In this episode, we explore the world of sync licensing with a focus on the personal journey of our very own Sonnet Simmons. Sync licensing can be a complex and intricate field, and there's no one better to guide us through it than Sonnet. Known for her work as both a Sync Licensing Specialist, co-founding 2Indie and as this podcast’s host, Sonnet has a wealth of experience and insights to share.

Sonnet’s journey into sync licensing is nothing short of inspiring. From her early days as a budding musician to becoming a leading figure in the industry, she shares the pivotal moments and challenges she faced along the way. Her story is a testament to the power of perseverance and passion in carving out a successful career in a competitive field. She talks about her early life, including being born in Athens, Greece, and moving frequently as a child, which fostered her early love for singing.

Sonnet recounts her experience on the ABC TV show "Rising Star" with Josh Groban, Kesha, Ludacris, and Brad Paisley and the impact it had on her career, leading to a pivotal shift towards sync licensing. She discusses the heartbreak of realizing the show's focus on ratings over genuine artistic expression and how this led her to pursue sync licensing more seriously. She credits her mentor, Cathy Heller, with guiding her into the sync world and teaching her the importance of writing music that resonates with broader audiences, beyond personal heartbreak themes.

This episode is a rich source of practical advice for indie artists looking to break into the sync licensing industry, offering a blend of personal anecdotes and professional insights.

Guest Bio:

One of the top contestants on ABC’s Rising Star with Josh Groban, Kesha, Ludacris, and Brad Paisley, singer/songwriter Sonnet Simmons’ heart-opening voice has been heard by millions around the world.

Her original music has landed placements with major brands like Coca Cola, GoDaddy, Nivea, T-Mobile, and Microsoft, and TV shows like Younger, Riverdale, Katy Keene and many more. Former VP of music licensing company Catch The Moon, Sonnet helps thousands of indie artists, singers, songwriters and producers around the world find success in sync. She co-founded music company 2Indie. 2Indie is on a mission to make career fulfillment possible for all music makers. Sonnet is a mom of two adorable toddlers and a Los Angeles native.

About the Hosts:

We’re Sonnet Simmons and John Clinebell, 2 indie artists who have found success and creative fulfillment through licensing our music for ads, TV shows and films.

We were once so disheartened and discouraged that our music wasn’t being noticed or valued through traditional methods. So we both started on a journey to find another way. For us, that “third door” was sync! And what we discovered is a lot better than we could have ever even imagined…[Find out more here]

Resources From This Episode:

• 2Indie - Visit our website for more resources and information on how to get YOUR music signed
• Sync Society - Want to join our exclusive online sync community, with weekly LIVE networking and coaching calls?
• @2indieofficial - Follow us on Instagram
• Sync It! Music Licensing Community - Follow us on Facebook
• Check out Sonnet’s latest releases
  

This week, I'm thrilled to chat with Los Angeles-based producer, Billy Lefler. Billy has secured countless sync placements for his artists and collaborated with major publishers like Warner Chapel, Secret Road, and Position Music. We'll dive deep into the life of a highly successful producer and have a bit of fun along the way.

In this episode, Billy and I reminisce about the iconic Death Star studio where we've both spent many nights recording. We explore what it's like to be immersed in LA's vibrant music scene and how it fuels creativity and opportunities. Billy shares invaluable insights on collaborating online versus in-person and the magic that happens when artists and producers can vibe off each other in the same room. We also discuss his approach to making music that resonates authentically, aiming for sync success without compromising artistic integrity.

Tune in to learn from Billy's experiences and get inspired by his journey in the music licensing world.

Guest Bio:

Billy Lefler's journey through the music industry is marked by the accolades he's received and the platinum success of his projects. At the heart of his career lies a dedication to storytelling through sound, facilitated by his diverse roles predominantly as a producer, alongside being a songwriter and multi-instrumentalist.

From the indie pop charm of Ingrid Michaelson to the rock anthems crafted for Dashboard Confessional and the dynamic beats for Gym Class Heroes, Billy's adaptability shines through. Working with artists like Avril Lavigne, Patrick Stump of Fall Out Boy, and America's Got Talent standout Mandy Harvey, he has showcased his capacity to excel across various musical landscapes.

Billy’s contributions have not only garnered industry accolades but have also made a lasting impact on the music scene. His production work on Ingrid Michaelson's hit "Be Ok" is a prime example of his talent for creating catchy, emotionally resonant tracks that connect with audiences far and wide. Moreover, his production efforts helped propel Laura Jansen's album Bells to platinum status in The Netherlands, solidifying his role as a pivotal figure in music production on an international scale.

