Top thing that gets songs into TV & film
March 19, 2023
Do you know the songs that work best in the music licensing world?
You might think they are the ones that are specifically written for sync, but you’ll be surprised to find out it can be something else.
There is something you might already be doing that makes your music ready to go…
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Hey! Give us a shout about anything really.
contact Sync Songwriter
Our goal is for you to start getting your music into TV & film.
thank-you. I have to like/love it first!
Fair enough!
Hi , I’ve done recording in the past for tv and video, TLC got a few 10 second spots on LA INk show, My band Utopia press who i write and perform with are putting out some great sounds i think would be great for film her is our latest
https://youtu.be/PcpRU29nxOU
cheers
thanks for listening
Tom MacDonald
utopia Press
Love the visuals on that video, love the strat sound even more.
Its very progressive rock sounding almost pink floydish. Not a bad thing. Sounds great.
Digging this, Tom. Cool vibes and you have a great sound.
https://open.spotify.com/album/2fXFa4lHXqYWzhVDMLMLOJ?si=HVxuo0NoSyGAG2Q3Aq09gg AM I ON THE RIGHT PATH
Definitely!
Absolutely true that authenticity is the most important thing. I love that advice. If you’d like to listen here’s my song ‘Day in the sun’ freshly released on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/artist/4FCrrmKeUqCkHOGalik4RT?si=z9YZLYamRISqX04knHkk5A Have a great day!☀️
Erika, this a beautiful song and production approach. I feel it needs to be recorded and mixed better to get into TV & film. Do that and I think you are a shoo-in.
Thanks for the boost! Here is a recent release of mine. https://youtu.be/zl-UZCLaDBU
Nice! Thanks for sharing, Steve. Feels great!
Chris, so great to see this video today. It confirms that I’m doing the right thing. I have actually started every session with a sink Song Writer Music supervisor by telling them. I am an artist looking for a home for my song and that I don’t write specifically for sync because firstly, it would not be authentic and secondly, I don’t have the time! I am a busy recording engineer, producer, music journalist and accessibility advocate as I am a blind brain tumor survivor in the recording industry. Of course, I would be delighted to be hired as a composer for a film, but that’s different than trying to catch the wave and try to write specifically for sync with no deal in place lol. I’ve been told by everyone that I’ve spoken to in sync club and beyond that the quality of my music is excellent, which is good to hear as I am a producer, recording engineer, and session musician for a living lol. This song is one of my favorites and I think would work in a lot of different film and TV placements wherever you need a bit of swagger. I was even told by one music supervisor I should call my genre swagger rock lol.
https://youtu.be/1oKW-EW5KWo
Joey, thanks for sharing your challenges and I love this! I feel it needs a remix to bring out the power even more, but great stuff!
Thanks for this.🙏
Here is my latest release “Emergence” which I think is on the cinematic scale 😊
https://open.spotify.com/track/2yiTSDf44h4O7uRf6g3vsY?si=0Se8gEDSQ-6q1UKxhkJ1Eg
Thanks
Mark
Very nice, Mark. I can definitely hear this in a blockbuster movie. Very beautiful and well produced and recorded.
Thanks, Chris, very well stated. I appreciate these guidelines you are giving us. Here is an instrumental my son and I created. Clay Kirkland- "The Conversation". https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HCjiGd0XY10
Super interesting, Clay. Love the different sounds and the harp is awesome.
BINGO!!
Yes, writing from the Heart penetrates the Ears and Soul of the listener.
Here’s one of mione that touches on the tragedy of war…
https://youtu.be/Xm5383edAMk No Tears Left To Cry
Glad we’re on the same page, Ron. Thanks for sending your song. I like the use of the outside instruments in this. Unusual but novel and interesting!
Hi Chris, yes yes yes my sentiments exactly . got to find a fit not make a song fit. Looks cold where you are dude stay warm,
this is a link to a song i wrote that is enviromentally relevant ! https://s.disco.ac/brlglukdxspm its called "Rhinohorn" and some people have said it sounds like an Adele song……….. I wish. Still think doing your course in 2019 was the best investment I ever made, went on to do Michael Elsner’s course as well . Knowing your business is very important. Roc on! Suzy Haworth
Yes, I remember you of course, Sue! Great to hear from you and thank you for sharing. I agree, I could here this in an even more epic production with someone like Adele.
That’s great! I write in this form very often👍 – http://www.morleymusicmanagement.co.uk
Good to hear, Thomas.
My computer can’t spell!! LOL
mione = mine (From my previous comment.)
Haha
Thanks very much, Chris. I think your message was reassuring and helpful. I have harbored some of those feelings of thinking that I had to "write for sync," which didn’t really make sense. It is great to know that I can write for myself and find the opportunities afterward. Thank you for reinforcing that notion.
Good to know, John!
Thank you for this vlog Chris. I needed a little encouragement. I will admit, the deeper I go into this course, the more intimidated I feel about the whole business of sync and my chances.
Here’s a link to one of my more successful songs.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=amKPLzGF8nI&list=OLAK5uy_mB76_Rj21wK3dckOAdKMh3Ktn6ELmfwzM&index=12
My Favs are "You Stole My Heart" "On the Other Side of Midnight" "Sad and Lonely" and "Happy Day". You Have a nice voice there Connie. Some really cool vibes.
