Tips & REQUIREMENTS
REQUIREMENTS
Be registered with a performing rights organization (PRO), such as ASCAP, BMI, or SESAC. A PRO provides the “collection of royalties, between copyright holders and parties who wish to use copyrighted works publicly.” Registration for BMI is free for writers. If by any chance you are not registered with any and would like to chat about this section, you’re welcome to BECOME A MEMBER to go over this in more detail.
Make sure the songs you submit for sync are registered with your PRO.
Have the ability to send files in WAV format.
You must submit your song(s) with a signed agreement and everyone with the rights to the song(s) must consent to the agreement as well.
The following information is needed for the METADA: COVER, LYRICS, BPM, GENRE, TAGS, AND YEAR THE SONG WAS CREATED. IF THE SONG WAS RELEASED, PLEASE SEND THE YEAR AND THE ISRC.
Always send the instrumental version with your submissions. Make sure to keep the stems of each song you submit, ready to send if asked.
TIPS
When it comes to sync (synchronized to motion picture) songs have to be professionally mastered. Each project is going to require a specific genre and lyrics. Trust your instincts in creating music that’s meaningful to you, but keep in mind that music for sync has to follow a few protocols. HERE ARE A FEW SUGGESTIONS:
AVOID
No AI. No samples. No splices. No beats. No swearing.
Short tracks. Make sure to send full songs – nothing less than 2:30 minutes.
Fade-outs – make sure your song does not end with a fade-out.
REGISTRATION
Everyone involved in the song should register with their respective PRO (i.e., BMI, ASCAP, SESAC, etc.).
If the song is set for streaming on Spotify, YouTubeMusic, Amazon, Apple, etc., everyone involved should register it with the respective MLC (Mechanical Licensing Collective).
COVERS
Whether it is for sync or regular streaming, make sure to clear any/all sample covers you would like to use. Here is a site where you can clear samples: DMCLEARANCES.COM
DISSECTING A SONG
These are some questions to keep in mind when considering your songs for sync.
How many tools can you find in your song? Identify if the instruments in your song can be used in different scenes, such as trailers and documentaries.
Does your song have an emotional factor? Are the lyrics heartfelt?
Is your song one-dimensional, specific, or can it be changed to fit a project?
Is your instrumental version pitchable? Maybe the full version isn’t but the instrumental is, so think about the possible placements it can have.
