Sync Gems

In this Part 2 of my sit down with Rob Jager Van Duren, we discuss the ego in music, we talk about things to say yes and no to, we talk about  who to give attention to on your way up.

We get into originality, imperfections, and how having fun has landed Rob works with major brands.

We also get into a discussion about the power of good honest feedback.

Connect with Rob

https://www.linkedin.com/in/rob-jager-music/

Support My Sample Pack

https://www.roymatz.com/store

In this conversation Rob and I had In bali we talk about robs journey into working with top brands, we talk about burnout, we talk about how to have your music be as good as it can be. We also talk about why Rob flies to see his clients yearly, we talk about the main reasons most people don’t make it in music, and many more things.

Connect with Rob

https://www.linkedin.com/in/rob-jager-music/

Support My Sample Pack

https://www.roymatz.com/store

In this episodes we talk about how long term relationships can be way more profitable than upfront paying gigs, we talk about the formula to make it in the music business, the importance of staying consistent, we talk about reality TV and exploring different genres, we talk about the importance of being easy to collaborate with, and peoples pet peeves in the industry

About Jamie:

Jamie Shield has been in the game for a while, has had placements with EA sports, Adidas, Under Armor, McDonald’s, and many many more, he has had huge success in music and has even caught the attention of Timbaland.

Follow Jamie

IG- @MNKN

Buy My Sample Pack Here:

https://www.roymatz.com/store

In this part of the interview with Jamie Shields (AKA MNKN) we deep dive the importance of showing up and doing the work, we talk about how and why our goals should always be fluid, we talk about AI & how to navigate technology. 

This interview dives into advanced concepts in the sync world but Jamie does such a good job at simplifying and giving it his own twist.

About Jamie

Jamie Shield has been in the game for a while, has had placements with EA sports, Adidas, Under Armor, McDonald’s, and many many more, he has had huge success in music and has even caught the attention of Timbaland.

On this episode we go into the weeds of setting goals, speaking things into existence, about how relationships are essentially everything.

We talk about the what the approach to sync music should be, and how to focus on the things that matter

https://www.52cues.com

Dave has also challenged me to make my own sample pack during the interview and… well… I took it head on.

Support me by buying my 1st sample pack:

https://www.roymatz.com/store

In this special part 1 interview, Dave Kropf and I interview each other, we talk about our life experiences, our roots, and how they have shaped us to what we are today. We talk about moving on from things that are no longer serving us and how to actually know when something is not serving us, even if it's tied to our identity.

Dave is a composer with over 1000 tracks in his catalog, and he is helping hundreds of composers in his community at https://www.52cues.com

Dave has also challenged me to make my own sample pack during the interview and… well… I took it head on.

Support me by buying my 1st sample pack:

https://www.roymatz.com/store

In this episode I open up about Why Making mistakes is crucial, why I get taken advantage of on purpose in the industry, why experience and diversification are everything in this industry, why I think you want to try all sorts of sync income, why fluidity is a must in this industry, and why this doesn't matter if you're not appreciating yourself and your progress

Please make sure to leave a review & rate the podcast if you haven't yet

In a world that glorifies doing more than anything, I find it important to stop and talk about balancing the doing and being. I also talk about about being able to feel successful even when I am not completely where I want to be. In this podcast I go on a walk with you and talk to you about my relationship with this balance as of late, about my recent burnout and many more things

On this episode I choose to take you into my current 10 deepest vulnerabilities and flaws.

These flaws don’t serve me but they are a part of my journey.

I dive into each one of them and I talk about an exercise I do to help me cope with these flaws.

The reason I’ve made this podcast is the hope that someone out there has similar flaws and doesn’t know what to do with them. 

I am not a doctor/ psychologist/ guru/ master but I choose to talk about this because this has helped me and will continue to.

You can take this technique and adapt it to your rhythm and pace of life

On this episode I talk to Kyle Hunter (AKA K. Sparks). Aside from having sync placements everywhere possible, he is an industry vet and has shared stages and has done work with some of the greats in the music industry (The temptations, Kid Audi, Rapsody, Peter Rosenberg & more).

His experience is second to none and we get into his mentality, his approach to mentorship, Importance of Network, Strategy, Misinformation. We also touch on fake gurus and why a 9-5 is necessary for a lot of people going into the sync space

Connect with K sparks

IG @Ksparks

https://www.rhythmcouture.com/

On this episode we have David John Walker (AKA Imperial Beats) This episode is jam packed with amazing insights. Dave Walker gives you an insight to how he has gained some real success and full time income from production music in about few years. He talks about getting picked up by EMI, quitting his full time job as a teacher, and really leaning into the sync space. He also drops big gems about the role of a sync composer and how you can do it better.

Connect with Dave

https://www.imperialbeats.co.uk

Other Resources

Notion (time management app):

https://www.notion.so

I have been dealing with burn out a lot in this past year. A lot of it is because the voice in my head saying some ridiculous stuff that sound like truths to me.

things like "man you suck", "man you're not doing enough, Step it up!", "Look how successful **** is"

In this podcast I talk about what I do about this voice, what I do to keep myself accountable in life and some recent examples of things I do to get out of my head and how I put this voice to sleep.

Join us for an inspiring episode as we sit down with the amazing Nathan Foreman, a music producer whose music has been featured in NBA, Rhythm & flow, Fortnite and many more. Nathan shares the invaluable impact of interning in a publishing company, providing a backstage pass to the inner workings of a label.

We explore the philosophy of being infinitely curious and how this insatiable curiosity has propelled Nathan to remarkable heights. The conversation unfolds into a candid exploration of dealing with burnouts, the transformative power of mentorship, and the profound influence of asking questions as a gateway to bigger and better opportunities.

Connect With Nathan

https://www.linkedin.com/in/nathanforeman21/

@xcaliberzero

Comparing ourself to others, thinking “damn he’s so successful!” Or “damn she has all the placements in the world”, or perhaps my favorite “oh my godddd he makes 5 figures from royalties” This podcast was recorded because I hear too much talk about success and there are too many people trying to define what success is for you so they can sell you stuff. Success isn’t waiting for the end of the year and realizing you’ve done a bunch of stuff or haven’t. Success is RIGHT HERE! 