Not sure why you would feel intimidated with which such a lovely song and recording. I think this is a shoo-in for TV & film if it gets in front of the right people.
hi Chris – thanks for posting this, I have little confidence that just doing my own artistic thing will find a sync home i.e. that there is a pot for every lid. I’ve come to believe the opposite, i.e. that a lot of stuff I find artistically satisfying to do is just not what could be used in sync and that I do have to "write for sync". I can give you an example of acapella song that (OK not a lot of acapella can be used anyway as it interferes with dialogue but putting that aside) I had fun doing but I’m not even sure what the emotion it enhances would be.
https://open.spotify.com/track/3Ul31srm8frirj04sc9gXs?si=WMj0SIGcRcSMu1Tq-K6A0w .
PLEASE NOTE I am here to learn not to complain and any insights you can share would be appreciated. Cheers, Tony.
Christmas in April! I’ll take it. 🙂 Nice song and production. Love the harmonies.
Thanks for the vlog Chris, yes authenticity is #1!
Thanks also for requesting a song link. Here’s a tune I wrote that I think would make a great soundscape for any Western. It’s a "Quest" song, a duet with a bridge featuring my friend on harmonica.
https://www.reverbnation.com/a1anf/song/26177809-bluegrass-road
Cool vibes, Alan. I’d like to hear the voices less effected, but I love the approach to the production.
Yes Chris! Really excited to share new music for you! Very true…be true to self. Thanks for taking the time to share.
Thanks for sharing, Jim! Catchy and well written. I’ve heard this before and can’t remember where.
Really enjoying this course. Very insightful. Thank you! Here’s a link to one of my recent tracks. "Come A Little Closer" – a fun, love song about letting the world go by, finding happiness where you can and living in the moment. https://youtu.be/NWvttS7osGk
Top shelf, Jessica! You should have no problem getting this into TV & film if you’re able to get it in front of the right people.
Yes 100% Chris ,authentic is king, Listen to Doctor Love / Radio version by Carlos and the Chordvettes / Film&TV industry on #SoundCloud
https://on.soundcloud.com/eaEK1
Cool indie vibe, Carlos.
Thanks Chris!!
Of course!
It seems the song that work best in sync are song that express a feeling. An example might be " Walking on Sunshine" that expresses happiness or "Love Hurts’ to express heartbreak.
https://www.youtube.com/user/larrygreenmusic
I really like your vocal, Larry, and great song too!
This is a relief to here! Been wondering about the relationship between authenticity and sync placements
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Hi Chris. I have heard numerous times from supervisors that they are looking for authentic music. All the supervisors I have talked to say that my music (my jazz music) is very syncable. In fact, I have received one placement to date. I am not as confident about my self-produced tunes in a non-jazz style. Here is a link to one of the latter: https://s.disco.ac/unzafonlmauh
Any comments would be welcome. Thanks.
I could see this working quite well in a scene from the series "Doom Patrol" Got that quirky feeling that would work well maybe in one of those scenes? I see lots of potential for this Doug. To your success 😀
Hi Doug, interesting wah sound. Curious how you did that.
Hi Chris, My main requirement at present is to learn my Logic Pro DAW as all our tracks were initially recorded on a Zoom multitrack, then the demo’s were taken to a professional studio where the engineer mixed & mastered them for us.So here is a link to one of our songs on our website, I’m on lead vocal:- https://bluefoxknights.co.uk/track/2082898/my-life-is-one
That’s great, Philip, keep up the good work improving your production.
Hi, Chris! Thanks for sharing these thoughts. I am glad to hear that authenticity is so important, as that is the place from which I write.
Thank you for inviting us to share a song with you. I think one of my songs that would work best in sync is "Matter of Time," about finding ways to infuse some adventure and excitement into a relationship that’s become a bit bogged down by life’s daily grind.
Here’s a link to it: https://bit.ly/matteroftimesong
Thanks for listening!
Thanks for sharing, Carolyn. Nice production and great song. I could hear this in TV & film.
Hi Chris,
Thanks so much for sharing your knowledge and info! The 2 songs below we’ve had some luck getting into different indie films, but always looking for the next placement.
https://soundcloud.com/macle/starting-now-remix-3
https://soundcloud.com/the-mates/which-way-to-the-future-1
Thanks for listening and for the encouragement!
Great stuff! If you are in my class, looking forward to helping you get that next placement… and more.
Hey Chris, I’ve been really enjoying your course and bonus material. Thanks for always showing genuine interest in your students and their work. I’ve been working on my skills as a producer and mixing engineer for the last 2 years and finally released my debut single as a music producer. Love to get your thoughts on it if you have the time! Either way, thanks for the hard work you put into your curriculum. https://soundcloud.com/jeremyravinemusic/be-with-you/s-6XmMxbGx5Ti
I like the modern production, Jeremy. Good use of effecting the voices.
Wow. You’re getting crazy on me, Chris. Two posts in such short order? Yes, I’ve had people tell me how much they love my music. My band mates have been with me for a very long time for that reason (so they, but I think it’s my charm and that I buy most of the beer). But, no, I don’t feel confident. I like my music and I can’t seem to stop writing. And I can’t imagine "writing for sync". But music is ubiquitous. I have no reason to actually believe my music will soar to the top of the sync placements. But, I reckon it’s a numbers game and time will tell as long as I keep writing what I write and playing the game. And, there are other successes. Recently a person drove over an hour to a small show to tell me that my music had carried her through a very hard time. I couldn’t have expected that either. ~~ Thanks for the invite to post a song even if you don’t get to it. I thought of sending a recent song, but this is what came to mind as I looked at the gray of that water and heard the gulls. If you get to it, I hope you enjoy it: https://s.disco.ac/knmvpxtdglhv Thank you for your efforts on our behalf.
