If you're and independent artist, there are three main things you seek to advance your career : income, exposure and credits for your press kit. Music licensing is a terrific way to attain the three main things for career advancement that are mentioned above.
Ok, so what is music licensing? Music licensing is when "the owner of a song gives permission for part or all of this song to be used in a TV show, movie, commercial, or other format where music is played along with visuals" (Wilsey and Schwartz, Musician's Guide to Licensing Music). The owner of the song may be the artist, another representative, or the publisher. Just depends on how the copyright and publishing agreements are worked out. Many independent artists are the "artist" and the "publisher", making them the "owner" of the song. If you haven't signed the copyrights of your original song over to a publishing company, then you , the artist, own the song.
Here's another great thing I learned.....independent music is attractive to those seeking music for their projects!! Apparently, in some situations, it can be easier to deal with an independent than major label music because of all the "red tape" associated with using a major artist's song. This may not be true on a case by case basis, but it is the general concensus.
So, let's dig a little deeper. What are the two sides of music licensing? On one side, you have the artists, or the people who represent those artists. On the other side, you have the people who need musical content for a TV show or film or video game or commercial. These people are the filmmakers, directors, producers or production companies. Between the two sides is the middleman, aka the music supervisor.
Now that we know WHAT music licensing is, and who plays a role in it; how do we license the music?? Honestly, if you are trying to self market and license music on your own it can be VERY challenging. The time and effort it would take to build and establish contacts and who does what and then figure out how to pitch your music to them is more than a full-time job!! What artist has time to create the music AND market it?? I'm not saying that it's impossible. I'm just saying in this fast paced business it would be wise to use your time wisely and find representation for your music. If you want better chances at having your music placed in film or TV, find someone professional and reputable to market and represent your music. In other words, find a good music marketer. More than likely, they will already have built in systems on marketing music, established contacts, and already know all the licensing lingo.
Stay tuned to the next Music Licensing post that will discuss fees and types of agreements.
*Information obtained from "The Musician's Guide To Licensing Music" Wilsey and Schwartz*
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