Hopefully this podcast episode will help some people 

Today we talk with Carita Miller, A supervisor & artist manager.

She has been working on Indie films since covid and is looking to get her break into bigger budget films.

We talk about how she does her work, how she is looking to grow and what you as artists/composers can have in line for her to work with you.

Carita’s Bio:

Carita is a Freelance Music Supervisor at The Lady With The Golden Ear, a company that provides music consulting and supervision services for film and TV projects. She has over three years of experience in this role, where she selects, licenses, and coordinates the music that enhances the visual storytelling and emotional impact of various productions.

Connect with Carita:

https://www.linkedin.com/in/carita-miller-7224668a/

In this episode we explore the nuanced art of not letting big placements overshadow your journey.

Sigurd has had a huge amount of trailer placements this year and in general, he is a very well oiled music machine, he makes an amazing living from sync, and it is not even his main pursuit. This guy is the definition of success to me and he stays humble doing it too.

Sigurd guides us through the transformative importance of meditation, offering practical ways to infuse this serene practice into your daily life.

Get ready for a deep dive into the future as Sigurd unravels the significance of personalizing your emails in 2024, emphasizing the human touch in a digital era. Gain strategic insights into when it's beneficial to collaborate through buyouts and how to nurture your network in today's dynamic industry while standing out authentically.

In this episode i'll talk about my personal accomplishments in 2023, the goals i've achieved and the ones I have yet to achieve, I will touch on subjects such as hurdles and how I tend to tackle them in 2024, hope this helps someone out there :)

On this episode Steven, A full time sync composer, shares his wisdom on the art of choosing excellent publishers and the transformative power of focusing on quality collaborations. We also talk about writing for reality TV vs making music for big libraries. Gain profound insights into the true meaning of doing music full time and how to hit the brakes, we also discuss why nobody is actually a night owl

Discover the resilience required to pursue your passion even when faced with challenges, and uncover the importance of destressing in a fast-paced industry. We go into the professional challenges and also the personal & health challenges composers go through. Moreover, learn the unorthodox but inspiring lesson of not being overly ambitious and yet achieving amazing success in the world of music.

Connect with Steven

www.stevenmcdonaldmusic.com

Tim ferriss podcast w/ Andrew Huberman

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hbNpsmOVGt0 

On this episode, Jason Rudd, with more than 25 years in the music industry, shares the transformative lessons from his early career, including navigating a legal challenge at the young age of 24.

We explore the intricacies of sub-publishing with Jason as he demystifies the concept and sheds light on why companies seek sub-publishing deals. 

Discover the pivotal role of a robust sales team in the music industry and gain insights into the various types of blanket licenses that shape the landscape.

Jason Rudd doesn't just stop at the technicalities; he unveils the strategic art of categorizing your music for a sustainable livelihood in the industry.

Connect with Jason

https://www.linkedin.com/in/jason-m-rudd-15155536/

https://www.level77music.com

Jason’s episode on 52 cues (talks more in depth about mastering and his story)

https://youtu.be/3zZUKbFVnnA?si=WwwcYG9i8OiZ7NAH

In this interview Becca, who has seamlessly scored feature films, Triple A games, and captivating ads, shares her insights and experiences that have shaped her diverse career.

Becca takes us behind the scenes of scoring for feature films, offering a glimpse into spotting sessions, the intricacies of back-end royalties, and the unique aspects of her scoring projects. 

She bridges the gap between artistry and film scoring and tells you how you can do it too.

She shares invaluable advice on navigating the industry, discussing how to discern the opportunities worth saying yes to. 

Becca also delves into the unique journey of being a female artist in the industry, emphasizing the importance of a tight-knit community that fosters growth and support. 

Hang on tight, this one was absolute amazingness

Connect with Becca

http://beccaschack.com

In this episode I dive deep into the mental aspect and the things that in my opinion create a good composer. I think that after 52 interviews with top industry people who are making 6-7 figures I am entitled to draw my conclusions and connect them with the wisdom I have been studying throughout the years.

I dive into Doing vs Procrastinating, how it has everything to do with the people you’re surrounded by, the importance of community, groups and masterminds. 

I also go into musical exploration and the importance of diversification in this business

Let me know if you enjoyed this one

Peace!

In this insightful episode of "Sync Gems," industry veteran Barry Whittaker-Gibley, a luminary with over two decades of experience in sync and a prominent role as one of the owners at "Energy Music" (sub-published by Universal), joins us for a candid discussion on the pitfalls and protective measures within the music business. Barry, not only a seasoned sync expert but also a musician, shares a cautionary tale from his early career, shedding light on how individuals can be taken advantage of in the industry, drawing from his own experience of losing tens of thousands of dollars due to a detrimental deal. The conversation revolves around the crucial importance of reading and understanding contracts, emphasizing the necessity for transparency. Barry delves into the evolving landscape of sync music, its convergence with radio music, and the burgeoning emphasis on quality. 

So take your pens out- this is gonna be a fun ride

https://www.linkedin.com/in/gilbey/

In this podcast we dive with Jelle into composing from the heart, recording an orchestra, The power of not quantizing when making music, the importance of getting inspired to progress, and how saying no can lead you to making more money. We also get into how Jelle made music for an atari game, how he built his network and how he became such a busy composer doing amazing work with amazing companies

Jelle is an amazing young composer that works consistently with labels like BMG and Warner Chappell, he has many placements and his ongoing success (just look at his linkedin to understand). 

This interview was a blast to record so I hope you enjoy

https://www.linkedin.com/in/jelledittmar/

This episode is a big celebration for me, and what’s a better way to celebrate than to have a person you look up to?

Tom Gire is the owner of Brand X, he is also an amazing musician and an inspirational human being.

In this episode we talk about healthy attitudes towards burnout, what makes a banger track? We also talk about transitioning and pivoting in your craft as a composer, the power of shutting up, Internal success vs External results and way way more.