Sounds like West Virginia where you’re from. One of the most beautiful parts of the world I have ever seen. I like your John Prine simplicity and I could hear this in TV & film. Thanks for sharing.
I have always… and always will write for myself!
Nice!
Hey Chris, Here is one of my songs. You can also check out my other work at http://www.paulmakesmusic.com. Thanks Chris.. I appreciate you Chris!
Thanks for sharing, Paul. Makes me feel like I’m flying.
Hi Chris,
Glad to hear that it’s possible to write first and fit later. We were told, recently, by a music supervisor that this particular song we wrote would be a good fit for a sync and would probably pay well if we could find just the right spot for it. We would certainly love to hear your honest opinion. https://open.spotify.com/track/4pb8HEdNplDLEK2AOifNcs?si=0537b8b2a4a245a8
Cool. Reminds me a bit of The Breeders. Nice vibes!
Thanks, Chris – We really appreciate your feedback!
I second that emotion! Thanks, Chris.
Good vibes, Frank. Goes nicely with the sunny weather here in Mexico. 🙂
I think this song would go perfect with that background, attached YouTube and Spotify link
https://youtube.com/playlist?list=OLAK5uy_kLgutUUHzGPZ3TC8EKRcHKE4QqtQX6RBU
https://spotify.link/y21eZ8oijyb
Interesting song composition using just a beat, Finas. Thanks for sharing!
Thank you Chris, always enjoy hearing your take on things! Will post a link to one of my tunes when I have them all up on Sound Cloud. Enjoy the ocean!
Sounds good, Matt.
Super encouraging! Thanks Chris! Your take on this fully resonates with me; it’s a relief to know I don’t have to write specifically for sync. For example, I have been told that instrumental intros are sometimes helpful, but it’s not that we necessarily have to write with that in mind. Rather, if the song happens to have one, then I was told it may give some flexibility while leading into the scene where the main part of the song will be used. Is that your experience? This song called "Mother Don’t Cry" happens to have an instrumental beginning and ending: https://manishamusic.bandcamp.com/track/mother-dont-cry Appreciate your taking the time for us, and looks like you had a wonderful day oceanside!
It doesn’t matter too much, Manisha, they will just edit the part they need for the seen. I like your hybrid sound and the space you left for your vocal. Great work!
Hi Chris! I’m not sure if you see comments on your youtube video channel which I saw earlier. Thanks for your positive vibes…and at the expense of being redundant…here’s a preview link to an upcoming single from my Muscle Souls project. Hope you have a chance to listen! Many thanks, John Palubski
The link didn’t work unfortunately, John.
Authenticity will always win out over something that’s trying to be something it isn’t. Here’s a song I wrote that I’ve always thought could land on a show: https://on.soundcloud.com/mek5Y
I liked this Jon. Great performance by the band!
Thanks for sharing your insights, so invaluable! I wrote this song as a deeply self reflective metaphorical commentary on my long term damaging relationship. "I want to live in a fairytale, inside of my mind…." cuts to the core of my fantasies, values and desires, but it contrasts with reality. I’m most proud of concepts I wrote into the song that reference classic fairytales; " would you hold my glass heart, and never break it, or let it chime past midnight; obliterate it." My dream for it is to be an incredible end credits song for a dark fairytale themed movie haha ;). I have been told by a producer they could imagine my voice in movies after hearing this :). Always trying to improve though! If you ever have the chance to give it a listen, I’d love to hear your thoughts for sure 😊.
Listen to Fairytale by aethel on #SoundCloud
https://on.soundcloud.com/vZzG9
Really nice, Jasmine. You have a great voice, I would have liked to have heard a few more instruments in there for build, but overall nice approach to the production. I can hear this in TV & film.
I’m a California guy and I love Cambria. This is the music that goes with that. https://music.apple.com/us/album/on-the-shore/1485304538?i=1485304543
Cool tune, Chris. I like the guitar work. Thanks for sending that in.
Hello Chris, I’m not sure what to write, because I thought it was for just vocals and guitar. Here is a song I have created lyrics from a beat library. It’s something I hope you get a chance to listen to. https://on.soundcloud.com/BGt6CDk7CYye3bUbA It’s called Run-N-Away
Appreciate you submitting this, John. Link didn’t work for me.
As we all know.. the directors to sync placement to TV & film have managed to excemt things to hit their artists to try making another achievement. That’s where I come in. They expect authenticity.. That’s where I submit my ‘pitch’ #theintro.. the ‘this is why im k pump,#and_im_the_best’ . To promote the way the want .. 😀 .. To hit the starting point of life ‘with my music in t.v & films… shows at home with popcorn & popcorn at movie theaters #with_my _music in it "Quality & And Quantity project processing has been in progress 🔥 🔥 🔥 🔥 sound and quality progress processing. ArtistLife#
Love it!
Absolutely!!! Spot on Chris ! I didn’t start writing to briefs until over 50 of my songs that I wrote authentically for myself & my fans were synced. thank you for creating this program in this community! You are such an inspiration! 🎉👏🎶
& this community! 😊
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Thanks Elza!