Beyond his collaborations with individual artists, Billy's skills and vision have been recognized and sought after by leading record labels and publishers, such as Warner Chappell, Secret Road, and Position Music. Billy Lefler’s knack for sync licensing underscores his unparalleled ability to weave music into the fabric of popular culture. His success in securing placements for the artists he works with in TV shows, advertisements, and movie trailers include: Ad spots for McDonald's and Evian Water, episodes from "The Blacklist," "Grey's Anatomy," and "The Vampire Diaries," “Pretty Little Lies,” “So You Think You Can Dance,” “One Tree Hill,” “Switched At Birth,” “Smallville,” various movie trailer campaigns, and a significant highlight was the placement of Daniel Blake's cover of Dido's "Here With Me" in the season finale of the CBS show "Roswell."

About the Hosts:

We’re Sonnet Simmons and John Clinebell, 2 indie artists who have found success and creative fulfillment through licensing our music for ads, TV shows and films.

We were once so disheartened and discouraged that our music wasn’t being noticed or valued through traditional methods. So we both started on a journey to find another way. For us, that “third door” was sync! And what we discovered is a lot better than we could have ever even imagined…[Find out more here]

Resources From This Episode:

• 2Indie - Visit our website for more resources and information on how to get YOUR music signed
• Sync Society - Want to join our exclusive online sync community, with weekly LIVE networking and coaching calls?
• @2indieofficial - Follow us on Instagram
• Sync It! Music Licensing Community - Follow us on Facebook
• Billy’s Website - Learn more about our guest and their work

In this episode, I sit down with Julian Drucker, a seasoned music supervisor sharing his journey and insights into the world of music synchronization. Coming from a family of musicians and composers, Julian naturally gravitated towards a career in music supervision. We discuss the vital role of one-stop representation, the challenges of music licensing, and the importance of creating authentic music that resonates with artists rather than merely chasing synchronization trends.

We also delved into the complexities of exclusivity and retitling in music licensing. Julian highlights the conflicts that can arise when the same song is pitched by multiple companies and the ethical considerations involved. He emphasized the need for more artist-friendly practices and expressed hope that retitling is becoming a thing of the past. Additionally, Julian shares his personal musical projects, including writing three musicals and composing electronic music for a dance production in San Francisco, as well as an upcoming indie pop release.

Julian offers valuable advice for aspiring artists: learn about all aspects of the music industry, from streaming and distribution to touring and licensing, and stay true to your artistic vision.

This episode is packed with knowledge and inspiration for anyone in the music industry.

Guest Bio:

Julian Drucker is an independent music supervisor who has worked on a wide array of film and television productions.

His recent supervision work includes the prison docuseries Justice, USA (HBO Max), the procedural drama 9-1-1 Lone Star (FOX), the reality hit Love Island (CBS), The Great Muslim American Road Trip (PBS), The Sundance Film Festival trailer, Vax Live: The Concert to Reunite the World (ABC) and various independent films. In 2023, Julian was nominated by the Guild of Music Supervisors for the drum ‘n’ bass drama Purple Beatz.

Julian works with fellow music supervisor Christine Greene Roe on a variety of projects, including the award-winning miniseries Lessons in Chemistry (Apple), the screwball sci-fi satire Made for Love (HBO Max), and the upcoming family comedy The Pradeeps of Pittsburgh (Amazon).

Julian began his music supervision career at Deep Cut Music under the wing of veteran supervisor Maggie Phillips, with whom he worked closely on numerous critically acclaimed TV shows and films, including The Handmaid’s Tale (Hulu), Shrill (Hulu), Homecoming (Amazon), Snowfall (FX) and Juliet, Naked (Lionsgate).

He later went on to become the first hire at Yay Team Productions, working alongside music supervisor Amanda Krieg Thomas on hit series such as Big Mouth (Netflix) and The Shrink Next Door (Apple), in addition to a full slate of projects from executive producer Ryan Murphy, including American Horror Story (FX), Pose (FX) and movie musical The Prom (Netflix).

Two of his musicals have been given workshops and performances in theaters across the country and he has a third in development. Most recently, he released an album of experimental electronic music – Here. Now. by Charivari – written for a contemporary dance production that went up at the Exploratorium in San Francisco.