Gems all over the place so make sure to listen all the way

Tom’s Publishing company (Brand X)  

https://brandxmusic.net

with our special guest, Erick Bolivar. We delve into the art of networking, emphasizing the enduring importance of face-to-face connections. Erick shares his invaluable insights from six years of attending conferences, offering tips on how to make a lasting impression and avoid common pitfalls. He also explores the power of building real friendships in the industry, the challenges faced by supervisors when working with composers, and the significance of creating music that pushes creative boundaries. Tune in to unlock the sync music secrets that will elevate your musical journey! 

Edwina is the VP of Music Content & Strategy for APM, she has a great story and a lot of inside knowledge about the industry, in fact she started working at APM before I was born (So that gives up the amount of experience this person has)

We talk about why uniqueness is so important, knowing thyself, board meetings with music at APM, and more

On this episode Leonardo invites us on an enlightening journey where he unveils the transformative power of helping those who once doubted you, emphasizing that through a simple act of kindness, you can profoundly impact others in ways you may never imagine. As the music industry beckons with people clamoring for a piece of your talent, Leonardo stokes the flames of determination to prove them wrong, leaving you with an unquenchable thirst for success as a composer. He reinforces the essential lesson of believing in your unique gift as the pathway to achieving greatness, all while celebrating the incredible strength that comes from embracing the collaborative magic of teamwork.

This is an amazing episode with De Wolfe CEO, Joel Feinberg.

Joel's journey from a musician balancing his career in the heart of NYC to becoming the CEO of de Wolfe Music USA is nothing short of inspirational. With over two decades of experience in the industry, Joel's insights are pure gold! 

In this captivating episode, we explore everything from the art of business development in the sync world to the visionary legacy of de Wolfe Music, one of the world's first sync libraries. 

Joel shares his wisdom on what it truly means to be a confident composer, the common pitfalls that composers face, and why some labels may never give your music a chance.

Discover where the sync industry is heading and why embracing being "productively uncomfortable" might just be the key to your success. Tune in now to "Sync Gems" and elevate your understanding of the music sync world!

Connect with Joel:

https://www.linkedin.com/in/joel-feinberg-b1a0632/

https://www.dewolfemusic.com

In this captivating episode of the podcast, Farnell Newton, a seasoned musician known for his extensive touring with Grammy-winning artists like Jill Scott and the legendary Bootsy Collins, shares his remarkable journey from the stage to the boardroom. Farnell's transition from touring to interning at Marmosett Music at 40 years old, where he now heads the A&R department, offers a unique perspective on the music industry's inner workings. Throughout the episode, Farnell emphasizes the importance of humility, hustle, and networking genius in the industry. He explores the art of empathizing with collaborators and mastering the art of follow-up.

Connect With Farnell

https://www.linkedin.com/in/farnellnewton/

https://farnellnewton.com

On this episode Gregory Tan returns for a second captivating conversation on the podcast. He embarks on a profound exploration of the challenges that composers often face, including the all-too-common burnout. Gregory imparts essential insights on maintaining mindfulness and humility throughout a composer's journey. You will gain valuable perspective on identifying your dream collaborators and cultivating the right professional relationships to sustain success in the ever-evolving music landscape. In this encore episode, Gregory Tan's candid revelations offer a roadmap to resilience for musicians at every stage of their careers.

Connect with Gregory:

https://www.gregtanmusic.net

Join The Sync Gems Discord Community:

https://discord.gg/6mpM7bZP

In this episode, Trevor Lewallen, with over 15 years of experience, shares his insights on translating vision into reality, highlighting that success is in the execution. Delve into the enigmatic aspects of the industry, from deciphering the elusive factors that evade completion to dissecting the profound influence of initial encounters. Explore the unexpected challenges of the music industry, paralysis of over analysis, and Trevor's fresh perspective on AI's effects on the industry landscape. Tune in for an exploration of disruptive platforms like Splice, and who will be left standing after the revolution that is happening right now.

Get In Touch With Trevor:

https://getitdonemusic.com

IG @getitdone

In this episode I get real go in deep about what has been holding me back in the sync world lately, and I talk about the steps i've taken to take myself out of the feeling that i'm not enough.

I talk about the way things are for me, my income for sync, how it fluctuates and I think it can give you another perspective about a path and help you in your decision making process in the future.

I hope episodes like these can help you go through what you're going through, and own it because there'll always be times...

now give it a listen ;)

Much Love

Roy

In this episode Grammy-nominated engineer and mixer Dana Nielsen takes us on a journey through his illustrious career, having collaborated with music legends like Bob Dylan, Rihanna, Justin Timberlake, and more. As a former protege of Rick Rubin, Dana shares insights into how he secured his position with the iconic producer and recounts captivating stories from their collaborations. The conversation delves into themes of humility versus entitlement, the power of networking and being a valuable asset in the industry. Dana's unique path into the field highlights the importance of authenticity and persistence. He emphasizes the value of letting go while maintaining determination, bypassing entitlement, and embracing the excitement of the process. 

Conect with Dana

https://www.dananielsen.com

Dana's Courses

https://mixprotege.com

Dana’s Natural Vocal Production Course

https://studio.com/classes/dana/natural-vocal-production?ref=dana&code=a&utm_source=dana&utm_medium=instructor

Mike Locke, a former member of Warner Music turned founder of Silverside agency, takes us on a journey from his beginnings at Warner Music to the establishment of his own successful sync agency. Mike discusses his initial pull towards the music industry and provides insights into how one can ascertain if a career in music is the right fit. He delves into the importance of recognizing a sustainable passion and leveraging innovation, drawing from his experiences at Warner to kickstart his agency. Mike also sheds light on the often overlooked aspects that music agents dislike when composers submit their work, offering valuable perspective for aspiring musicians. Moreover, the episode touches on the evolving landscape of the industry and its potential future directions.

