Songwriting Tip from a Music Supervisor
February 13, 2025
Want to know a critical element of songs that work in TV & film?
A top music supervisor lays it out for you here.
**Blog referenced in this video: “How to find your sound as an artist”
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Great advice! Just be you. Be authentic. You can still have influences. Too much of the music I make (hip hop) sounds the same to me nowadays. There isn’t anything special about it now. I just cant get into it. It’s lost it’s luster, the magic, and the substance that defined hip hop. There’s no emotion to it anymore. I make music that has emotion. I don’t really follow anybody. I want my own sound.
Love it! Thanks for sharing, Paul.
Wow! Thanks Chris for this clarity.
Stick to making the music that I love.
Appreciate this helpful advice.
Great to hear, Wendy! And you are very welcome.
We couldn’t agree with you more. That’s exactly what we have discovered and do. Our sound, our voice our music & our stories that others may find similar to their lives. We stick to the basics. The music is King. The story has to fit the beat/tempo & the vocals have to excuse passion about the story. Hooks, kicks, licks & tricks is still the complete package
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Interesting that you said John Prine doesn’t sound like Bob Dylan. Of course that’s true. Interesting to me because many of the reviews I’ve had over the years, the writers have sometimes compared my music to John’s. Likewise, many of the supes I’ve spoken to have said I sound rather like Neil Young (vocally). I love both of them, but I am not trying to be them. Being authentic has to be something other than being strongly influenced by a player, a singer, or a writer….
Yes, but I think you can sound similar to someone, you just need to have your own fingerprint.
You also need to consider that a reviewer might only have a few artists that they’re aware of that are similar in category to your own music. I’ve had very different people give me opinions from sounding like Metallica to T Rex… depending on the song and what experience the writer has with a genre. But what if I thought I sounded like the Cars? lol… it’s all just references to help others figure you out.
Yes, and that’s why targeting your music is so so important. A pillar of The Art Of The Song Pitch.
This is true validation, Chris. Doing what we do best is so much EASIER than attempting to chase that “other” genre/singer/style, etc. My voice is usually one of the first things a music supervisor comments on. I’ve pretty much ignored that, because I’m not “officially” trained, and I’m listening for the “syncability” of a song. I’ve dissed myself so many times, trying to capture that “cool new sound” that’s all the rage (it never works – it leaves me in the doldrums, no wind). I will continue to learn, and be inspired by, many wonderful artists, but I think I’ll try to settle in what’s more natural for me, AND enjoy the ride. Thank you for the message!
Great to hear, Cassandra!
Chris: I’ve heard you say this before and it’s a really really important point. I do write in a few genres – but mostly Americana, which is what I love most. And I do find that maybe I’m lucky that way – I fear sometimes my music sounds too much like “early 70s” – but I’ve had many of the Supervisors tell me that my music DOES sound authentic – so they like it – but no placements yet, which is disappointing. But at the same time, I’m learning and it has definitely made me a better producer, so thank YOU for that. Your advice on “song production” during song reviews has really helped. I wish we ha more of those sessions. Anyway, that’s all I have to say. Cheers! Glen
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90% of music heard on tv is instrumental so make sure you ALWAYS have those versions on hand and available. Maybe the lyrics don’t match the scene, but the music does?
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I think its about 70-75 percent Douglas but its still alot. I kind of take an interest in those stats as i primarily write songs though i do have some classical instrumental types in my catalogue. Of course im sure Chris might agree those songs could be made instrumental anyway with a few alternate mixes?
This was great! I write songs based on the stories I want to tell. Sometimes these stories are told in different genres of music. Im working on a collection of instrumental music for sync right now and sometimes I feel like the music doesn’t fit into one box. Be authentic is great advice
Glad we agree on that, Issa!
Classical music has been a major source of inspiration and vibration for me since the beginning. I resonate deeply with melodies and harmonies. Due to my somewhat solitary personality, writing has been my refuge, allowing me to find myself and fill the voids…
There was a long period during which I pushed aside my love for writing music. After 22 years, I began to rewrite. I tried to follow the path without always being completely true to myself, but I learned valuable lessons along the way. After six years, I finally realized that I needed to return to the person I truly am and explore the melancholic melodies that reside within me.
Then, like a mysterious synchronicity, your email appeared amidst the countless others, inviting me to join your sync adventure and program preparation. At one point during this exercise, I suddenly became aware that I needed to stop listening to song references and instead focus on being myself—writing from my own feelings, harmonization, and key choices to express my true emotions. I decided to leave behind the negative aspects (the stress) of the challenge and embrace only the positive ones (the motivation of competition).
I discovered that I could do it. Thank you, Chris.
Love this! Great to hear, Laurent.
