Tips on Pitching Your Songs to Music Supervisors

If you have ever considered submitting your music for film, TV, advertising, games or any screen-based opportunity, or wondered how, any networking session with music supervisors is a great place to start. As someone who participates in open pitch sessions around the world, we connected with noted music supervisor Thomas Golubic to share some of his tips on the protocol of submitting songs to Music Supervisors at these types of events…….

We recommend you do not bring your CD’s. Bring a professional business card with download links to 3-4 songs. Study the supervisors who are in attendance so you are aware of their work. Drop cards are also good. CD’s would be a last choice.

Different supervisors have different systems for music submissions, but I think all of them agree that if folks are forwarding digital music submissions there are a few basic rules that will help get your music heard and considered. Included below are the basics.

1. Send DigiRAMP submissions or download links. Don’t attach mp3s to emails, it messes up Music Supervisors in-boxes, which are generally already over-filled.

2. Send high-quality MP3 files

Don’t send WAV or AIFF files. If they need one down-the-road, we’ll ask. All MP3s submissions should be at 320 kbps and made from original full-quality audio sources.

3. Be selective in the music you send

Nobody has time to sift through 40 random music options. Do your research, only pitch what you feel strongly about and make sure it is appropriate for the projects supervisors work on. Music supervisors are busier than just about anybody you know. Do your research before you reach out.

4. Make sure your meta-data is properly filled out

Always include your contact information in the GROUPING section. Please include year, and any ownership information in the notes. If you only own 5% of publishing on a song, mark down who owns the rest and the master. If they can research it quickly they will consider the song.

Here’s an example:

5. Don’t expect feedback / Be judicious about following up

As mentioned before, music supervisors are incredibly busy. They do not have time to answer every music submission or to send feedback. If you present your music thoughtfully along the lines above, know that it will be reviewed and if it works for us, they will reach out.