Silverside Agency:

http://silversideco.com

Mike Locke (Linkedin)

https://www.linkedin.com/in/mike-locke-749bb54/

Join us in this captivating episode of Sync Gems as we sit down with the incredibly talented custom music producer, Jonathon Deering, whose exceptional work has graced blockbuster movies such as Spider-Man, Flash, Batman, Minions, and many more. Together, we delve into the profound insights and experiences Jonathon has garnered throughout his remarkable career. Discover the secrets to finding your bliss in music and unlocking the path to success in the competitive world of music production. Explore the nuances of knowing when to persevere and when to gracefully step back from creating music. Gain valuable knowledge as Jonathon shares diverse approaches to excelling as a sync composer, while also celebrating the victories that make the journey worthwhile.

Connect with Jonathon

https://www.jonathondeering.com

On this episode we have Transit's music coordinator, Sofia Del Valle, she sheds tons of light on the craft and artistry behind music coordination & supervision, highlighting how a single placement can transform one's entire career (we go into the story of "stranger things" specifically). Tune in to discover valuable insights getting on agencies radars, the significance of having a stellar reel and website, and how networking plays a pivotal role in achieving independent success in this competitive industry.

Connect with Sofia:

https://www.linkedin.com/in/sofia-del-valle/

On this episode we have Morgan McKnight, the Executive Director of the Production Music Association (PMA). Join us as we discuss moving forward in your endeavors and the importance of being dedicated to learning. Morgan explains what PMA is and why the sync community is a great place for creatives.

We also explore the latest trends in the library world and learn how to stay true to yourself in the music industry. Additionally, Morgan shares valuable insights on getting paid for your work in the library field. 

Connect with Morgan

IG: @morganmcknight

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/morganmcknight/

PMA

https://pmamusic.com

PMC 2023 (production music conference)

https://pmamusic.com/events/pmc-2023/

On this episode I speak with Bryce Green, who has recently landed a huge Pizza hut campaign, Connor McGregor’s documentary, Bel-air and more. 

He has a lot to teach about his rise to greatness and how you can do it too.

We talk about sharing your gifts in sync, we talk about how to decide who to collaborate with and also about how putting in the work in the direction that you know you’re meant to go is the most important thing you can do for yourself

Connect with bryce

IG:  @brycegreenmojo

Linkedin:  https://www.linkedin.com/in/bryce-green/

Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/artist/0dYp8xHqG4qZX3G7NxSbbc?si=ehm2ZGWkSsWzIi-Jv6MO0w

In this episode, we get into sync agencies, the job of a sync agent, and learn the crucial knowledge and experience required to pitch your music effectively. We talk about the importance of a solid team and get into valuable tips on submitting your music to an agency. Don't miss out on this transformative episode.

Rashad’s Bio:

Rashad comes from a strong background in the music publishing industry. He worked at Universal Music Publishing for nearly 5 years while licensing music for Film/TV. After his tenure at UMPG, Rashad founded Madden Flow Entertainment. 

Madden Flow Entertainment is an independent music licensing agency that represents music from a diverse range of talented creators. Rashad does creative music searches, music clearance, and music supervision. Rashad has secured partnerships with labels such as Slip N Slide Records, which control the Masters rights to Rick Ross' early catalogue of music. He also has partnerships in place with creative teams and music publishers in 5+ countries. He has pitched and licensed music that has landed in projects seen on Amazon Prime, Hulu (FX), ABC, CBS, Netflix, and more. He has Music Supervision credits that include Marvel's M-Power Documentary and Disney's Avatar 2: The Way of the Water Featurette.

Connect With Rashad

IG: @shadthesyncplacer

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/rashad-richardson-8a176959/

Rashad’s Agency: 

https://www.maddenflowentertainment.com

On this episode we get into things I really wanted to know for myself.

We unravel the importance of simplicity in sync, exploring the main differences between sync agencies and music libraries. We talk about different uses composers can have with AI. We Delve into the controversial realm of using samples and why in some cases they should be avoided. This episode is jam packed with gems! so enjoy it.

xJ will's Bio

Meet Joshua Williams, a versatile and accomplished artist/composer hailing from the Midwest. Josh honed his craft through touring internationally with various indie bands and artists.
His travels and experiences gave birth to a unique writing style, leading him to become a sought-after film composer. In addition to his successful career in music, Joshua is also an educator for independent music creators, sharing his knowledge and insights on sync licensing and building an audience through platforms like TikTok and Instagram.

He has Placements with Lionsgate Films, Apple, Warner Brothers, and CBS, among others

Contact Josh

IG: xJ_will

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@xj_will

https://stan.store/xJ-Will

Michael Maas's Course (last week with %30 off)

cupon code SYNCGEMS30

https://michaelmaas.krtra.com/t/WSjF90n5QLYf

In this episode we explore a wide range of topics including understanding the perfect placement for your music, the growing demand for vocals by publishers, effective strategies for navigating the sync music business, the importance of clear communication with publishers, lesser-known insights that can elevate your sync music game, and the vital art of balancing creativity with the business side of the industry. 

Michael Maas has been on episode 18 and told his story there, but in short- he is an industry vet, an award winning composer, has had huge placements along his career (Star wars, Jurassic park, Dune Call of duty and more) , has a publishing company of his own and a huge wealth of knowledge in the space. Episode 18 dives in to his story and background,

Michael Maas’s Course

Link for a 30% discount ( with cupon code SYNCGEMS30 ):

https://michaelmaas.krtra.com/t/WSjF90n5QLYf

Connect with Michael:

https://linktr.ee/michaelmaas

On this episode we delve into the intriguing realm of collaboration, exploring the hows and whys, the importance of actively meeting people face to face, and the delicate balance between quantity and quality in sync. We'll also uncover the secrets behind writing for indie films, discussing the intricacies of payment, how to break into scoring for indie projects, and the age-old debate of working for free. Don't miss this enriching episode filled with valuable insights from a true master of his craft! 

Based in the heart of the entertainment industry, Los Angeles, Andrew is a multifaceted musician, songwriter, arranger, and producer who’s had his music placed in shows like American Greed, RuPaul's Drag Race, Forensic Files II, Love & Hip Hop Miami, Very Scary People, and Celebrity True Crime Story.