This totally makes sense. It’s alluring to want to create what’s already successful and out there. It’s always fun, and can even be helpful in expanding our tools, exploring writing in new genres, but when all is said and done, it truly is about being true to who we are creatively…
Thank you Chris and Chris!
🙂 You got it!
Do i feel authentic. Great question. And I would say,yes – i always and only write what I feel, what oozes out of your natural juman limitations,right. Problem is – i have quite an emotional bamdwith, myself, which wants to be expressed through different musical approaches,what people call “genres”. This way, it might sometimes feel like you are “chasing” something you think might still be missing in your body of work, when,in fact,you are just trying to find a way to express different feelings… if that makes sense? 😅
I agree and you can do different genres, just make sure you are good at them and still sound like you. Your songs all don’t need to sound the same, just make sure your spirit comes through in each one and don’t imitate. Sounds like you have that figured out already.
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I just wrote 3 songs in the last couple of days which put me at having 510 songs in my catalog! I agree with you & most of my songs are different from others, all with my very own original style! Give me a blank piece of paper & in 2 hrs. give or take I will have music & lyrics to a song that is generally above average but money has always been a problem to marketing!
Wow! You are prolific. Yes it is all about reaching the right people and is why I created The Art Of The Song Pitch.
I agree full hand. I’ve been doing music for over 20 years and all of her is I don’t sound like nobody else and I love that because I pride myself on that. Now I’m just ready for somebody to have enough trust and love for my movement to give me a chance so I can shock and show the world. I don’t follow Trina lead him from dress code to vocabulary to the lyrics to swag on the mic or stage so yeah I 100% agree.
I know exactly what you mean Chris. I have been in the music business for over 30 years and have seen trends come and go. I do my best not to attach myself to those and stay honest within myself when I write. Sure, I would like to sound like Post Malone or Yelawolf but I know I would sound just like another imitator if I did so. Sure, I will borrow certain things from them like maybe how a guitar sounds or how a drum beat is driving the song but other than that, it’s all me! Thanks again for the insight!
Perfect!
Hi Chris,
Yes it makes perfect sense to write and create your own songs in your own unique way. It’s something I’ve always done. And that is why I have been submitting my duo’s songs to the Music Supervisors hoping that one of our songs get selected by them.
Regards
Philip
If you are cold submitting music, Philip, you will have a hard time. It needs to be based on relationships otherwise you typically end up in the spam folder of get a generic response back.
Do I feel authentic with my music? Absolutely. I make the music that I want to make. Sometimes that crosses genre lines, if doing so serves the song. Sometimes that crosses genre lines if doing so serves the project, which brings me to your second question.
Do I imitate? Not when it comes to chasing trends. That said, I released a concept album in 2023 where every song was in a different genre. This was by design, as the lyrical concept was telling first-person accounts of my experiences as a Black American, and all of the genres I used have their roots in Black music. I’m not a gospel musician, but I wrote a gospel song for it (which you commented on in one of our group listening sessions recently). I’m not a blues musician, and that’s definitely not my preference because there’s not a lot of room for being creative as a bassist there, but I wrote a blues song for it, and stuck to a traditional chord progression and arrangement formula to respect the genre. I love funk music, but don’t play that style… that said, I did my best to write and perform a funk song for this project out of respect for the genre. Since these genres aren’t my sweet spot, sure, I imitated the sounds to express what I needed to express, but that’s out of respect.
Sorry if I wasn’t clear, I meant imitating as in imitating another artist. Doing things in different genres is totally different. It’s like you can wear the same kind of clothes someone else does if you like them, but don’t start copping their mannerisms if that makes sense. Good for you, just make sure you mean everything you do which it sounds like you do.
Many thanks, Chris and Chris!
Cheers,
George
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This point is the single and most significant consistent takeaway from the words of EVERY music supervisor we have seen here to date in this course. Chris Mollere’s presentation of it here including ‘acting out the song’ is particularly comprehensive as it speaks to Idioso types (Indie songwriter) who work with a broader palette that is not as restricted to the limits that an ‘artist sound or statement’ requires.
Glad that resonates with you, Malcolm!
Great advice, Chris and Chris!
We need to stay ahead of the curve by tapping into our strengths and convey authentic emotions with music that is uniquely compelling and universally relatable.
Thanks,
Alex Kydd
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Does being authentic lock you into a certain style or genre of music? What if you like to write and perform in different genre’s?
If I like to play back what I’ve written and recorded, and enjoy listening to it, that is enough for me. I like to experiment.
There is nothing wrong with that at all, you just need to silo your music which I teach in The Art Of The Song Pitch.
Being authentic has always been my approach when writing songs and putting music to it. I try and look for the words that make you feel what’s being said and not telling them. Then I try and make the music have that same feeling. So I’m hoping and at some point getting a sync placement in a movie or documentary with a song that I’m trying to finish up.
