By Binx
I’ve always known about the sync world. Still, it wasn’t until 2021 when I discovered through a BMI royalty statement that one of my songs had been placed in an HBO TV show two years prior (in 2019), that I really started immersing myself in all this world has to offer. The moral of the story is to read your statements! I could have caught this sooner.
I was ecstatic when I discovered my music was featured in a pivotal and emotional scene on a popular TV show. Hearing my voice and lyrics in the episode was a special moment in my career. I eagerly jumped up and down and called all of my family and friends. After several calls, it became clear that I was supposed to have been paid for this TV placement, but I brushed it off.
I was more interested in seeing my music infused with pictures than concerned about a paycheck (even though I was hardly covering my expenses at this stage). After thorough research, I realized that someone was supposed to have obtained permission from me to use my song and that I should have been paid a couple thousand dollars. My royalty statement only reflected about $1 or $2 dollars here and there over the course of about two years.
Long story short…
The bad news is that I discovered I was supposed to be paid but wasn’t, let alone informed of this placement. The company that placed the song also no longer exists.
The good news was that it led me to explore the sync world in a way I don’t think I would have if this hadn’t happened to me. It led me down the path of learning how to monetize my music. Within my first year and a half or so of discovering this whole new world, I earned a whopping $35,000+ in sync income (and I wasn’t even focusing on sync as much as I would have liked), turning my music career into a full-blown business.
When placing a song, two essential things to note are:
• The agreement (contract)
• The payment (money, money, money, it’s a rich man’s world)
In sync, there are two main ways to earn, and I like to think of it like this:
Storytime: Picture yourself walking on a beach with a metal detector. On top of the sand, you discover some enchanting and valuable seashell treasures (upfront sync fees).
After digging a little, you come across a treasure chest of gold (backend royalties) below the sand.
The ‘above the sand’ treasures are your upfront sync fees, which a production company will initially pay you to use your track.
The treasure chest ‘below the sand’ is your backend royalties. You will receive this money in increments through your PRO (performing rights organization) each time the TV show or film is streamed or shown on TV.
When your song is used in TV or film, here are some examples of the different kinds of Sync Licenses you will encounter and, which should be brought to your attention before your song can be used. Remember, if you discover someone used your song without your permission or paying you, that’s a big no-no. But remember to read your licensing agreements carefully if you sign with an agency to ensure you did not approve something you didn’t realize you did.
There are two types of copyrights in sync licensing:
1. Master use licence (Sound recording)
2. Synchronization licence (Composition)
This means you will need to sign two separate agreements when one of your songs is placed. You need to sign off on the sound recording (audio/master) and the composition (songwriting/publishing).
Different Types Of Music Licenses
1. Synchronization License (sync license)
This is the most commonly used license of them all. Commonly used for TV.
2. Master License
The copyright owner signs a master license and grants permission to use the sound recording. However, this is only halfway done—the copyright owner must also sign a sync license agreement. Commonly used for TV.
3. Blanket License
This is used when someone pays a yearly or one-time fee for a group (more than one) of your songs. Commonly used by Television networks.
4. Mechanical License (audio-only)
This is used when creating a cover of another artist, such as Post Malone, Eminem, Lorde, etc. If you release this recording, you will need a mechanical license for the audio and a sync license. Commonly used by artists creating cover songs.
Request a copy of the cue sheet.
If a small indie film wants to use your music in its movie and has yet to create licensing agreements, you could provide your own. Work with a lawyer to create a licensing agreement template that you can use repeatedly to protect yourself.
Fun tip: If someone places your music, it’s always a good idea to send them a gift or write them a note to thank them for supporting you and show your appreciation! It is not required or expected, but it will go a long way. If someone takes time to do something for me, I ensure I make the time to return the favor. Music is so accessible these days, and the pool of artists is endless. If someone chooses my music over someone else’s, I go above and beyond to show my gratitude.
How To Get Your Song Synced
1. Create music
2. Pitch music
3. Agree to sync terms and or production agreement
4. Song is placed on TV show
5. Issue invoice, W9 and fill out or sign forms
6. Get paid!
If your music does not get selected for a placement, it does not mean your song is terrible or isn’t good enough; it simply means it wasn’t the right fit currently. Keep going.
Excerpt taken from Binx’s book How to Build Your Music Empire, reviewed on page 14. More at binxofficial.com.
Binx, The African Bee, is a South African pop artist, producer, and Amazon Best Selling author of How To Build Your Music Empire. With over 35 sync placements on platforms like Netflix, HBO, and MTV, she has performed at global events from the US Open to the South African Traditional Music Awards. Featured in The New Yorker and a finalist in the John Lennon Songwriting Competition, Binx has released 85 songs and seven albums, consistently delivering new music every month.