Connect With Andrew:

https://andrewlipow.com

This time we sit down with the talented Marcus Manderson, an emerging force in the sync world who recently celebrated his first collaboration with Disney. With an unwavering determination to achieve greatness, Marcus shares his invaluable insights into the art of networking, revealing the transformative power of reaching out and cultivating connections with the best in the business. Get ready to be motivated, empowered, and inspired by Marcus Manderson's incredible story.

Connect with Marcus:

https://withkoji.com/@dafingaz?fbclid=IwAR1xB8ik69N-oDysbgX3lOWr_Lzn3HPGvUM68inr507OlYr54q0tU9ypR1c

On this episode Shalev shares his remarkable experience of landing a coveted position in Hans Zimmer's studio after just three months in Los Angeles, recording renowned artists like Nick Jonas, Busta Rhymes, Zara Larsson, and 2chains. He also assisted some of the top mixing engineers and he breaks down how he did it. He also opens up about working as an editor for Disney, the challenges of working long hours without pay, and the invaluable lessons he learned about the importance of persistence, intentionality, and surrounding oneself with people who truly value your talents. Tune in to discover how Shalev's unwavering pursuit of his dreams led him to extraordinary opportunities and shaped his belief that there's no one way to achieve success in the industry.

Books Discussed:

Amanda Palmer- The Art Of Asking

Contact Shalev:

IG @shalevalonmixing

Linkedin  https://www.linkedin.com/in/shalev-alon-b50805111/

On this episode we are going to explore the subject of health, why are a lot of composers not healthy and what can we do to combat these health deficiencies?

Are you waking up tired? are you feeling groggy and tired? do you have bad eating habits? maybe binging?

Well you may get a few answers to these questions here on this podcast. It’s really a short one but if you guys get value from it please let me know and I may make more of these in the future

Enjoy the episode :)

On This episode we talk about Dee Kei's journey From working 16 hour days, to achieving his dreams after one year in LA to discovering he was actually miserable- Dee Kei explains his lessons learned and philosophy around setting clear boundaries to actually achieve happiness. 

He also sheds light on why most people don't have what it takes to create success for themselves and why sacrificing success for happiness is sometimes necessary. Definitely one of my favorite episodes

Movies Mentioned:

The Green Knight (movie)

The Last Samurai

Dee Kei’s YouTube

https://www.youtube.com/@DeeKeiMixes

IG: @DeeKeiMixes

@mixingmusicpodcast

This podcast was recorded because of my 32nd bday and the understanding that came to me as I turn a new page in my life, and embark on new adventures.

This is more about my downloads and understanding from the roller coster ride life has been taking me on in this past decade or so

I hope this will be of value to you :)

Let me know what you think

With placements in major productions such as Guardians of the Galaxy 3, The Witcher, Woke, Rap caviar presents (and more) Lionel Fabert's expertise is not to be missed. On this episode  Lionel discusses his unique approach to making music, the way he sticks out, as well as his thoughts on the future of AI in music composition. He also shares valuable insights into how to stand out in the competitive world of custom music, and the importance of mastering your craft as a musician. Tune in to this episode for an insightful conversation on the art of sync.

Connect with Lionel:

https://www.lionelfabert.com

https://www.instagram.com/lionel_fabert/

In this episode of Sync Gems, we sit down with Noam Levinberg, the head of the audio department at Artlist, to discuss his passion for audio and the secrets to creating the perfect music for TV and film.

Levinberg has been in the music industry for over a decade, has mixed & mastered thousands of records for many names, was the head of audio in Artlist and is very passionate about what he does.

He discusses how artists can break through the world of sync, and shares tips and tricks for making, mixing, and mastering music that resonates.

Support Noam through buying his awesome plugins:

Get 20% off any plugin you buy  with Coupon code SYNCGEMS20

https://safaripedals.com

Connect with Noam

IG @safaripedals

https://www.linkedin.com/in/noam-levinberg-b9168514a/

Are you curious about music for games? In this episode our guest Sigurd Jøhnk-Jensen shares valuable insights on how to get started making music for games.

Sigurd has had amazing success in the gaming world, and in this episode, he shares how he gets regular work from games, he also shares some of the networking techniques that have helped him get to the top. He also discusses the differences between creating music for games and music for TV/film and how the two can live together.

Make sure you tune in this is a great listen

Michael Maas's Sync Music Business Course (You get an extra Riser Sample pack if you press this link)

https://michaelmaas.krtra.com/t/WSjF90n5QLYf

Connect with sigurd

IG: sigurdthemusicdude

FB: https://www.facebook.com/Sigurdjj

In this episode Jamie Shield shares his journey in music production and how he has managed to double his savings through sync licensing. He discusses falling in love with recording, getting a call from Timbaland himself, and the power of building a strong social media presence. Jamie also emphasizes the importance of getting your music to work for you and taking charge of your career by signing "bad deals" and creating your own luck. Through his experiences and insights, he offers valuable advice for aspiring music producers on how to succeed in this challenging field.

This Episode is a MUST LISTEN

Conect With Jamie:

www.jamieshield.co.uk

The Subtle Art Of Not Fiving A Fuck (book):

https://www.amazon.com/Subtle-Art-Not-Giving-Counterintuitive/dp/0062457713

The Obstacle Is The Way (book stoicism):

https://www.amazon.com/Obstacle-Way-Timeless-Turning-Triumph/dp/B0BT53FNVH/ref=sr_1_1?keywords=the+obstacle+is+the+way&qid=1680938123&s=books&sprefix=The+obstac%2Cstripbooks-intl-ship%2C431&sr=1-1

In this episode, we speak with the founders of Triple Tread about the role of supervisors in helping artists succeed. The guests share their passion for assisting artists and provide insights on what supervisors look for in musicians. They discuss how to obtain briefs from supervisors and how to build and maintain strong relationships with them. In addition, the episode touches on The Guild Of Music Supervisors, and also the topic of using samples. If you're an artist looking to make it big in the industry, this episode is a must-listen, as it provides valuable advice and tips on how to work with supervisors and get your music noticed.