You are on the right path, Rod!
Thanks!
Chris, man, I gotta spill my guts a bit. I was on the road from the age of 17-29. It was brutal. I didn’t make quite enough to enjoy my months off- so I worked other jobs during my sporadic 120 days off throughout the year. Including 14 hr shifts in -40 windchill, drilling rig days. I traveled with Van bands but mostly label acts. CCM label acts. VOTA, Newsboys, Sanctus Real to name a few that teased me with raises… opening slots, split %’s & knew I didn’t have the courage to speak up when the time came. Spoiler alert- I never spoke up. I ALWAYS worked for very little but just enough to not live off my parents- like they told me I would for 17 straight years. As the years continued so did the DUI’s & extended rehab stays. Music has been MISERABLE for me. I’m not doubtful of this program one bit- I’m a little discouraged because I have had success with “ cold call” messages. Be it Instagram, LinkedIn or email. I have a mentor type friend here in OKC who once was “on top of the world” so to speak. Graham Colton’s his name.. Signed to Universal, dated Kelly Clarkson, played Letterman, Leno- all the stuff I never really wanted but wanted to be behind the curtains of. Along with that, if you can imagine- he’s done quite well in sync lately. He advised me against this program due to me getting responses just by sending links & having instrumental requests. I have 5 supervisors I’ve found through IMDb & Google. I keep in touch with all of them, often- not even about music. Lots of Seinfeld & NFL chat with one. But they always listen & take notes on the music I send/suggest what to do differently.
I quit the road @ 29 due to attempted suicide. After two weeks in ICU & a year to myself, I began pursuing sync. I signed with a publisher BEMusicPublishing just under a year ago. I’ve learned through you, that’s more of a dust collecting contract & I’m grateful for that. Where I disagree STRONGLY w/ Graham is;
I can’t close a deal- & that’s why I need this. I always say the wrong things, offend someone inadvertently, or HARASS them as my mind slowly but surely vortex’s into an F5 Tornado of jittery excitement. I’ve landed one song in 1 year. BE didn’t get it for me. I hustled it on my own & got hungrier for more spots. I can’t even remember how I found this program, I have no idea why I clicked & signed up. Something just told me to.
I won’t say my life is purgatory as I do have a beautiful appreciation for my existence on a floating rock. That, in itself astonishes me daily. But in terms of my music life- it’d very reminiscent of a kid that was abnormally good at buzzing through 99.9% of SuperMario first level & COMICALLY failing every time he reached the up & down barber shop looking pole at the end of level 1.
This video in particular made me tear up. I can’t exactly explain why. Religious people always talk about the Holy Spirit & I feel whatever just happened to my brain is similar to that. I’ve been in my head if this is the right program for me… like really, really in my head about it. I work in what I call an “idea room” it’s essentially demo production, & turns out- is a bit busier than I would’ve thought. I was a bit behind on the modules but was able to plow through a good bit. I watched this whole q&A yesterday- but didn’t catch the part you included about not needing to aim so hard for the nose or specifically write “TV Albums” This supervisors authenticity gave me hope in my own authenticity on a day I really needed to hear this. It can be very difficult to find inspiration or the muse most days out of the year.. I’m in constant panic about my future. Holidays are brutal, older brothers a Dr, the other an architect & I’m me. Except today I think I realized.. I’m not me. Because society’s view of ME isn’t accurate. I’m NOT some guy ripping a bong in my parents basement with pizza en route. Based purely on musician stereotype. My authenticity is my saving grace that DOES barely pay bills. It sounds like a joke but I’ve met a lot of people in fb group that say the same about “barely paying bills” it’s actually rather impressive when you think about it.
Today I can feel that piece of me in my soul glowing again. I have Syncsongwriter & the universe to thank for that.
I really, sincerely apologize for the novella. This hit me in such a way- I’d doubt it’s even fully coming across to you. I remember a certain supervisor Sami said early on in this course- something along the lines of nobody wants to hear your life story upon meeting you. I 1000% agree & understand that’s more likely my issue with not crossing the finish line. I also apologize if this isn’t limited to just Chris & I just spilled my guts to all involved. I’m a believer in energy. This was the best human energy I’ve felt in a while. I simply couldn’t resist but to funnel it where I felt it to be necessary. I’m very happy to be apart of this program & look forward to the rest. Simply put. I’ve met nobody in this program & especially don’t personally know anyone in this program, but everybody in this means a lot to me currently in my life. I feel the warmth for indie & sincerity other humans. For that alone, I can’t thank you enough.
Sincerely,
G.S. Reid
A.k.a
WYOKI
Hey G.S., thank you for sharing all of that. It probably wasn’t easy. There is an old East Indian saying along the lines of be kind to others because they are fighting a big battle too. I am really happy to hear you have found a home here at Sync Songwriter for your thoughts and creations. Let’s just keep moving forward one step at a time and thank you for the kind words.
