SYNC LICENSING, IF I HAD TO START OVER...

[@JureJerebic]

1. Listen (to music, people with experience, etc.) 2. Play all the different genres you usually hear on TV, learn the harmonic, instrumental and melodic vocabulary 3. Write every day 4. Do not give more than 20-30 tracks to a newly signed publisher until they've proven themselves with some placements at least 5. Watch more of Marlon & Finn

[@MarlonGibbons]

Yes, solid advice, from a mega-talant! especially #5 lol. Thanks, Jure!

[@TheReal__am]

🙏🏾

[@AdamBHarrisHarpist]

Not doing number 4 cost me.

[@bwashburn1972b7]

This really helps a lot! Thank you. I'm 50 and I am just getting started. I drive a truck only in FL and GA but been doing it since 95 I love creating music, not in a entertainment kinda way but songwriting kinda way. I tend to go overboard with things like gear or classes instead of slowing down and taking stock , so yea thank you

[@MarlonGibbons]

Awesome to hear, Brian. You got this. To be honest, it's a long game but I've also seen placements happen in months! So long as you enjoy the ride, too! Wishing you the best. (I'm in Ft. Myers a couple times a year). Love FL.

[@Robertj64]

Thank you, Marlon. This might sound odd but I think I have to try more and fail more. The fear of failure usually keeps me from going out there. That and this incessant need for perfection. LOL

[@MarlonGibbons]

I can't disagree. Fear has always been along for the ride. Though "Mistakes" have been such a valuable lesson to learn from. Of course you don't like to impact others with mistakes but.. there's always a positive lesson.

[@j.ghmusic]

I'm just now getting started with sync and honestly I'm just taking in all the information and hearing this perspective is really helpful

[@MarlonGibbons]

Thanks for taking the time! The industry is changing so quickly but I'm very optimistic and believe there's still so much opportunity for those willing to adapt and put in the work! Wishing you the best.

[@DarrenCampbellmusic]

Number 4 is absolutely crucial! I'd say even limit it to 10

[@amaxlevin]

This is fantastic advice! I couldn't say I would do anything different since I'm just beginning my journey. All the little "mistakes" that I've made seem to lead to something positive. I'm very grateful for you and your willingness to share your journey and wisdom. Thanks again, Marlon!

[@MarlonGibbons]

"Mistakes" I'm glad you mentioned that. Mistakes are super valuable and not always a horrible thing, as you pointed out. I can say the same. I dig the optimism!

[@justifyed1911]

Hey Marlon! New to your channel! Thank you for the nuggets and insights. Looking forward to learning more and sharing and networking ☺️👊🏾

[@ajohnsonstudio]

Thanks for sharing your insights!

[@dominicsaviodawson5881]

Solid Advice! Fully agree with the aspect of building relationships in particular, especially in person. Also focusing on building a solid brand identity.

[@DHXDrëamz]

Thank you for this man!

[@ZionGuySupreme]

Still in my 20s, living with parents so I have somewhat of a safety net, financially. Thanks for sharing your knowledge and helping me with this topic early on! I'm a drummer and producer and I produced my first composition for the 2023 Canada Arctic Winter Games theme song. Ever since that gig I felt like I should take this career seriously. I want to set goals towards being consistent and providing value. Looking forward to more of your videos.

[@sarmgoblin6691]

How did you get your first song placed by such a big company?

[@MarkHimley]

This is super solid advice! Definitely agree fully with all aspects of building relationships in particular, especially in person. That has been one of the biggest factors for me for sure. I’m just starting now to fully realize how scattered my approach has been, so I’m also largely focused on building a more solid brand identity like you said. I think it’s important to experiment for sure and find both what you love and what you’re good at, but eventually we all need to find our sweet spot. Wishing you all the best!!

[@MarkHimley]

Oh, and your point about developing business skills… this is monumental and an absolute must.

[@MarlonGibbons]

You make a brilliant point, Mark. Finding that balance between what you're passionate about and what you're good at because they are not always the same. But it sounds like you have a solid plan (and I see you on the socials, winning!) Keep it up, my friend!

[@themcsha]

dope!

[@stevierico5934]

Good information and advice thanks 🙏🏿

[@KidAstronaut]

Thanks Marlon! This was super helpful!

[@MarlonGibbons]

Cheers!

[@KennCrawford]

Hello from Cape Breton, NS. I just recently found your channel and I'm enjoying your videos. Thanks for sharing your knowledge and experience. I've been writing songs since the 80s (mostly ballads), so switching my mindset from telling a story with words to telling a story with music is going to be a big change. Learning about sync licensing and all it entails is a bit intimidating... but if it was easy everyone would be doing it. Lol

[@MarlonGibbons]

Love the Maritimes! Thanks for tuning in, Kenn!

[@dafingaz]

Will you be at NAMM this year? I'm hosting the best hour long sync panel ever featuring 7 of the top sync licensing artists in the game! :)

[@MarlonGibbons]

Marcus, that’s fantastic! Good on you. That was my fav part about NAMM in 2020. Many friends spoke on several great panels. Are you at liberty to say who you have speaking? I’m curious to know if I know them personally. In any regard, I wish you much success with it. Sadly I can’t be there this year.

