Understanding Music Copyright and Sync: What Songwriters Need to Know

In the music industry, everything you do with your songs revolves around copyright, and the effective exploitation of your copyright. One of the ways to exploit that copyright is to have your music synced to films and TV shows and ads. In this conversation with Music Supervisor, Tyler McLoughlan, we break down the key concepts of music copyright, sync, and how songwriters can make the most of this space.

Timestamp:

3:51 - Explaining Copyright and Its Importance
8:26 - The Role and Function of Sync Agents and Supervisors
16:00 - Practical Advice for Songwriters and Artists in Sync
30:52 - Discussion on Lyrics and Visuals
32:44 - Genre and Sync Opportunities
35:45 - Common Themes in Advertising and Sync Opportunities
44:46 - Pitching Strategies
1:00:38 -Sync and Money Discussion
1:01:05 - Advertising Revenue
1:01:34 -Sync Money and Ownership Rights
1:03:21 - Information Sources for Ownership
1:04:12 - Sync Agents and Copyright Understanding

About Tyler: On her return from London as a music license broker with Ricall, Tyler McLoughlan founded The Sound Pound in 2011, a Brisbane business specialising in music supervision, clearances and composition across advertising, film and TV. She has worked on projects including music supervision for Billabong, Lunatics (Netflix), Robbie Hood, Bananas (SBS), Retrograde, Content (ABC), and advertising campaigns for Telfast, TAFE, Tourism & Events Queensland, Destination Gold Coast, RACQ and The Natural Confectionary Company. As an artist manager, Tyler looks after the international career of tropical roots artist Bobby Alu. Contact Tyler : Website

Song Credit (excerpt): “Holiday Home” written by Francesca de Valence.

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Theme song: “Put One Foot In Front Of The Other One” music and lyrics by Francesca de Valence 

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