Connect with Andrew & Lauren:

https://www.linkedin.com/in/andrew-weaver-8093a213b/

https://www.linkedin.com/in/lauren-denemark-91bb55130/

https://triplethreatsupervision.com

Sync Music Business Course:

https://roymatz.krtra.com/t/L5dApnHbtDlF

In tis episode we had the pleasure of speaking with Jordan Smith, Manager of Sync & Licensing at "Chroma Music." Jordan gave us an inside look at her work for a premium music house and shared her experiences wearing different hats in her role.

Jordan also shared insights on how quotes work in trailer music houses and gave us a glimpse into the potential payouts for licensing music. 

Jordan emphasizes the importance of creating and cultivating good relationships with artists. She also gives tips to artists about how to actually get her attention as a Supervisor.

Connect with Jordan

 https://www.linkedin.com/in/jordan-smith-107801131/

Sync Music Business Course:

https://roymatz.krtra.com/t/L5dApnHbtDlF

On this episode I talk to Sean Carter, he is an In house Audio Engineer, Music Composer, Music Supervisor, Sound Editor, & Mixer for The Washington Post, He is also a sound designer & lyricist with a very unique upbringing and inspiration.

Sean has pivoted so much in his career and is really an inspiration for doing things differently. He will inspire you to carve your own path and tap into your inner compass

Michael Maas's Sync Business Course

https://roymatz.krtra.com/t/L5dApnHbtDlF

Connect with Sean

IG: @undaworld

https://www.linkedin.com/in/seancarterdesign/

In this podcast episode, Brand X founder Tom Gire shares his inspiring journey of making a lifelong living from his music, starting from playing on cruise ships to making trailer tracks for successful campaigns like The Matrix, Harry Potter & The Last Samurai. He talks about his experiences working with Hans Zimmer and the hard lessons he learned while striving as a freelancer. Tom also shares his advice on setting realistic expectations, compartmentalizing the most important things, and avoiding perfectionism. He emphasizes the importance of collaborations and sharing information, highlighting the fact that the only bad relationship you have is the one you didn't make. If you're an aspiring musician or freelancer, this episode is a must-listen!

Get 30% off Michael Maas's SYNC MUSIC BUSINESS Course (Coupon Code SYNCGEMS30)

https://roymatz.krtra.com/t/7R1Cl8hft4oQ

Contact Tom:

https://brandxmusic.net

https://www.facebook.com/tunaman68

In this episode, Michael shares his incredible story of rising to huge success relatively quickly after coming back to music. He talks about his journey from leaving music completely for 5 years, to transitioning from his day job as a train conductor to a full-time composer, and eventually becoming a multi-company owner.

One of the key takeaways from Michael's story is knowing what to say yes and what to say no to. He shares his insights on how to make the right decisions that will help you grow your career and achieve your goals. He also emphasizes the importance of marketing yourself as a composer, explaining why there's a huge market for composers and how you can tap into it.

Timestamps:

3:30 Michael’s story- being in a boy band, Stopping his music career,  making 6 figures from epic pop trailers

26:40 Saying Yes and saying NO

31:30 Royalties, sample libraries & business then vs now

42:45 Communication with industry people, Why marketing yourself is a must

56:00 Delegating, Investing, re investing, having a team

1:06:40 Michael’s Course

Connect with Michael:

https://linktr.ee/michaelmaas

Get 30% off Michael’s Course [Cupon code SYNCGEMS30]

https://roymatz.krtra.com/t/7R1Cl8hft4oQ

if you have any questions hit him up via email:

[email protected]

In this podcast I offer my perspective about why there are so many creatives who are complaining about not having the success they deserve, why they are not getting placements, why music is hard, and why life is hard

I will also offer solutions to get over these. These solutions worked for me, and for people I know and appreciate deeply

Let me know what you think about this episode via:

LinkedIn or

IG

@roymatz

@syncgems

In this episode you'll discover the importance of perseverance. With hundreds of placements in trailers, TV, games, and ads, David shares his wealth of knowledge on finding the right people to work with, building a supportive community, and practical strategies for success in the sync business. David also shares what not to do when reaching out to others, and provides tips on how to avoid burnout in a fast-paced industry. Plus, he reveals a big hack for working with a low budget and achieving success despite the challenges.

Timestamps:

3:45 David’s Journey To Greateness 

10:45 How David stuck out in the beginning

13:44 Sound Design projects, what does it look like?

17:10 Why you should set boundaries when working with publishers

21:10 The power of saying no

24:08 Community & the importance of connections

29:15 Researching Sync Companies

33:44 Releasing & letting go

35:00 David’s Routine

37:50 Routines and their power

42:30 David’s magic 3 

contact David

https://www.doscomp.com

Essentialism (Book we discuss)

https://www.amazon.com/Essentialism-Disciplined-Pursuit-Greg-McKeown/dp/0804137382

Follow us on socials

IG: @syncgems

@roymatz

Get ready to dive into the world of custom music and learn from one of the best in the business! This week on Sync Gems, we welcome Jake Dijak, a seasoned composer, sound designer and producer with music placements in movies like "Venom," "The Desperate Hour," and on platforms like Apple TV and "The Beauty and the Geek."

Whether you're a composer, producer, or simply interested in the music industry, this episode is not to be missed. Tune in now to hear Jake's expert insights and get inspired to take your custom music game to the next level.

03:00 Jake’s story

10:24 Custom Work vs Album Work

11:56 Trailerizing tracks

16:48 The power of Teamwork & Community

19:04 Why you have to be organized

21:48 Red Flags and how to choose labels to work with

26:37 The power of saving time

30:00 Creating different ways to create and make a living out of music

35:30 Last piece of advice

Get a 10% discount on all Jake’s sample packs using code SYNCGEMS10 at checkout

https://www.astssounds.com/?fbclid=IwAR3p4561dZq1j_8Sr2ZOff7QTGT145YxhD4e4MwNTpBGAavpDOdERWHIXAQ

Jake’s site

https://www.jakedijak.com

On todays podcast, Brian shares his story of transitioning from the Marine Corps to starting his own record labels. He emphasizes the importance of mentorship, resources, and being one's own boss. He also provides an inside perspective on the differences between the trailer and TV spaces and how PR has changed. He talks about his winning principles, shares his own "almosts" and mistakes, and shares what success means to him. He also encourages people to pursue their passions and leave a lasting legacy. Throughout the podcast, Brian also provides insights into his own personal style