[@renahere1885]

Hi...Good advice; exactly what I've been doing, so glad to hear someone thinking I'm bon the right track...thanks! I'm someone who isn't 'out there" yet... I started writing with a friend/former music director, who wrote a big retro Xmas musical number with me in the past. Long story short, we registered as partners with BMI, we revamped the Xmas song with SAG performers and started getting it ourselves to ad agencies etc. Then the pandemic hit!!! Since that time, it seems like the whole sync industry changed! They used to say, " Promote your own stuff, until you need an administrator or publisher" ... Now there are a zillion "libraries" with blanket deals with their clients, while they try to take all if the back end money from the songwriter's. ...and all the "micro-license" stuff, KZbin, Tic-Tok, ...I am doing just what you recommended; studying the industry, looking for what approach to take...been mastering mixing skills with good advice, and Praying a lot!!👍

[@MarlonGibbons]

Awesome, thanks for sharing. Sounds like you're on the right track and have a good head on your shoulders, and a good plan!

[@Markrspooner]

Some great advice for someone just entering into sync licensing

[@MarlonGibbons]

Thanks for taking the time to watch, Mark.

[@BrianKlobyGuitar]

Points well expressed... thank you for posting :)

[@MarlonGibbons]

Thanks for taking the time to tune in!

[@BrianKlobyGuitar]

@@MarlonGibbons My pleasure tuning in. Your info is solid and I appreciate your up-front candor and honesty on the topics you discuss.

[@jimchorley]

Many thanks for sharing your insight and hindsight Marlon...Most appreciated from over here in the UK...All the best to you in music and beyond

[@MarlonGibbons]

Jim, my friend! Thank so much. It's been awesome watching you do your thing, too! Best.

[@jimchorley]

@@MarlonGibbons That means so much Marlon...Keep on trucking brother x

[@ChadLaniewski]

Always great advice my friend!! Happy for all of your success. You deserve it brother.

[@MarlonGibbons]

I appreciate it/you, my friend!

[@BrofUJu]

I've learned a lot from you, and I'm not getting tracks accepted and placed both in a trailer library and a more direct to TV library as well. Thanks so much for all the great advice over the years!

[@MarlonGibbons]

Awe man! this comment makes my day! (I assume you mean "now" rather than "not") But I'm super happy for you. WTG and keep it up!!!!

[@assassinwoman]

I am the 500th 👍 And thanks for sharing the knowledge ❤

[@MarlonGibbons]

Thank you for taking the time!

[@thesoothebooth6662]

amazing content!

[@YagoMann]

Love these videos man. You have a very positive energy and it really helps!

[@MarlonGibbons]

I appreciate that, Yago.

[@Beatsnmotivation]

Thanks this helps a lot keep the info coming our way is much appreciated it. 🙏🏼⚡️

[@walterbowie6480]

Well said Marlon your always dropping wisdom. I appreciate U brother.

[@kerymichael1849]

People skills AND business skills!! 🤦 Looks like I have some work to do. Thanks, Marlon! And I know this is a little late, but welcome back!

[@MarlonGibbons]

Thanks, Kery. And to be fair, I know some incredibly introverted people who are so successful! But yeah, the biz aspect it pretty important, lol. Cheers!

[@DISTRICTOVERDOSE]

How u get metadata for your track when u submit to a library without DSP? How would a PRO know your track is being used if u give a library raw files?

[@MarlonGibbons]

Not sure I entirely understand your question... but... Many Libraries (not all) add M/D on their end. Adding to that... it's not metadata that notifies your PRO that a track has been placed in a TV show or Broadcasted. It's a cue-sheet.

[@assassinwoman]

Starting from scratch! 🤷‍♀️

[@mcjtong.30]

Your Audio is up n down it is clear but some time unable to heard

[@MarlonGibbons]

Noted. Thank you!

[@matttorrence2900]

What if I only want to do instrumentals?

[@alobassmann]

This is great advice, even without having to start over, its a good idea to take stock of where I am with every item of your list. Thanks Marlon!

[@MarlonGibbons]

Thanks for taking the time!

[@dnabeatz]

yea you giving up a few platforms tho , i see your point , but you will not have registered music js

[@djcata7474]

Thank you, Marlon! Do you do 1 on 1 coaching?

[@MarlonGibbons]

Hey @djcata7474 I appreciate the ask. When I started this channel, that was the one thing I vowed never to do.. that is "sell" anything to my viewers. A course, seminar, masterclass, merch or "coaching". I'm so sorry. Just free advice and sharing of my experiences.

[@janeheald1625]

Such a wonderful, generous offer, Marlon...!!! I am relating to " organic" Being aware of a longer game and being patient, fabulous advice. Perfect timing to hear this today. Some days I'm sure, other days, I get hesitant, not knowing fully, my brand. I think doing this for only one year(recording, composing,producing) after years of just playing Symphonies, I need to take time to know what this new Brand I'm developing actually is..... Thank you!!!

[@MarlonGibbons]

You're not alone! Some days are better than others for all of us. Wishing you much success, Jane!

[@Beatsnmotivation]

Quick question do you have to summit ur tracks to bmi or can I start to summit after I sign up with bmi? Any one know?

[@MarlonGibbons]

Good question... no, you don't have to submit your tracks to your PRO before you submit them to a Library. Many Libraries will do this on their end. In that process, they will ensure that your IPI# (basically like your BMI I.D.) is associated with the tracks. You're good. Conversely... IF you were to register your tracks before.. that shouldn't be a dealbreaker either.

[@Beatsnmotivation]

@@MarlonGibbons your awesome! thanks for that info that helps me in a big way! So big thanks to you and your channel I’ll keep watching 😎🙂