In this episode, we welcome Steven Scharf, an industry icon with over 50 years of experience in record labels, publishing, and sync. Steven shares firsthand stories of working with artists like Tamiko Jones and James Taylor. He provides insights into his time at Muscle Shoals Studios, reminiscing about pivotal moments like encountering early recordings of The Rolling Stones and fostering emerging talent like Lynyrd Skynyrd. His anecdotes provide historical context and insight into the music industry's evolution, highlighting the importance of seizing opportunities and staying true to one's passion for music.

Reflecting on Steven's journey, it's clear that his experiences navigating through the changing landscapes of music distribution and consumption offer valuable insights into the industry. His emphasis on building relationships and finding advocates for music underscores the importance of networking and persistence. Despite the challenges of today's saturated market, success can still be achieved with dedication and quality work.

Guest Bio:

Over his five-decades-long career in the music industry, Steven Scharf has worked in nearly every aspect of the business. In 1991, after nearly 20 years as an independent record producer and head of A&R at Private Stock Records, he launched his own management and consulting firm, Steven Scharf Entertainment (SSE), in a joint venture with legendary music publisher Freddy Bienstock and later, with Caroline Bienstock at Carlin America, ultimately rising to Sr. V.P. Creative.

In addition to signing songwriters, purchasing and working catalogs, and placing thousands of songs in film, tv, and commercials for Carlin, Steve has managed many highly successful record producers and film composers, as well as licensing indie music to all platforms. In 2019, Steve expanded his company, SSE, to include consulting to the publishing industry with Jamie Records of Philadelphia. Steve is also a founding member of the Music Managers Forum.

About the Hosts:

We’re Sonnet Simmons and John Clinebell, 2 indie artists who have found success and creative fulfillment through licensing our music for ads, TV shows and films.

We were once so disheartened and discouraged that our music wasn’t being noticed or valued through traditional methods. So we both started on a journey to find another way. For us, that “third door” was sync! And what we discovered is a lot better than we could have ever even imagined…[Find out more here]

Resources From This Episode:

• ⁠2Indie Website⁠⁠ - Visit our website for more resources and information on how to get YOUR music signed
• Music Licensing Basecamp⁠ - Want to join our exclusive online sync community, with weekly LIVE networking and coaching calls?
• ⁠@2indieofficial⁠ - Follow us on Instagram
• Sync It! Music Licensing Community⁠ - Follow us on Facebook
• ⁠⁠Steven’s Website⁠⁠ - Learn more about our guest and their work

In this episode we dive into the journey of one prolific music maker, Johnny Collier. Johnny shares how he stumbled into the music scene, starting from being a merch guy to fronting a band. His journey led him to where he is today, creating music and scoring opportunities left and right.

Johnny's story is one of persistence and determination. Transitioning from being in a band to exploring music production, Johnny found himself diving into the world of sync and film music. He recounts how he took a leap of faith, learning Ableton and eventually landing a role as a composer.

Through hard work and seizing opportunities, Johnny’s career success keeps on building. From collaborating with multiple sync agencies as a writer and producer and now signing for trailer music, his journey is a testament to the power of perseverance and taking chances.

Johnny’s story is a reminder that hard work, dedication and a lot of courage is how you see results in achieving your goals and dreams. So tune in and get inspired by Johnny's journey from band merch guy to one highly sought after composer, producer and writer!

Guest Bio:

Meet Johnny, the indie producer and songwriter hailing from Charlotte, NC, who's embarked on a musical journey without a roadmap or the ability to read a single note. Despite his unconventional approach, Johnny has managed to make waves in the industry, signing deals with multiple agencies and carving out a niche in trailer music production.

But don't let his accomplishments fool you. Johnny's the first to admit that he's just a guy trying his best without a clue of what he's doing. His musical endeavors are as unpredictable as they are exciting – one week, he's crafting epic soundtracks for blockbuster trailers, and the next, he could be onto something entirely different.

When Johnny's not lost in a musical maze, he's hanging out with his toughest critics – his wife and their two beloved golden retrievers, who keep him grounded and inspired.

So, if you're searching for someone who's equal parts determined, awesome, and ever-evolving, Johnny's your guy.

About the Hosts:

We’re Sonnet Simmons and John Clinebell, 2 indie artists who have found success and creative fulfillment through licensing our music for ads, TV shows and films.

We were once so disheartened and discouraged that our music wasn’t being noticed or valued through traditional methods. So we both started on a journey to find another way. For us, that “third door” was sync! And what we discovered is a lot better than we could have ever even imagined…[Find out more here]

Resources From This Episode:

• ⁠2Indie⁠ Website - Visit our website for more resources and information on how to get YOUR music signed⁠
• Music Licensing Basecamp⁠ - Want to join our exclusive online sync community, with weekly LIVE networking and coaching calls?⁠
• @2indieofficial⁠ - Follow us on Instagram⁠
• Sync It! Music Licensing Community⁠ - Follow us on Facebook

In this episode, Amanda Levine joins us to pull back the curtain on the advertising world, offering a glimpse into its inner workings. From the dynamics of talent management to the evolving trends within agencies, we discuss it all.

Join us as we contemplate whether most agencies opt for in-house talent management or outsource the role. We also touch upon the concerning trend of music-related positions gradually disappearing from agency rosters.

It's a candid exploration of the advertising landscape, shedding light on both its strengths and challenges. Tune in for an insightful discussion on the realities of the industry.

Guest Bio:

Amanda is currently the Senior Director of Music & Licensing at Platinum Rye Entertainment, where she has spent the last 15 years helping brand and agency clients navigate complex music and entertainment-led partnership deals, including Procter and Gamble, Gap Inc., Amazon and State Farm.

Amanda’s role incorporates securing music/talent/IP for all media, comprising award-winning commercials that have featured in Super Bowl, Grammys and Olympics. Recent projects you may have seen her work include Gain remaking the iconic track “Take My Breath Away”, Old Spice partnering up with TikTok musical sensation JVKE, Downy launching a new product with help from the Backstreet Boys and licensing “Doomed” by Moses Sumney for P&G’s Clio-winning powerful video “The Choice”.

About the Hosts:

We’re Sonnet Simmons and John Clinebell, 2 indie artists who have found success and creative fulfillment through licensing our music for ads, TV shows and films.

We were once so disheartened and discouraged that our music wasn’t being noticed or valued through traditional methods. So we both started on a journey to find another way. For us, that “third door” was sync! And what we discovered is a lot better than we could have ever even imagined…[Find out more here]

Resources From This Episode:

• 2Indie - Visit our website for more resources and information on how to get YOUR music signed
• @platinumrye

• Music Licensing Basecamp - Want to join our exclusive online sync community, with weekly LIVE networking and coaching calls?

• @2indieofficial - Follow us on Instagram

• Sync It! Music Licensing Community - Follow us on Facebook