3:44 Brian’s Story- From the marine corps to starting record labels

17:14 Being his own boss

18:38 Mentorship, resources and it’s importance

21:36 The trailer space vs. the TV space- inside perspective

25:06 PR and what it used to look like

30:18 Winning Principles

37:07 Brian’s big ‘Almost’s & mistakes

43:02 what is success to Brian

49:05 Doing what you are passionate about

52:45 Leaving a legacy

55:35 Brians style

Contact Brian

https://www.brashtracks.com

Today we have a successful composer in the Ad & TV space (placements in ABC, FOX, BET and more), and family person talk about Creating long term relationships, Analyzing music that is being used, productivity hacks and being efficient & able to do the reps as a family guy

I’ve had so much fun making this podcast, hope you will too

1:00 Brandon Simmons

5:50 How Brandon got his tracks placed

7:41 Analyzing music for sync

13:30 current trends

19:07 Btandon’s Production Style (three words)

21:00 Mistakes Brandon made

23:08 Relationships and their value

34:23 Being a family guy and being creative

41:33 What Brandon would do if he started from scratch with $500 and a computer

Today we talk about artistry, about intrinsic vs extrinsic motivations and more with a guy that has started scoring for films at the age of 16, 

After a long time of trying he has created amazing success having his music placed in The Avengers, Aqua Man, Venom, and hundreds of commercials around the globe.

We talk about Intrinsic motivations vs extrinsic motivations, we talk about mistakes people make in the sync business and how you can really dive in and explore your uniqueness as a solo artist as well as a sync composer. Phil has had some amazing success in his solo career and talks about it in the podcast as well.

3:20 Phil’s story

11:04 Starting his artist journey, inspiration, collaboration

17:30 Sync & Artistry 

19:00 Exploring artistry as a sync musician

22:30 Is the sync industry oversaturated?

23:55 why you shouldn’t be too emotional

28:50 Intrinsic vs. extrinsic motivations

35:15 What is success?

41:15 Routines

49:29 Making your music interesting

57:30 What’s next for Phil

Check Phil out

https://www.facebook.com/phillipalober

https://www.youtube.com/@phillober1632

On today's episode we take a peak behind the curtain of an up and coming publisher that has seen quite a lot of success. We talk publishing, we talk hustling, networking, doing the reps and trusting in your path to success in sync and in general

Max Elefant is the CEO of Maximus Music Group (MMG), a publishing company that has had placements on HBO, Nickelodeon, Hulu, Disney and more. His hustle mentality is undeniable and he really opens up about what it takes, he speaks about his dream as a songwriter and his relationship with people and god.

Let me know if you enjoy this one

Topics we cover:

03:20 Max’s story- from songwriting to starting a publishing company

11:32 leaving the ego in check, moving from the spotlight, 

14:46 Becoming a publisher and what it takes to get briefs

18:18 Why Being Crazy is important

20:46 Hunger, Hustle, Motivation

22:50 How do you reach out specific companies

26:24 Creating a brand as a publishing company

29:15  Thinking the sync industry would be easy

34:32 Max’s vision for himself as a songwriter and for his company

37:50 Being Calculated in the music space

40:33 Parting Piece of advice

Say hi to max:

https://www.linkedin.com/in/max-elefant-0bba1398/

https://www.maximusmusicgroup.com

In this episode we take a deep dive into different ways your music can be placed, and how you should approach choosing the right publisher for you. There are a lot of super practical tools in this episode so make sure to collect them gems!

Grant Borland is a full time composer. He has placements in netflix, discovery, apple tv, Peacock, Universal & more. He talks publishers, how to choose them, and what to watch out for. We talk about the importance of connecting and genuine connection, we also talk about what editors want, and how to 

2:30 How grant started making music for labels

6:26 Grant’s background and unique introduction to Sync

7:14 first lessons learned about sync, Know rules to break them

10:55 How music can convert and get to different placements you don’t expect

13:40 Know who to give your tracks to and how to research publishers

17:53 Red flags for choosing labels

19:09 Community and it’s importance

21:32 Collaborating on the higher levels

27:40 What Grant do if he started from scratch with $500 and a laptop

31:00 Creating unique sounds and why you should do it

35:22 What music editors like

40:28 The Job of a music supervisor

Grant’s site

https://www.grantborland.com

Sample packs (freebies as well)

https://www.grantborland.com/store

Raum Reverb:

https://www.native-instruments.com/en/products/komplete/effects/raum/

New years resolutions never worked for me. But something else did.

In this episode I guide you through an exercise that has helped me to go from having $10 in my bank account to going full time in music, and living a life on my terms. I know other people who have used this technique to  manifest the lives they have always dreamed of so I put together this hands on exercise to help you kick off the new year. It is practical and involves visualization.

Hope this can help someone like it has helped me

Best,

Roy

This is an amazing lesson about gradual growth, the process till the first placements, custom music, music business, and way way more.

The best thing about this episode is that it really shows vividly what it takes to rise in the sync business, and how success is made.

What I love about Gregory Tan is that he is an absolute monster composer and is also one of the most humble people I’ve met. He gives amazing insights about his work ethic and practical tips about how to rise to the top in the sync business.

Gregory has been keeping very busy and only in the last year has had his music placed   in Disney (star wars), BBC, The daily show,  Jurassic Park, Netflix, The Daily Show, and way way more. Just click the links below to see how legit this guy is. 

2:14 Gregory’s Star war Placement

5:20 Gregory’s story

11:30 Working in an ad agency

14:35 1st placements, how How gregory got his “bad” tracks to work for him

23:30 Community and celebrating wins, his own and his friend’s

29:23 Excelling and innovating

37:38 being business smart

45:17 Gregory's Routine

51:50 Gregory’s Production style in 3 words

55:36 Cheap hacks to get you started in trailer composing for film

61:15 Gregory’s goals

62:58 Parting advice

Conect with Gregory Tan:

https://www.gregtanmusic.net

https://www.linkedin.com/in/gregtanmusic/

David Dykstra is a vet in the music business. He shares about how he went from touring full time to creating a more sustainable life with sync, production, engineering and more. He knows so much about the music industry so I recommend you take out a pen and paper (assuming you're not driving or operating a jigsaw)

I used to envy people who were touring musicians, but what I didn’t know was not only is it very taxing on the body, but also not very sustainable from a business standpoint.

