let’s dive in.

Understanding Sync Licensing

Sync licensing refers to the process where a music owner (that’s you, the independent electronic music producer) gives permission for their music to be used in sync with other media, such as movies, commercials, video games, and more. This can be a significant revenue stream for artists, especially considering the low streaming rates. But landing a sync deal requires more than just good music. It requires a well-mastered track that can hold its own against industry standards.

Mastering for Sync Licensing

Not every song is suitable for a movie or a commercial. Sync libraries and film/TV networks want fully fleshed out songs with intros, verses, hooks, bridges, and outros. And they need to be well-mastered. A high-quality master is crucial because it ensures your music will sound great on any system it’s played on, be it a cinema sound system, a TV speaker, or a mobile device.

Mastering is not just about making your music loud. It’s about achieving the final touch in the best possible way, ensuring the frequencies are well distributed, and that the dynamics are controlled. Your music needs to sound cohesive, clear, and impactful. At Euterpa Studios, we have expert engineers who can help you achieve a perfect master, ready for sync licensing opportunities.

Navigating the Sync Licensing Landscape

There are a plethora of sync licensing companies, such as Musicbed, Marmoset, and Epidemic Sound, that can help you land your music in adverts, films, and games. These companies ensure copyright compliance and artist compensation. But to stand a chance against the competition and land a deal, you need to have a great quality master.

Apart from mastering, understanding the sync licensing landscape also involves knowing the kind of music that’s in demand, pitching your music effectively, and building relationships with music supervisors or sync agents. Some music supervisors prefer to work with sync agents, so consider getting one.

Tips for Success in Sync Licensing

Here are a few tips to increase your chances of success in sync licensing:

1. Master your tracks professionally: This is non-negotiable. A well-mastered track can make the difference between landing a sync deal and missing out.

2. Create short songs: Sync libraries and film/TV networks want fully fleshed out songs with short intros, verses, hooks, bridges, and outros around 2:00mn total.

3. Understand the demand: Research what kind of music is being synced and tailor your music accordingly.

4. Pitch effectively: Make sure your pitch is professional and engaging. Highlight why your music would be a good fit for the project.

5. Build relationships: Network with music supervisors and sync agents. They’re your gatekeepers to sync licensing opportunities.

Sync licensing can be a lucrative revenue stream for independent electronic music producers. However, it requires a high-quality master to stand a chance in this competitive field. At Euterpa Studios, we offer a professional stereo or stem mastering service that can help you achieve a perfect master, ready for sync licensing opportunities. Reach out to us today and let’s unlock these opportunities together.