Thanks for that Chris, I appreciate it because I started having some doubts. After listening to so many other great music and productions that old enemy voice started talking to me and making comparisons (in a ad way). But I realize I have to be myself and hone my skills to fit my own music and productions. Thanks
Don’t let those things get to you, Reid. All the stars started somewhere so you just need to put in the work and you will be on your way.
Get advice, thank you for sharing. I really plan to dig much deeper into this area of Sync Licensing
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Thanks Chris… I just keep on keepin’ on… hopefully, improving as I go… BTW: Got your boat up there with ya?
Sailing the boat back up from Mexico shortly!
Thanks Chris for sharing these tips and insights. It’s quite helpful.
I love living close to the water.
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Hi Chris,
Here is a song I’ve landed a few deals with. It’s in my artist vein of pop/r&b. Recently, I’ve done some singer/songwriter, indie, etc. music for sync opps and found I was still able to stay true to my authentic self. I am able to be me but just in a different style. It’s pretty cool. I’m grateful to have versatility because it’s fun and will create more opps for me in the sync world. I love being in this class. Thanks for all your advice and efforts! https://spotify.link/XYYfC3Ufkyb
Top shelf, Tiffany! It’s great to have you in the class.
Hi Chris,
I really appreciate what you say. If I would have written s.th. directly to your video it would be something different as I now selected by just playing one after another as background to your video.
And the selected one is not one of the songs that I first played, but a song that slowly came into focus. Hope you like it as well just behind your video.
https://soundcloud.com/musiklogo/pianobreak?si=cea1b57fc6e343f39f1ea972aebc5c78&utm_source=clipboard&utm_medium=text&utm_campaign=social_sharing
Thanks for sharing, Erhard. That would have been interesting putting music behind my video. Thanks for the suggestion!
Thanks, Chris. Beautiful location! My latest video has sailing and a water background too..maybe too much water! "What Matters In The End."https://youtu.be/ftETdYBH438
Sonja Garlick
Thanks for sharing, Sonja. Yes, nice water theme there. 🙂 I like the big anthemic chorus and you have an excellent voice. Great job!
Sonja Garlick again..wrong link..should be https://youtu.be/ftETdYBH438
Thanks Sonja!
aa
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yes Chris – if I can’t write stuff that means something to me, I rather do something else. Yes I’ve been told my music could be in a film. Here is one piece … https://youtu.be/3U54Ynk12do
Great to hear, Daniel! Nice recording and playing. This could definitely be in a show, movie, or ad.
Thank you Chris, Yes write from the heart & soul , sorry I been busy working, nice location you in buddy, 👍
Thanks Jeffrey.
Hi Chris, Thank you for the video. I love that area where you are. Here’s a recent song that is a semi finalist in UK Songwriting contest.
https://soundcloud.com/user-784597384/sets/just-knowing-youre-there-final/s-L9uON50qwdJ?si=7e7a7580287e4ad6ade09208d2a7c021&utm_source=clipboard&utm_medium=text&utm_campaign=social_sharing
Great to hear about your placement. We produced a winner for the UK Songwriting Contest so know what that is like making the top tier. Good goin’! Very nice song and production. Keep it up!
Thanks for sharing this insight Chris!
Here is a song I would submit for the mood of the environment you were in
https://youtu.be/RQByUAQseyU
Would love ur feedback!
-LaToria
Hey thanks LaToria. This is great! Definitely keep it up. You have a cool a sound and I can feel you which is a rare thing these days.
Hi Chris,
Good information as always.
When I think of water I often remember my trip to Hawaii. While I was there I met an elder of the Hawaiian people and upon returning to Canada wrote this song in collaboration with and advice from
this wonderful woman. It outlines the 8 islands. Mahalo Hawaii
https://s.disco.ac/tolmmqxdivzt
Nice meld of country and Hawaiian music, Paul. Nice vintage sound to it too. I could hear this in the right sync opportunity.
Chris,
As always you keep your words positive and real. You are a great educator and I’m sure you are an awesome husband and father. I have performed a lot and hope to get my songs sync’s. Help others is a real experience and you inspire me to keep it up. A song to listen too is just about that. It’s called “Calling Out”. Look forward to your next inspiration for me. Musically yours. Michael John Aiken
https://youtu.be/97AI2L9hw9Q
Haha thanks, Michael. My wife might disagree with the husband part, but trying my best. 🙂 Thank you for the kind words. Nice to hear some Rock which seems to be more and more rare these days. Cool song and I could hear this in TV & film.
Thanks again, Chris for an insightful video. My quandary is with production of songs. I am sitting on many (like loads of us I’m sure!) but, though I have a good ear, I don’t have great production "chops" and wonder how to do this on a budget to get them polished. It looks like you had a perfect day for beach walking. 😉 Thanks again for sharing!
There are good producers out there for almost any budget, Laurie. I would just listen to the work of some in your price range and pick the best one. I hope that helps.
always right on target Chris. thanks again for the reminder. here is a recent hip hop number I produced
https://s.disco.ac/kbknaavnnaqw
I could see this in a 1970s theme cop movie. This is really well done Scott. You sound like you know what your doing. Very Professional sounding. Love the ching at the end. 🙂
You got it, Scott.
Hi Chris! What a great advice! Thanks a lot for your inspiration and motivation! Hope you’ll enjoy some of my songs. All the best! https://soundcloud.com/user-621716786/sets/for-sync-agency/s-zCYpfFaqwIn?si=a3295f5b111a406d8f4169d705d1e961&utm_source=clipboard&utm_medium=text&utm_campaign=social_sharing
Hey thanks for the kind words, Julia! Really nice recording and song. The acoustic guitar fits really nicely with your vocal. This is ready for sync.