David talks about all of this and drops golden gems left and right for y’all to marvel on and hopefully use on your journey

2:20 David’s journey, nashville, touring, discovering sync, working with Warner Chappel

13:05 Three legged stool

17:26 kindness, respect and their importance in the music business

21:04 David’s super power

22:50 Knowing your superpower

27:50 hacks to get plugins cheap, mastering your craft, collaborating

31:37 David’s site (his socials are there too) https://www.ddcustommusic.com

Music business is a people’s business

In this Pdcast Eric Campbell walks you through his journey to becoming a jack of all trades in the music business, how he started as a musician but has risen up to so many challenges that I personally don't think I would. it was fascinating to decode his mindset, upbringing and get to talk to him about his career- his amazing connections, how he created his own community and sync agency, how he pivoted in his career to become who he is today. 

2:25 Decoding Eric’s mindset- upbringing

5:10 How Eric approaches pivoting and diversifying

9:45 The power of the right relationship

11:20 music supervision and lessons learned

14:40 Eric about going to what excites him

20:45 Creating & building community

27:25 What Eric would do in the sync space with only a computer and $500

29:56 Eric’s  production style

30:30 The importance of a refference

35:00 Last piece of advice

Connect with Eric

https://ctrlcamp.com

https://www.instagram.com/ericmakesmusic/?hl=en

In this episode we take a deeper dive into custom music and get insights from a label partner. Bryan Nguyen from "Ghostwriter music" (Placements in Man In Black, Ready Player One, The newest Avatar, Mulan and many many more) is not new to the sync space. He talks about his journey to success in great detail, gives you an inside look from the label perspective, negotiating fees, and gives tips about being unique, and how he knows you can do it. He talks about his passion of helping artists to get to where they want, and throws down amazing gems left and right

You do not want to miss this podcast. It is so jam packed with insights.

2:55 From working in retail to full time music

9:00 When Bryan knew he could do music full time

10:20 What editors want- Things you haven’t thought of

13:40 Sync fees, negotiations, and rates labels negotiate

19:15 Negotiating low & high

20:26 What are custom tracks?

24:00 Community and why Bryan is so huge into community

27:20 approaching the sync world with close to nothing

28:00 [gem] Why you have to understand and capitalize on your strengths

38:00 Why the sync world wants your uniqueness 

43:20 How composers can get into the movies they want

47:58 Mistakes producers make

49:00 Big gem for producers on the come up

51:50 Bryan’s production style

54:05 Big gem to close the convo

Bryan’s favorite free compressor

https://www.tokyodawn.net/tdr-kotelnikov/

Alex Moukala (youtube channel)

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0Fb3nXuCo1k

Ghostwriter Music

https://ghostwritermusic.com

https://www.instagram.com/ghostwritermusicgroup/

Connect With Bryan:

https://www.linkedin.com/in/thebryguy/

https://www.facebook.com/BryanNguyenMarketing

In this interview we talk about trailer placements, how long it takes and how many tracks Sigurd needed to have to achieve over 100 tracks placed in 5 years. We go on to talk about happiness, and we get into well being and the importance of rest. 

we go on to talk about how to know your music is ready for pitching, working with upfront fees, and why it’s an amazing time to be an artist in the sync space

2:10 Becoming a full time musician

8:48 The first 2 years in the trailer game

14:00 How many tracks Does Sigurd have

19:40 Developing a Musical Identity & signiture

25:10 Getting the marvel placement

27:20 Happiness, celebrations and gratitude as a catalyst for success

43:20 3 top mistakes composers do

43:50 How to know your music is good enough

47:25 Working with libraries 

50:20 Working with upfront fees

57:34 Being you in the sync business

Check Sigurd Out

https://sigurdmusic.com

instagram.com/sigurdthemusicdude

Support the podcast by reviewing and giving it a 5 star review ;)

It helps a lot

In this episode we take a deep dive into sync libraries and communication fundamentals. This episode is pure gold for people who want to get more familiar with sync libraries, and also amazing for people who want to understand the mindset of a very successful producer in the space.

we go through the fundamentals of how to communicate with publishers, how he got his first placements, and how you can learn to improve from the feedback you get. He speaks to the importance of mentorship and the reasons you should always look forward instead of focusing for too long on one piece of music.

Erick bolivar’s music has been featured in places like HBO, CBS, NBC, Fox, Bravo, Telemundo, National Geographic, Animal Planet, History Channel and MTV (and these are not all actually)

He is the real deal and I recommend To listen carefully and take notes 

Timestamps:

2:15 Erick’s Background and how he started in music

6:35 Starting in the Sync world 

10:15 Erick’s first placements and his advice for royalties

14:00 Communicating with the sync world, and pitching to publishers

18:05 Mistakes Erick made in the beginning of his journey

23:45 Placing mediocre tracks 

27:10 Ericks Biggest Goal

28:45 Erick’s Routine, work process and hacks

34:35 3 words that describe Erick’s production style

36:07 Contact with Erick

37:28 Extra gems from Erick

Connect with Erick

https://www.imdb.com/name/nm3958050/

https://www.instagram.com/erickbolivar1/?hl=en

https://www.erickbolivar.com/home

This is the first time I record and release a podcast into the world so I'm super excited to see how this goes.

This podcast is about my goals with this podcast and what my goal is: bringing on the brightest minds to discuss the sync licensing world- from successful composers, label owners, A&R's, editors and more. I want to get these people to drop gems so we can all elevate and become better at what we do, and yes, we can also make some insane dollars in the process. That'$ for fact

I want to understand this world just like you do so I look forward to interacting with you on socials

@roymatz @syncgems (IG)

Roy Matz (linkedIn)

My site: https://www.roymatz.com