How To Think Like a Publisher (with Jason Rudd)
Publishers and library owners play a critical role in finding homes for our cues and building relationships with these folks is a mission critical skill for any sync music composer. Today, I sit down with Jason Rudd of Level 77 Music, who shares his journey from mastering guru to executive producer for an award-winning catalog, and he offers perspective from the other side of the business.
00:00 - Intro & Welcome
02:03 - Interview with Jason Rudd
04:47 - Jason's journey in production music
13:22 - What does it mean to be a music editor?
16:04 - Jason's experience in mastering
20:19 - How has mastering evolved?
27:39 - How do you create mastered stems that can be reassembled?
36:00 - Jason's role as an executive producer at Level 77 Music
42:03 - What do music libraries need?
51:38 - Jason talks about Sync ATX
56:52 - Outro and How You Can Join The 52 Cues Community
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Episode Summary
Dave's Studio Gear
Navigating the world of production music can be an intriguing and complex journey. In the latest episode of our podcast, we sit down with Jason Rudd, executive producer of Level 77 Music, to delve into his career path, insights into the industry, and advice for upcoming composers.
Jason's journey from a mastering guru to an executive producer is nothing short of inspiring. In our discussion, he highlights the pivotal role he plays in developing a catalog at a desired quality level and emphasizes the importance of building relationships with publishers and library owners. As a sync music composer, these relationships can elevate your career and open doors to exciting opportunities.
Our conversation takes an exciting turn as we explore the realm of production music and editing processes. Jason shares his personal journey, from his college days studying music and playing in the drumline to his first job recording telephone on-hold messages. This progression of his career gives valuable insight into the versatility required in the music production industry.
One intriguing topic we delve into is the corporate culture of Dallas and why it has transformed into the jingle epicenter of the world. This shift in the music landscape presents a wealth of opportunities for composers and producers alike, and understanding this evolution can help navigate the industry more effectively.
We also discuss the monumental changes in mastering techniques over time. Jason, an experienced mastering engineer, shares his experience of having to learn his trade twice due to the seismic shift of technology in the audio production realm. This underlines the importance of adaptability in an ever-evolving industry.
One of the most insightful parts of our discussion centers around the transition from analog to digital in music production. We explore the impact of different analog and digital gear on sound and recording reliability, shedding light on the intricacies involved in the music production process.
As we conclude our conversation, we touch upon the competitive nature of the production music industry. Jason offers stellar advice for new composers and emphasizes the burgeoning role of production music in the time of COVID. His insights into industry trends and strategies to stay on top can be incredibly valuable for those looking to make their mark in the music industry.
In this enlightening exploration of the world of production music, we gain a deeper understanding of the industry's inner workings and the journey of an executive producer. Aspiring composers and music enthusiasts alike can learn much from Jason's experiences and insights, making this podcast episode a must-listen.