Dear Chris, I totally agree with you. It is definitely important to write from the heart and believe in your music. The 3 original songs that come to mind from me would be 1. DownEast 2. Yellow Wings (arranged full orchestra for Movie Soundtrack) 3. Pollinate composed in The Hundred Acre Woods. Sincerely, Cheryl Jeanette simplyguitarstudio.com
Nice! Yes, you will find success following your heart.
Hi there chris – that is great to hear, that "being yourself". Basically all one can do, right. 😉 How cool. I will probably get someone female to sing it, and tweak the lyrics a little, but this is the version of it i so far registered with my PRO. From the ones i did alone, this might be my most syncable, so far. https://bit.ly/3JQujGG I am only getting started, to really improve, though. 😉
Yes you don’t need to sing on it yourself and it sounds like you are on the right track!
Was hesitant to post after seeing so many links here. But what the heck. Here’s one I just finished. I plan on releasing next month.
https://soundcloud.com/lsrivers/now-thats-done?si=290d4280652e4739bfdc1d00bc6e6b1a&utm_source=clipboard&utm_medium=text&utm_campaign=social_sharing
This sounds great, and excellent playing and vocal delivery. I could definitely hear this in the right opportunity.
Thought I’d shoot one more your way. WARNING: This song is in French. Why? Just because I think my lyrics sound better in French. LOL. I can send translation if you are interested.
https://soundcloud.com/lsrivers/moi?utm_source=clipboard&utm_medium=text&utm_campaign=social_sharing
Thanks Len, I only have time for one. Please see my response on your other comment.
I would say that no one goes into music thinking it’ll make them rich, lol. I only write what I feel and have never felt the need to write specifically for sync. Some people love my music, some people don’t. It’s really enough for me that I like it. That said, I’d say it’s a fun challenge to hone your skills by writing to an emotion, using less words to get the point across and paying a lot of attention to the groove. For those who write specifically for sync, I don’t see it as "selling out" at all – I see it as learning and improving your communication skills through music. Change and growth is always positive.
I couldn’t agree more, JoAnn!
Hey! Thanks for this video. It makes sense. I hope you are well!
Here is one of my songs with video: https://youtu.be/FBe2_euUQmY
I hope you enjoy!
Nice traditional song but with a neat approach to the production with the overdubbed noises. The only problem is music supes wouldn’t be able to use it like that. I would edit them out for a sync version.
Writing from a place of authenticity is what connects us to our audience. It’s such a simple concept, and yet we can often get caught up overthinking everything; a bit like life really!!
Would love your feedback on either of the following tracks, thanks for taking the time to share your incredible knowledge, skill & expertise. I’m really grateful for you.
The Storm Inside:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JvEiBefcoOc
I Can’t Sleep:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LeBaA3WF11c
Cool production on The Storm Inside. This could get into the right show, movie or ad.
I would LOVE YOU TO LISTEN and thanks for the reminder. These are 3 different songs thinking for sync. This one has words almost done but this is so far. This is a blues rock songhttps://youtu.be/D7pgKcQFWpw. this is another instrumental https://youtu.be/aBgitrEWdvk.
Finally the music but this is what we are working not. https://s.disco.ac/akgkvkyycvbs
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Thanks for sending, Gera! See my comment above about your demo.
Well, for a gray sky and ocean situation like you have right there, I think my song "Insomnia" has the right feel, though probably just the TV Mix…
https://mikebankheadmusic.com/track/2544362/insomnia
Hey Mike, thanks for sharing and yes pretty bang on to the weather that day. Thanks for sending this.
Love the Beachboy’s vibe in the chorus!
I love the Beachboy’s vibe in the choruses!
Great spot-on info, Chris. Here’s one directly from the heart:
https://s.disco.ac/ohasdwifgkzj
Good one, Gregory. I’d like to hear a few more instruments in this, and maybe less processing on the vocal, but great song.
Thanks for this video. I have a new album coming this Spring. Here’s my unreleased track called Falling Through (not yet mastered). I’ll have an instrumental version available as well and I own 100% of all content.
https://drive.google.com/file/d/178FBw-3qU9-Y534HkVeetuHFuQ7djKoS/view?usp=sharing
Thanks, Selina. Cool production approach. I like the longing feel to this and how the chorus picks up the way it does. Good job!
I sincerely have a ton of passionate and introspective songs. Here’s one
https://open.spotify.com/track/6JR3PtNdMmUjxcnOeTnWkO?si=NMf1mwetQwSdsUd9v5t_0g
Thanks for sharing, Randy. Almost missed it because of the long fade in. I could hear this in the right show, movie, or ad.
Hi Chris, I hope you´ll find the chance to listen to my music below.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OTMnZFRGoB8
Cool vibes, Florian. Good going’.
Absolutely right on. Thankyou.
https://www.dropbox.com/s/8nggprwp88if69q/4%20-%20Spring%20Song.wav?dl=0
bc@buddycomfort.com
Beautiful Buddy. Flute floats over the guitar and the chord progression with those lovely harmonics and Vocals work so well together.
👍
Hi – authenticity…absolutely! Here’s a link to a YouTube vid of a song about homelessness written by the singer when he was actually and genuinely homeless. It’s a great wee song from Scotland…. It’s cold and earthy and smacks of reality. ‘Holes in my boots and I’m soaked right through. What’s a man in my position to do?’ https://youtu.be/BAAhJ-ArFm0
This is an excellent song, Stuart. Was it actually recorded around a campfire?
