A Library wants my cue! What now?
Today, we're exploring what happens after a library accepts your cue. We'll cover contract management, detail deliverables like file formats and metadata, and examine the library's role in distribution and marketing. Additionally, we'll discuss the patience needed as your music establishes itself in the industry.
00:00 - Intro & welcome
01:55 - What happens after a library says "yes"?
02:46 - #1: Get the paperwork (contract) done before sending out files
09:50 - #2: Prepare and send the deliverables
15:20 - #3: Cues are added to the library catalog
19:56 - #4: Your cue's journey from library to royalty check
21:43 - #5: How long does this process take?
24:50 - #6: Maintaining the library relationship
29:04 - Outro and how you can join the 52 Cues community Links
Expedition 52
Embark on the most epic year-long composer quest from 52 Cues! Weekly challenges and check-ins help keep your creativity ablaze while collaborations and feedback hone your cues and your critical listening.
Rewards like discounts and coaching sessions await, and the climbers who crest the summit will be guests on the 52 Cues Podcast!
Join the 52 Cues Community!
Join the 52 Cues Community for FREE! – Post your own cues for feedback from the community, network with other composers, participate in community discussions, provide feedback on other composers' cues, and ask questions about the industry!
Dave's Studio Gear
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• Electro-Voice RE320 Large Diaphragm Dynamic Vocal Microphone - https://amzn.to/3RsRsAG
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• Akai Professional MPD18 Compact Pad Controller - https://amzn.to/3RsSixk
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• Sony MDR7506 Professional Large Diaphragm Headphone - https://amzn.to/3yvD7us
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Episode Blog
In the vast expanse of the production music industry, understanding the ins and outs of music licensing can make the difference between a thriving career and a stagnant one. Dave Croft's latest podcast episode, "Mastering the Sync Game," serves as a comprehensive guide for composers looking to navigate the complex landscape of music libraries. He delves deep into the intricacies of contracts, offering insights into exclusive and non-exclusive deals, the impact of Content ID, and the strategic elements that composers must pay attention to. This isn't just about understanding what you're agreeing to; it's about ensuring you're setting up a foundation for a profitable music career.
Once the excitement of acceptance into a music library has settled, the true challenge begins. Croft emphasizes the importance of patience, a virtue that is paramount as you wait for royalties to accumulate. He provides a realistic perspective on the time it takes for a track to be ingested into a library, selected for use in media, and finally, for royalties to make their way into your bank account. The timeline from conception to compensation is a marathon, and Croft's expertise offers guidance for maintaining momentum through this often slow process.
In the next segment of the episode, the focus shifts to the art of music delivery. The nitty-gritty of what libraries require, from file formats and metadata to versions and stems, is explained in detail. Croft underscores the importance of reducing friction for libraries by meticulously adhering to their submission protocols. He also touches upon the post-submission phase, where the library takes over the distribution of tracks, emphasizing the ongoing relationship between the composer and the library.
Finally, the chapter on the music licensing process and patience highlights the endurance required in the world of production music. Croft sheds light on the lag between track submission and earning potential, emphasizing the need to continue producing music despite the delay in returns. He shares the industry reality, including the variability of sync license fees and the buoyant feeling of receiving that first significant royalty check, which reinforces the value of perseverance.
To conclude, Dave Croft's episode is an invaluable resource for composers at any stage of their career. The journey from creation to compensation is fraught with challenges, but with Croft's guidance, composers can equip themselves with the knowledge and strategies needed to navigate these challenges successfully. His insights not only demystify the process but also inspire and encourage composers to keep pushing forward, knowing that with time and patience, their efforts will yield the sweet sound of success—royalty checks.