About the Hosts:

We’re Sonnet Simmons and John Clinebell, 2 indie artists who have found success and creative fulfillment through licensing our music for ads, TV shows and films.

We were once so disheartened and discouraged that our music wasn’t being noticed or valued through traditional methods. So we both started on a journey to find another way. For us, that “third door” was sync! And what we discovered is a lot better than we could have ever even imagined…[Find out more here]

Resources From This Episode:

• 2Indie - Visit our website for more resources and information on how to get YOUR music signed
• The Sync Society - Want to join our exclusive online sync community, with weekly LIVE networking and coaching calls?
• @2indieofficial - Follow us on Instagram
• Sync It! Music Licensing Community - Follow us on Facebook

In this episode, we interviewed Rebecca and Jordan from Pandion Music Foundation, a non-profit supporting musicians with resources, education, and community. We discussed the Foundation's mission to help artists, their various programs, and their efforts to reach underserved areas.

Rebecca and Jordan share their journey of starting Pandion in 2021, receiving their license in 2022, and launching workshops to educate independent artists. We discussed the challenges artists face, including industry barriers and mental health issues, and how Pandion offers free workshops and a wellness program called Pandion Unplugged.

The founders emphasize the importance of creating a supportive community for artists. They discuss partnerships with other organizations, upcoming events, and their gratitude for the support they've received. Pandion serves as a bridge, providing essential resources without charging artists, and their plans for future growth and collaboration.

Overall, the Pandion Music Foundation has had a significant impact in the music industry by fostering an inclusive, supportive environment for artists to thrive.

Guest Bio:

Pandion Music Foundation (PMF) is a nonprofit 501(c)(3) organization founded by creators, for creators; a free global music community empowering artists as they navigate the music industry through educational resources, workshops, wellness guidance and direct access to experts — helping to provide a constant thread of support for music creators.

About the Hosts:

We’re Sonnet Simmons and John Clinebell, 2 indie artists who have found success and creative fulfillment through licensing our music for ads, TV shows and films.

We were once so disheartened and discouraged that our music wasn’t being noticed or valued through traditional methods. So we both started on a journey to find another way. For us, that “third door” was sync! And what we discovered is a lot better than we could have ever even imagined…[Find out more here]

Resources From This Episode:

• 2Indie - Visit our website for more resources and information on how to get YOUR music signed
• The Sync Society - Want to join our exclusive online sync community, with weekly LIVE networking and coaching calls?
• @2indieofficial - Follow us on Instagram
• Sync It! Music Licensing Community - Follow us on Facebook
• Pandion Music Foundation - Learn more about our guest and their work

In this episode, we discuss the captivating world of songwriting with the renowned Liz Rogers. Drawing from her extensive experience in the industry, Liz offers invaluable insights into the art and craft of song creation. With a blend of passion and precision, Liz highlights the importance of authenticity in storytelling and the power of vulnerability in connecting with audiences on a profound level.

Liz shares her wisdom on navigating the dynamic landscape of the music industry. She underscored the significance of securing representation and fostering collaborative relationships in propelling your career forward. From establishing a portfolio to cultivating a strong online presence, Liz emphasizes the strategic steps aspiring songwriters can take to stand out in a competitive field. Her practical advice and strategic guidance serve as a roadmap for emerging talents seeking to carve their niche in the ever-evolving realm of music creation.

Liz also sheds light on the instrumental role of organizational tools such as Disco in optimizing opportunities in sync licensing—a crucial aspect of the modern music ecosystem. By harnessing technology to streamline workflows and enhance efficiency, songwriters can leverage their creative output to reach broader audiences and secure lucrative partnerships. Liz's insights are sure to shed some light on sync licensing and at the same time empower artists to navigate the digital landscape with confidence and clarity.

Guest Bio:

Liz Rogers is the Founder and Creative Director at Anacrusis, where she oversees new signings, writer development, and pitching creatively for sync. Anacrusis has secured hundreds of placements for emerging artists in Nashville in dozens of shows, films, and advertising campaigns. Liz also is an independent music supervisor, working in film and advertising, and is a voting member of the Guild of Music Supervisors. Liz is the Associate Music Event Producer for the Nashville Film Festival, and an Advisor at the Entrepreneur Center. She was featured as the keynote speaker at Vanderbilt’s Entrepreneurship Conference 2022, and has spearheaded events like “The Pitch: An Evening with Music Supervisors”, and The Nashville House at SXSW, bringing awareness to the non-country community of writers and artists in Nashville. Liz was honored as one of Nashville's “30 Under 30”, and recognized by the Nashville Business Journal on the esteemed power players list “Women In Music City.”