Hi Chris
People have often said that my music is suited to the world of film and soundtrack industry. ‘Be yourself’ is a piece I wrote some years ago that I thought I would share with you today.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=J2oWY5BHhW8
I also have music available on my website http://www.nickiehartmusic.com and youtube -https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCXZb4yKZCwuEI4lYINkQBkg
If you are able to take a listen that would be wonderful and thank you so much in advance!
Dreamy mesmerising and hypnotic with a nice little hook on the chorus. I love the piano its beautifully played.
Nice piano work in juxtaposition to the vocal. I can definitely see this TV & film. You coincidently are singing about what I talked about in my video. 🙂
I don’t believe that Film, TV, even ‘Reality’ TV are authentic. They are all scripted and edited to achieve a goal. What they really need is mood music aligned with their scenes’ objectives. Anything else will likely distract from their storyline. There are tons of shows about superheroes, sci fi, fantasy, horror, crime, extreme sports, magic, exciting events, dreams, etc. I write about hopes, dreams, fears, nightmares, darkness, light, emotions and anything not from boring daily life.
https://soundcloud.com/cherieooh/dream-of-a-new-era-with
Yes, I think we are on the same page, but my point is you don’t have to try and write for a particular opportunity.
Hi Chris 😊
Yes, Cambria is a charming town. Glad you’re enjoying it.
My band Amalgamation’s song
“We’re Gonna Love” is one that I definitely feel would work in a cinematic atmosphere. Written in early 2020, it’s about coming together through all the conflict and differences in our world. it’s emotional, colorful in lyric and has a redeeming quality at the end. Here it is and nice to get your recent email.🙏
https://amalgamationmusic.com/single/59251/we-re-gonna-love
Robin
Thanks for the link, Robin. Cool vocal delivery and I like the BG vocals at the end of the sample.
Thank you! I write for myself and never get anywhere, but it is what makes me happiest.
👍
Chris, we are grateful for your content. Here’s a super sneak peak at "the one" before it comes out next month. -Black Tapestry
https://www.dropbox.com/s/dfreyeppkdrfyss/17%20Years%20%28master%29.mp3?dl=0
bodaciousraptor@gmail.com
Thanks for sharing. It has a nice electronic/80s feel to it. Always popular in TV & film.
Thanks, Chris! Validating something I have been feeling and it is one of the reasons I joined this community. I need to up my targeting game because I have some really good songs and my production is quite solid, I think. Need to find the right fit/s!
Nice!
Thank you Chris, this is very motivating and I a have tons of music written from my soul! Now the question is how do you get them into the sync world?
That is exactly what I teach my students how to do and I put them in touch with top music supervisors. It would be far too much to put in a comment box, but The Art Of The Song Pitch opens up again next year if you are keen.
That’s great…but what I really would like to know…is "When you’re building a website for your Sync Library what is the most relevant features one needs to have?" This is a highly technical question but one that’s extremely relevant. (We have enough music in probably a couple of months to put on the site…and we know about the proper listing of tunes and the metadata and the "stems" etc)…BUt what is most relevant is how to attract the eye of the supervisor…in other words…when they go on the site..they need to find the genre and a short description immediately that can be found by a search button at the top…but is there an inexpensive way to get this done when building your site and what else that I’m sure I’m missing in this dept that you could suggest. What are the best sites to build your site on that doesn’t cost $$$$. Of course the best Sync sites probably cost $100,000 or so. Naturally we don’t have that kind of $$. Sorry for the long questions…but I never see these kinds of things addressed in all of the Sync teachers out there. Thanks! Janet Anderson
Hi Janet, music supervisors rarely go to artist websites to find music. They use different platforms for this like DISCO, Dropbox, and Box.
Hi Chris,
I started writing when I got diagnosed with Stage 4 breast cancer. I wrote a song of defiance called ‘Dying to Live’ to give hope to other people who have been told there is no hope for them. I know it is very specific but could there be a place for it in Sync?
https://soundcloud.com/user-964447629/dying-to-live?si=f4cc3ce842ef47a78332ee07bf86b74c&utm_source=clipboard&utm_medium=text&utm_campaign=social_sharing
So sorry that that had to be the "inspiration" for your song. So great that you put this into song. Thank you for sharing.
Hello Chris,
I’ve heard you say this before, about NOT writing for sync and just write what you feel…!
Isn’t it better to write to a brief, knowing that it’s something that they’re definitely looking for rather than writing something and then waiting for someone to write a TV show or film where, by chance, my song just might be a good fit…!
Anyway, here’s a song I wrote… a little different to what the others are posting, it’s a lullabye I wrote for the birth of my first grandchild… I may be biased, but I could see it in any Disney (or similar) film at kids bedtime…!
https://www.dropbox.com/h?preview=Grandchild+of+Mine.wma&role=personal
Your links not showing the preview.
The problem with writing to a brief is that it is typically gone by the time you write, record, and master the track. The other issue is that it sometimes turns out to be too "on the nose". Just relaying what my music supervisor friends tell me.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=InAFaLlos0Q
This songs been on youtube for 2 years and has 42 views. I wrote and produced it on an analogue 8 track and made a video to it, it cost me about £60 using stock footage. I intend to re record it to digital if i ever get my studio together but im still building my catalogue. Thanks.