Read your story and your past struggles and i would just like to say thank you for sharing with us 🙂
It’s a little scary because like putting albums out, what if you don’t connect? I’ve spent some time learning how to put edit points and making sure I had button endings. Which is all good I’m sure. But I think I’ve been worried and focusing more on the form of the song rather than making good music authentic to me. So it’s a little scary but also makes me happy. I don’t have to try and make music that’s not in my wheelhouse.
Exactly. Then is all comes down to targeting so you are sending the right people the right music at the right time.
Yep – Do what you do and continue to find ways to do it better :0)
For sure!
Be your authentic self. Great video — thanks Chris.
Thanks!
Ha ha it is the age old singer-songwriter paradigm. Everyone wants to hear the next Joni or Paul. It’s just you and your acoustic guitar. So hard to make that magic happen. But hey now add a pro session singer, pads and drums. Songwriter nerd on computer writes killer track for them, but shuns the public. Sync likes it but wants paradigm. Authenticity?
That certainly happens, John, but there are tons of singers with acoustic guitars (or pianos) who get into TV & film. It all comes down to the feeling of the track not so much how you produce it. That true feeling mostly comes from writing from the heart. If some songwriter writes a great song which is sung by a session singer and they believe in the song, then you can totally have a classic track that will work in TV & film and for listeners everywhere. Elvis pops to mind. 🙂
HOME COURT ADVANTAGE.
Nothing like a Story telling song. Watching a movie with the help of a song is Home Court advantage . Its like Sign Language. Not everyone understands what’s going on, but the sync music connect the dots and take you home.
Thank you Chris Mollere and Chris SD
Great input, Ethan. Yes I certainly agree!
great advice tx
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Chris, thank you for this video. It’s really helpful. This theme of “you be you” with your music keeps coming up for me. Even in the group meeting with you checking out one of our songs, when you said I have a “character voice,” that encouraged me to stop worrying about being like this artist or that artist. I realize now that being yourself in your music makes it shine even brighter!
Exactly! Don’t overthink it.
Great video. My stuff is authentic because I’m not clever enough to imitate someone else. Even when I’m writing, I rarely end up where I started. And my singers pretty much have artistic license to twist and bend my songs so they feel fulfilled.
Haha, I doubt the cleverness part, Denise, but you aren’t burdened with what a lot of other artists are. There are people out there who can’t help but sound like someone else.
Hi Chris-
I don’t really stay in the same lane with my music. I’ve been cowriting Country for the past 5 years while simultaneously playing and releasing cowritten music in a Post Punk band. I also have a cowriting Garage Rock project that landed 2 EPs with Marmoset last year. Though that project was more targeted towards ad placement. Then there is my solo work which is squarely in between all these genres. The common thread is they are all guitar based, since that’s my main instrument. I really enjoy writing and recording in all these silos. I wrote my first song in 1979, so I’ve been at it a long time. It’s only recently that I considered licensing what I write, and that started with the Country writes 5 years ago, but my solo work is quite different. Hmm. Same problem I had in college as a painter. Couldn’t commit to a style. I just love writing and recording what I write.
Hey Mark, writing in a bunch of different styles is never a problem as long as you sound like you while you’re doing it.
Like Denise said above…”i’m not clever enough to imitate someone else”. I feel like I’m copying even if I don’t actually copy them. The reference is in my head. I like the groove. I like the way they use their melody of the lyrics. Yes I try and use the idea but, it’s hard not to be accused of imitating Before AOTSP, I hardly ever listen to the radio. I would get some ideas from watching movies though. I write not for any one genre. It seems as though I don’t have a genre that I can imidiately put my finger on, even while doing my searches. Even when I ask you guys or the community, i get several different genre suggestions. I listened to Amy Stroup and how she writes and performs her songs. She hires small orchestral units to help her. Maybe after a few syncs, I can afford to do that also but, for now….in the box practicing to get better at all of the things it take to get a polished full sound. With the good advice I ge from AOTSP. THANKS CRIS.
That all sounds like you are on the right track, Vance. The styles don’t matter, it’s the “you” in the styles that do.
I so agree with this Chris a lot of time life experience can be an emotion teacher. In my own musical journey most things I’ve done come from joy pain laughter mine or someone else’s and I think over time you developed your own sound For a songwrighterif I can call myself that I think that is my goal is to do something that is unique I am so grateful that I found your course it gives me the chance to share my work with professionals poets and songsmiths Cheers Collin
Great to hear, Collin!
Absolutely agree 100%
Some of my latest songs are so raw emotionally I feel embarrassed to have let that much emotion show but I’ve been told that vulnerability is strength.
Can’t wait to be able to put them out there and for you to hear them!