About the Hosts:

We’re Sonnet Simmons and John Clinebell, 2 indie artists who have found success and creative fulfillment through licensing our music for ads, TV shows and films.

We were once so disheartened and discouraged that our music wasn’t being noticed or valued through traditional methods. So we both started on a journey to find another way. For us, that “third door” was sync! And what we discovered is a lot better than we could have ever even imagined…[Find out more here]

Resources From This Episode:

• 2Indie - Visit our website for more resources and information on how to get YOUR music signed
• Music Licensing Basecamp - Want to join our exclusive online sync community, with weekly LIVE networking and coaching calls?
• @2indieofficial - Follow us on Instagram
• Sync It! Music Licensing Community - Follow us on Facebook
• Guest Speaker's Website - Learn more about our guest and their work
• @lizrogersxoxo / @anacrusissongs - Follow Liz on Instagram

In this engaging episode, we're joined by Evangeline, the talented voice behind Jenna Ortega’s upcoming film, Winter Spring Summer or Fall. Evangeline shares her insights into the creative process, revealing the internal dialogue that drives her music. We discuss the profound impact of relatable lyrics and the gift of articulating emotions through songwriting.

Reflecting on her journey as an independent artist, Evangeline opens up about her approach to music creation, emphasizing the importance of authenticity over commercial considerations. She candidly discusses the role of sync potential in her music and the evolving nature of her creative process, from solo songwriting sessions to collaborative efforts.

Throughout our conversation, Evangeline's passion for creating music will resonate with many, offering a glimpse into her heartfelt approach to artistry. This episode is a promising musical journey filled with authenticity and introspection.

Guest Bio:

There’s a sly wink to Evangeline’s debut EP, Fuzzy, a bit of self-deprecation and sardonic humor that’s baked right into the title.

“I mean, Fuzzy sounds pretty stupid when you first hear it,” she explains. “But honestly, that word has always broken my heart. It actually means ‘distressed to the point of softness, difficult to perceive clearly or understand and explain precisely.’ I really wanted these songs to sound carefree and for the instrumentation and production to be as warm as possible, but I wrote them over the last three years about emotions and relationships that weathered me, feelings I had difficulty explaining clearly in the moment, years that made me soft.”

Recorded with producer Dillon Casey (Weyes Blood), Fuzzy is a raw, honest, and utterly addictive dose of alt-pop from a storyteller committed to baring it all in a search for clarity and purpose. The songs are dreamy and inviting, offering up shimmering sonic mirages that belie their true emotional depths, and the production is similarly complex and nuanced, layering analog and digital elements into disarmingly beautiful soundscapes that manage to feel both modern and timeless all at once. Add it all up and you’ve got a stunningly vulnerable, deceptively bright collection that’s as witty as it is poignant, a remarkable debut that lands somewhere between Whitney and Julia Jacklin as it playfully explores heartbreak and healing and all the confusing contradictions that come with it.

About the Hosts:

We’re Sonnet Simmons and John Clinebell, 2 indie artists who have found success and creative fulfillment through licensing our music for ads, TV shows and films.

We were once so disheartened and discouraged that our music wasn’t being noticed or valued through traditional methods. So we both started on a journey to find another way. For us, that “third door” was sync! And what we discovered is a lot better than we could have ever even imagined…[Find out more here]

Resources From This Episode:

• 2Indie - Visit our website for more resources and information on how to get YOUR music signed
• Music Licensing Basecamp - Want to join our exclusive online sync community, with weekly LIVE networking and coaching calls?
• @2indieofficial - Follow us on Instagram
• Sync It! Music Licensing Community - Follow us on Facebook
• Evangeline’s Website - Learn more about our guest and their work

In this episode, we welcome Steven Scharf, an industry icon with over 50 years of experience in record labels, publishing, and sync. Steven shares firsthand stories of working with artists like Tamiko Jones and James Taylor. He provides insights into his time at Muscle Shoals Studios, reminiscing about pivotal moments like encountering early recordings of The Rolling Stones and fostering emerging talent like Lynyrd Skynyrd. His anecdotes provide historical context and insight into the music industry's evolution, highlighting the importance of seizing opportunities and staying true to one's passion for music.