Interesting production, Ray. It’s not too hard to put together a digital studio these days and think that would be a great idea exploring it in a DAW.
Cambria (really, San Simeon, The Cavalier) is my GO TO every year! Looking at your location background reminded me of the start of my own lyric video for my original song EASIER AND EASIER which changes colors as the story develops. https://youtu.be/o5J2cb9fVRo
Nice! Yes, love that place. Wrote some good songs on the beach there.
BIG MAF – GOLDEN. WELOVEBIGMAF@GMAIL.COM
https://youtu.be/ax96U546zDw
Thanks for sharing, Rudolph.
Hi Chris,
Always great to hear your advice. Have an awesome rest of the week!
Kindly,
Sylkie Monoff https://youtu.be/KuembCY4Mtg;
Thanks Sylkie. Gives me a slight Dolly Parton feel in the best way but with a more folk approach. Sounds great!
Hi Chris, https://youtu.be/sk99cV8oH-s I woke up early in the morning to see the sun rise on the east coast of April 2010 Then I added my song I wrote on 9/11/2001 called Side by Side
I added with the pictures with music
I took and created this video in 2011
Thank you!
Hi Jay, long time no hear. I hope all is well! Nice vibe and it feels like a sunrise. I would consider going into a pro studio to recut this. It’s got lots of potential.
Hi Chris,
Thanks for this video and the encouragement to trust in our authenticity. The song I most often hear "this would sound great in a fantasy series" is Fire https://open.spotify.com/track/5qhGP7aV1hO7WiZUhO04p0?si=0d53c2a24f234c53
Thanks for asking!
All the best,
Amy
http://www.parabolawest.com
Thanks for sharing Amy. Interesting use of the strings right off the top and melds nicely with your vocal and electronic vibe. I could definitely see this in TV & film.
Thanks Chris! Your message is encouraging and dovetails nicely w Martin Sutton’s observation: "write from your truth"
(PS: thanks again for getting us access to the songwriting bootcamp at TSA!) Here’s a song I wrote from truth: https://vimeo.com/559225994
Thanks for sending your song, Alex. I love the guitar work. Definitely feel like I’m heading down the tracks.
You live and learn. One is learning about the fabulous Disco App and how to share. Somehow I shared the wrong link but here is the new one for a project that I am working on. Not by any means complete but thank you!
Thanks for sharing, Gera. I can hear the potential and when there are more instruments in there it will build a little better, but suits the title!
Great advise. Thanks
👍
Thank you for your advise.
I have received comments that the darker tone of my music would be suitable for some horror movies. Agree or disagree (think)
https://open.spotify.com/artist/3uyfx6yDLLhz2zie3ZrLwy
I wouldn’t say horror movie myself, but I love the dark vibe and your vocal a lot. Thanks for posting the link.
Hi Chris.. such an inspirational video to keep us on track — thank you so much for sharing your knowledge — wisdom! I’ve always believed in the saying that "when the student is ready, the teacher will appear". Your program has come at a pivotal time in my life journey from where all my music/songs are realized. I tend to write songs with long intros/outros and w/ many FXs. I am now in the process of editing all the singles from my last CD so that the songs are straight and to the point for pitching purposes. This will not hinder my writing process/place of authentic storytelling at the onset because I will always have 2 versions of my songs moving forward — I hope that this is one strategy I’m working on that will help make my music go! I have taken off (edited) about 45 seconds of my song "You Know" for "radio play"/pitching, which I will be using in my vetting group, but I have not posted the edited version on YouTube or Spotify, yet. Thnx bunches… https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HJJ7ODZ-gsU https://open.spotify.com/artist/60vcwH6vf9elmaUcVF6K5Y
I really like the chorus in your song, Shila. The vocal doubling and harmonies. Don’t sweat the long intro though. The music editor can just edit it when they use it in a show, movie or ad.
Hey Chris, thanks for being honest and authentic in this video. Authenticity is the key. I once played golf in Colorado with three other Hall Of Fame songwriters from Nashville and we were discussing this exact topic. One of my friends in the group whom I HATE because he has written so many songs I wish I HAD written said, "Chester, trying to anticipate what song will get picked up and used and what WON’T get used is like trying to hit a speeding train with a snowball that is 30 yards away". Another reminded me that one of his greatest hits, was rejected by everyone in Nashville for 5 years, till it was recorded and went Platinum and #1 on more charts than you can imagine. All this just supported what I believed and believe about the sync bizz: write a song, share it and it will find a home – WHEN YOU LEAST expect it.
Here is a great example of a song still waiting to find a home. It has won numerous songwriting awards and people hear it and cry. Still, it has not found a home. One of my friends said, "Chet, it’s probably TOO authentic!"
So, you tell me. I wrote it after I read that actor, Philip Seymour Hoffman had died and left a baby son behind and a loving partner. So, I give you, "The Needle In His Arm"…… https://chetnichols.net/track/1505207/the-needle-in-his-arm-hmma-award-version
Best to you all….. Chet Nichols. (and thanks, again, Chris)
A beautifully tragic song, Chet. Thank you for sharing that. And yes, you never in sync when a song will get picked. You can know when you are playing in the big times though and what can eventually come.
This was very insightful and inspirational. Thank you. I think for me, it’s understanding a starting point. Some of my fans always tell me they can hear my song in a movie or on the video game. I don’t have that confidence yet because I don’t know the steps to get started. I have one song in particular that I just released on 3/21/23 called "Summer Breeze" by Good Girl Lisa. I can see this song being played in a movie in the exact setting you are in on this blog or if someone is on a cruise or island getaway. Thanks for sharing.
