How To Get Your Music Licensed in Television and Film – With Karyn Rachtman
One of the questions I receive most often from independent musicians is “how do I get my music licensed in television and films?”
It’s easy to understand why licensing would be on the minds of so many musicians. A placement in the right television show or film can be incredibly lucrative, it can lead to an explosion of new fans, and it can result in royalties for years (even decades). However – for the all of the aforementioned reasons – it’s not always easy to land these much-coveted placements.
But you’re in luck!
In episode #36 of the Music Marketing Manifesto Podcast I reached out to my old friend, Karyn Rachtman. Who just happens to be one of the most influential music supervisors of all time.
Her credits as music supervisor include groundbreaking soundtracks such as Pulp Fiction, Moulin Rouge, Reservoir Dogs, Clueless, Reality Bites, Boogie Nights, Romeo and Juilet, Office Space, the Basketball Diaries, Laurel Canyon, and soooooo many more.
In this episode she shares her story, talks a bit about how music supervision works, and then tackles the simple but important question of just how independent musicians can go about getting their music licensed in television and film!
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“When you can’t find a gig make your own..” – I started working in film awhile ago & as a music supervisor the toughest part is finding the right song from a good artist.
Don’t give up, reach out to student filmmakers etc.
Btw, if it’s ok to ask for emails…. lol..
Hey Rob. Great suggestion. Thanks for sharing.
Yeah..sounds like you have to know somebody that knows somebody. Thanks for the info
Hi DieDra,
I don’t think that’s a fair assessment of what Karyn said in the interview. Certainly networking is part of it, but she outlines how to go about building those relationships from scratch.
Thanks for listening.
Great info, thanks!
Love that John, great insight! Looking forward to working with you on my new single, Down on the upside, will be in touch.
Sounds good Marvin!
Sounds like relationships are one key to the licensing deals (if of course you have great music) – Having a song placed in a movie or TV show would be the coolest thing. Thanks John.
Thanks so much for this. When Karen mentioned the music sharing program where you could post music, I couldn’t make out the website, she said she thought it cost about $20 a month. What was that website?
Hi Barbara. Can you site the minute mark so I can listen back? If I can’t make it out I’ll follow up with Karyn. Thanks for listening!
It sounds like she’s saying Disco or Discgo.
36:20
Hi Adam,
Steve here, from MMM Support. Yes, she definitely said “Disco”.
https://disco.ac
I signed up as a music supervisor. What am I to do from now on to increase my viewers audience ?
I need to talk with some one
Hi Ghetto,
Feel free to reach out to john@mmmanifesto.com . I look forward to hearing from you.
Good stuff! Very interesting interview with Karen. I will be following for more info on this subject. This subject is very close to me & possible future plans…Thank you!!!
Glad to hear you enjoyed it Calvin. Thanks for listening!
OK. The big question you’ve heard too many times: how do I get my music out there? I know it must be a full time job. I need someone to cut through all the clutter and get to the meat of it all and avoid all the pitfalls. Like people trying to sell stuff . Thanks. Marvin Floyd, Sky High Music Labs
Hi Marvin,
This is precisely what MMM is all about. You can learn more about MMM at https://www.mmmanifesto.com/mmm4/, should training on the subject interest you. Thanks for listening!
Great to know there are people that care for musicians that want to put their music on tv etc. I’m a songwriter and have done a few albums. Social Justice, Latino cumbias,bachata etc.
Thank you John and Karyn for this excellent Music Marketing Manifesto Podcast. I really enjoyed it and it was an honor to listen to two music pros! Keep up the great work!
⁸
Thanks Trey!
Very excited to listen to this one. Thanks John. Keep’m coming!
Will do. Thanks Tom!
Hot new rapper looking to team up with the right person , someone that can help him showcase his unbelievable talent of bring the crime infested streets that he grow up out to the world of hip hop in his unbelievable way of letting you see what he’s rapping as if you were watching a movie.