PROFITABLE MUSICIAN WEEKLY NEWSLETTER

January 8, 2025

Welcome, Profitable Musicians!

If you look at the list of what we're covering in the newsletter below, it's clear that our focus this week is Sync Licensing.

Because this is such a great opportunity for Indie Artists like you, I'm approaching it from several angles this week.

How getting your music licensed to Film & TV can:

• Amplify your reach to new fans
• Breathe new life into old tracks
• Pay you well for music you've already created or were going to write anyway

Plus I want to highlight a BIG event happening on Sunday, January 12, where my friend Chris SD (guest on the podcast this week) is bringing together a panel of 5 top Tier Music Supervisors to talk about what they look for in music. He'll also help YOU connect with the supervisors if you show up live.

​Go to this link to get more info and grab your spot​

If you read this newsletter and listen to the podcast and still have questions about music licensing, I'd love for you to send them my way. I'll get the answers from Chris ASAP!

Always in your corner,
​Bree

NEEd-to-know

Music Industry News & Tips

⚙️ My Favorite Productivity Hack​

🎥 20 Essential Music Documentaries To Stream Right Now (I've only seen about half so I've got some work to do)

​The 🔑 to Achieving your 2025 Music Goals ICYMI

⛵ Yacht Rock: A DOCKumentary (I'm a sucker for this genre of my childhood!)

Click worthy

Music Supervisor Panel: Jan 12

TODAY'S Profitable DEEP DIVE

Breakdown: Understanding Sync Licensing Revenue

For independent musicians seeking new revenue streams (you know I'm all about multiple revenue streams), sync licensing—placing your music in TV shows, films, advertisements, and other media—represents an exciting and potentially lucrative opportunity.

But an income stream is not worth putting time and effort into unless you have some idea what the return on your investment will be.

Let's break down how the money flows when your music makes it to the screen.

Upfront Sync Fees: What to Expect

The sync fee is your immediate payday—a one-time payment for the right to use your music in the production. These fees vary dramatically based on the type of production, but here's what independent artists typically see:

Reality TV and Lower-Budget Productions

• Entry-level placements typically start around $500
• These shows often work with tight budgets and need large volumes of music
• While the fees are lower, these shows can provide consistent opportunities and valuable exposure

Network Television Shows

• Mid-tier network shows often pay $2,500-7,000 per placement
• More established shows might offer $10,000 or more
• Premium dramatic series can reach $20,000-30,000 for the right song

Commercials and Advertisement

• Commercial placements often offer the highest sync fees
• While more competitive to land, ad placements can reach into six figures
• Major brands with national campaigns typically have larger music budgets

Understanding How Fees Are Set

It's important to understand that music supervisors—the professionals who select and license music for productions—typically work with pre-allocated budgets. They determine in advance how much they can spend on each music cue in the production. This means when they make an offer, it usually represents their actual budget rather than a starting point for negotiation.

While there's sometimes room for negotiation, especially if they're particularly interested in your song, the supervisor has usually already broken down their total music budget across all needed placements before reaching out to artists.

The Hidden Treasure: Backend Royalties

What makes sync licensing particularly valuable is that the upfront fee is just the beginning. Every time your music plays on television, you earn performance royalties through your Performing Rights Organization (PRO). These royalties can continue for years as:

• Shows air multiple times on network television
• Programs enter syndication
• Content streams on various platforms
• Shows are broadcast internationally

These backend royalties can significantly multiply your earnings from a single placement. While the initial sync fee might be $5,000, you could earn thousands more over time through performance royalties as the content continues to be broadcast and streamed.

Maximizing Your Sync Potential

To maximize your sync licensing income:

1. Register all your music with a PRO to ensure you collect performance royalties
2. Create instrumental versions of your songs, as they're often preferred for sync
3. Retain access to all of your stem files in case the producers ask for them
4. ​Build relationships with music supervisors and understand their needs​
5. Maintain high production quality in your recordings, as sync placements often require broadcast-ready tracks

The Future of Sync

As streaming platforms continue to produce more original content and traditional television evolves, the opportunities for sync licensing continue to grow. While competition can be fierce, understanding how the money flows and maintaining realistic expectations can help you navigate this valuable revenue stream.

➡️PRO TIP: Register for The Sync Songwriter Supervisor Panel to hear directly from 5 Top Tier Music Supervisors about what they are looking for and how you can connect with them. Grab Your Ticket For This Event Here​

ON THE PODCAST

Have you ever wondered how your own music could be featured in a TV show or a movie? I chat with music producer and sync licensing expert Chris SD who shares insider knowledge on how to land sync placement deals. Chris demystifies the world of music supervisors and reveals why they love indie music more than any other type or genre.

Bree Noble

Say "Hello' on Instagram, Facebook, TikTok or BlueSky​

When You're Ready, here are 3 ways we can help you become a more Profitable Musician:

​FREE "39 Little-Known Streams of Income For Musicians" Guide​

​Join Female Musician Academy (January training: "Build Your Music Career Around Your Life")

​Visit Our Digital Shop For elpful Resources For Musicians​