Very cool and great to hear, Lisa. Thanks for sharing.
Hey Chris! Idk if its my strongest song but it definitely fits the vibe of your scene here 🙂 or maybe even better: one of your classic instructional videos filmed on THE BOAT. Haha. Cheers man looking forward to sync start today !
The Boat [Live]: youtube.com/watch?v=IXRzZQC-OZw
The Boat [Studio version]: https://open.spotify.com/track/6MaFMH5KqD5WA3nWbZMNbt?si=3fa63c69d20c4542
Thanks for sharing, Chance. It has a great indie Lou Reed/Dylan vibe!
Hi Chris, love to have you check out this track:
Hang on Me by Joan Bessie https://open.spotify.com/track/0JltbdGHskQwLqahIQ43qe?si=ba8df790eec94fbd
Cheers,
JB
This is great, Jessica. Great song, vocal and recording!
Hi Chris,
Thanks for doing what you do! I think any of my songs would be good for sync because they’re written by feelings. I don’t see the point in locking myself away in the studio just for the sake of writing a song or making the music I think other people would want to hear – it’s gotta come from within or I’m not interested.
I’d love it if you’d check out my music – any of the songs on my first EP should be syncable, but maybe start with Time and Space or KABOOM!
https://open.spotify.com/playlist/4YbXOcFSGxevLePg3KCAgf?si=54aeb9536df94e77
Thanks again!
JW
Love the futuristic production approach to this, Jay. Good going!
Great advice as always, Chris!
Will take that to heart as I continue on this sync journey. 🙂
I have a new track that many people say belongs in film or TV. They think it has an emotional outer space movie vibe. Would love your thoughts!
It’s called ‘End of the Event’. 🙂 https://open.spotify.com/track/1JEX8FQMR17pNcOIwUcVXZ?si=2e4311a909b24b47
Thanks for sharing, Steve. You are definitely cut out to be a composer and are very good at it!
Thanks as always for your insights Chris! I know my lane! I hope you’ll give a listen to my new song Need You: https://soundcloud.com/ruthemusic/need-you
Best,
Ruth
Thanks for sharing, Ruth. Nice recording. Nice voice but I feel you could find a better microphone for your vocals. Something to make them sound warmer and more natural. Otherwise great job!
Thanks very much for taking the time to provide your feedback Chris. I’ll look into finding a better mic. Cheers!
I tried writing for other people and I can write a song but felt something weird, wasn’t happy even making money. So I stopped. I want my music to be pure, that really matters to me. I just bear my fruits. Thank you so much for your message!!!!
White Roses
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AKXvoP1dkuM
👍
Hey Chris,
Truly inspirational stories, many thanks. When some tree branches fell to the ground in my backyard during a recent storm, my first thought was – video it for my next short film, and it inspired me to write a scene and theme that I may not have otherwise conceived .
This song was written during AOTSP, targeting ( an new term for me!) a specific tv show and also Bonnie Raitt. (Aim high) Today I sent the demo for a Sundown Sessions production with a female vocalist, and also plan to record my own version in a studio for my 2nd album.
Might you have a listen? I’ve been getting Ray Davies/Kinks ‘sounds like’ which I’d not thought of. Thanks!
https://soundcloud.com/lloydfrost/a-rearranging-kind-of-love-v6/s-WtDgpG05eRV?si=cec541c16a3b4b03a905c78961f82b2b&utm_source=clipboard&utm_medium=text&utm_campaign=social_sharing
Hi Lloyd, looking forward to working on this one!
Love your approach and it seems to run counter to what i am hearing from some people and it’s really discouraging. I feel encouraged to continue listening to you. Here is a link for a song i felt inspired by and that certainly came from a special place, written in Jamaica. Hope you have time to listen and comment. https://ralphykeys.com/track/3391899/fighting-through-the-storm
Great to hear, Ralph!
Cool to see all those analog keyboards. Sounds cool and I love the warmth and the mix is great. Keep it up!
Hey Chris,
It’s always great seeing and listening to you. I end up walking away with a semblance of hope afterwards. I certainly wasn’t going to pitch a song at you, because I figured that everybody does that. And you’re busy enough. But you asked, and I happen to have a song that fits the feeling that a lot of us may be having, whether you call it isolation or just another gray day. https://on.soundcloud.com/LMvAq
Cheers,
Dylan
Thanks for sending Dylan. It definitely has a 90s feel which is really in demand these days. You’re in a good spot.
Me thinks that my intense Prog Rock/Jazz Fusion is not going to work….right?
Hi Keith, almost every song can get synced somewhere if the production is good enough. There are so many shows, movies, and ads that there are homes for your Prog Rock/Jazz Fusion tracks.
Thanks Chris. Can’t wait to take your course! Here’s a link to one of my new songs – kinda diferent! – "Gonna Put My Lipstick On" – I think it might work for sync, maybe in advertising or as a quirky tune for reality TV. 🙂 thank you for listening! Holland https://mixposure.com/hollandnelson/audio/32667
I can’t do anything with your link here, but submit to me with the instructions in the email I sent out.
Here’s one for you to listen to, would love your feedback: https://www.dropbox.com/scl/fi/34ckbo37y1hqss7dankju/10-Peace-Of-Mind.wav?rlkey=hoswui71trq9us0a188e3urde&dl=1