Reflecting on Steven's journey, it's clear that his experiences navigating through the changing landscapes of music distribution and consumption offer valuable insights into the industry. His emphasis on building relationships and finding advocates for music underscores the importance of networking and persistence. Despite the challenges of today's saturated market, success can still be achieved with dedication and quality work.

Guest Bio:

Over his five-decades-long career in the music industry, Steven Scharf has worked in nearly every aspect of the business. In 1991, after nearly 20 years as an independent record producer and head of A&R at Private Stock Records, he launched his own management and consulting firm, Steven Scharf Entertainment (SSE), in a joint venture with legendary music publisher Freddy Bienstock and later, with Caroline Bienstock at Carlin America, ultimately rising to Sr. V.P. Creative.

In addition to signing songwriters, purchasing and working catalogs, and placing thousands of songs in film, tv, and commercials for Carlin, Steve has managed many highly successful record producers and film composers, as well as licensing indie music to all platforms. In 2019, Steve expanded his company, SSE, to include consulting to the publishing industry with Jamie Records of Philadelphia. Steve is also a founding member of the Music Managers Forum.

About the Hosts:

We’re Sonnet Simmons and John Clinebell, 2 indie artists who have found success and creative fulfillment through licensing our music for ads, TV shows and films.

We were once so disheartened and discouraged that our music wasn’t being noticed or valued through traditional methods. So we both started on a journey to find another way. For us, that “third door” was sync! And what we discovered is a lot better than we could have ever even imagined…[Find out more here]

Resources From This Episode:

• ⁠2Indie Website⁠⁠ - Visit our website for more resources and information on how to get YOUR music signed
• Music Licensing Basecamp⁠ - Want to join our exclusive online sync community, with weekly LIVE networking and coaching calls?
• ⁠@2indieofficial⁠ - Follow us on Instagram
• Sync It! Music Licensing Community⁠ - Follow us on Facebook
• ⁠⁠Steven’s Website⁠⁠ - Learn more about our guest and their work

In this episode we dive into the journey of one prolific music maker, Johnny Collier. Johnny shares how he stumbled into the music scene, starting from being a merch guy to fronting a band. His journey led him to where he is today, creating music and scoring opportunities left and right.

Johnny's story is one of persistence and determination. Transitioning from being in a band to exploring music production, Johnny found himself diving into the world of sync and film music. He recounts how he took a leap of faith, learning Ableton and eventually landing a role as a composer.

Through hard work and seizing opportunities, Johnny’s career success keeps on building. From collaborating with multiple sync agencies as a writer and producer and now signing for trailer music, his journey is a testament to the power of perseverance and taking chances.

Johnny’s story is a reminder that hard work, dedication and a lot of courage is how you see results in achieving your goals and dreams. So tune in and get inspired by Johnny's journey from band merch guy to one highly sought after composer, producer and writer!

Guest Bio:

Meet Johnny, the indie producer and songwriter hailing from Charlotte, NC, who's embarked on a musical journey without a roadmap or the ability to read a single note. Despite his unconventional approach, Johnny has managed to make waves in the industry, signing deals with multiple agencies and carving out a niche in trailer music production.

But don't let his accomplishments fool you. Johnny's the first to admit that he's just a guy trying his best without a clue of what he's doing. His musical endeavors are as unpredictable as they are exciting – one week, he's crafting epic soundtracks for blockbuster trailers, and the next, he could be onto something entirely different.

When Johnny's not lost in a musical maze, he's hanging out with his toughest critics – his wife and their two beloved golden retrievers, who keep him grounded and inspired.

So, if you're searching for someone who's equal parts determined, awesome, and ever-evolving, Johnny's your guy.

About the Hosts:

We’re Sonnet Simmons and John Clinebell, 2 indie artists who have found success and creative fulfillment through licensing our music for ads, TV shows and films.

We were once so disheartened and discouraged that our music wasn’t being noticed or valued through traditional methods. So we both started on a journey to find another way. For us, that “third door” was sync! And what we discovered is a lot better than we could have ever even imagined…[Find out more here]

Resources From This Episode:

• ⁠2Indie⁠ Website - Visit our website for more resources and information on how to get YOUR music signed⁠
• Music Licensing Basecamp⁠ - Want to join our exclusive online sync community, with weekly LIVE networking and coaching calls?⁠
• @2indieofficial⁠ - Follow us on Instagram⁠
• Sync It! Music Licensing Community⁠ - Follow us on Facebook