In this episode, we discuss the captivating world of songwriting with the renowned Liz Rogers. Drawing from her extensive experience in the industry, Liz offers invaluable insights into the art and craft of song creation. With a blend of passion and precision, Liz highlights the importance of authenticity in storytelling and the power of vulnerability in connecting with audiences on a profound level.

Liz shares her wisdom on navigating the dynamic landscape of the music industry. She underscored the significance of securing representation and fostering collaborative relationships in propelling your career forward. From establishing a portfolio to cultivating a strong online presence, Liz emphasizes the strategic steps aspiring songwriters can take to stand out in a competitive field. Her practical advice and strategic guidance serve as a roadmap for emerging talents seeking to carve their niche in the ever-evolving realm of music creation.

Liz also sheds light on the instrumental role of organizational tools such as Disco in optimizing opportunities in sync licensing—a crucial aspect of the modern music ecosystem. By harnessing technology to streamline workflows and enhance efficiency, songwriters can leverage their creative output to reach broader audiences and secure lucrative partnerships. Liz's insights are sure to shed some light on sync licensing and at the same time empower artists to navigate the digital landscape with confidence and clarity.

Guest Bio:

Liz Rogers is the Founder and Creative Director at Anacrusis, where she oversees new signings, writer development, and pitching creatively for sync. Anacrusis has secured hundreds of placements for emerging artists in Nashville in dozens of shows, films, and advertising campaigns. Liz also is an independent music supervisor, working in film and advertising, and is a voting member of the Guild of Music Supervisors. Liz is the Associate Music Event Producer for the Nashville Film Festival, and an Advisor at the Entrepreneur Center. She was featured as the keynote speaker at Vanderbilt’s Entrepreneurship Conference 2022, and has spearheaded events like “The Pitch: An Evening with Music Supervisors”, and The Nashville House at SXSW, bringing awareness to the non-country community of writers and artists in Nashville. Liz was honored as one of Nashville's “30 Under 30”, and recognized by the Nashville Business Journal on the esteemed power players list “Women In Music City.”

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
• 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
• Guest Speaker's Website - Learn more about our guest and their work
• @lizrogersxoxo / @anacrusissongs - Follow Liz on Instagram

In this engaging episode, we're joined by Evangeline, the talented voice behind Jenna Ortega’s upcoming film, Winter Spring Summer or Fall. Evangeline shares her insights into the creative process, revealing the internal dialogue that drives her music. We discuss the profound impact of relatable lyrics and the gift of articulating emotions through songwriting.

Reflecting on her journey as an independent artist, Evangeline opens up about her approach to music creation, emphasizing the importance of authenticity over commercial considerations. She candidly discusses the role of sync potential in her music and the evolving nature of her creative process, from solo songwriting sessions to collaborative efforts.

Throughout our conversation, Evangeline's passion for creating music will resonate with many, offering a glimpse into her heartfelt approach to artistry. This episode is a promising musical journey filled with authenticity and introspection.

Guest Bio:

There’s a sly wink to Evangeline’s debut EP, Fuzzy, a bit of self-deprecation and sardonic humor that’s baked right into the title.

“I mean, Fuzzy sounds pretty stupid when you first hear it,” she explains. “But honestly, that word has always broken my heart. It actually means ‘distressed to the point of softness, difficult to perceive clearly or understand and explain precisely.’ I really wanted these songs to sound carefree and for the instrumentation and production to be as warm as possible, but I wrote them over the last three years about emotions and relationships that weathered me, feelings I had difficulty explaining clearly in the moment, years that made me soft.”

Recorded with producer Dillon Casey (Weyes Blood), Fuzzy is a raw, honest, and utterly addictive dose of alt-pop from a storyteller committed to baring it all in a search for clarity and purpose. The songs are dreamy and inviting, offering up shimmering sonic mirages that belie their true emotional depths, and the production is similarly complex and nuanced, layering analog and digital elements into disarmingly beautiful soundscapes that manage to feel both modern and timeless all at once. Add it all up and you’ve got a stunningly vulnerable, deceptively bright collection that’s as witty as it is poignant, a remarkable debut that lands somewhere between Whitney and Julia Jacklin as it playfully explores heartbreak and healing and all the confusing contradictions that come with it.

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
• 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
• Evangeline’s Website - Learn more about our guest and their work

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

Get your tropical fix in! You're going to love this interview where we talk sync with Jordan Young about what it was like working on the latest Love Island shows filmed and produced in Fiji.

Jordan Young is a freelance Music Supervisor and Sync Agent based in Los Angeles, and is the founder of his company Fort Clearington. As a licensor, Fort Clearington specializes in one-stop Hip Hop and Electronic music, represents multiple Billboard-charting and Grammy-nominated artists, and has obtained dozens of TV/Film syncs in original content for Amazon, The CW, NFL Network, MTV, VH1, E!, Tubi, Oxygen, Facebook, and more. As a Music Supervisor, Jordan's work primarily includes independent feature films, documentaries, and unscripted TV. Highlights of his music supervision career include the Peacock Original series Love Island USA (Peacock's most streamed unscripted Original series to date), the Netflix Original documentary Why Did You Kill Me? (which spent over a week in Netflix's 'Top 10 in the US’, peaking at #2), and the independent feature film Single Mother By Choice (currently streaming on Max).

Sonnet Simmons and Chris Assaad have a heart-filled discussion about the unfathomable depths of creative potential in music and how to dive right in with clarity and purpose.

Chris Assaad is a multi-talented artist, singer-songwriter, wordsmith and speaker. His songs are pure alchemy that open the heart and inspire, connecting us to our wholeness and joy. His music soothes and seduces with exquisite layers of acoustic and electric acoustic guitars falling over R&B, reggae and soul-infused grooves serenaded by Chris's richly textured emotive vocals.

Chris is an up-and-coming artist within the conscious music community and wellness & transformation movement opening up for artists such as Trevor Hall, Ayla Nereo, Michael Franti and Nick Mulvey. He has also collaborated live and in the studio with Mose and has been a featured guest on Lee Harris’ Impact The World podcast and Portal Presents live series.

He has been growing an international grassroots community, sharing his eclectic blend of soulful roots music, heart-opening songs and stories with audiences in Canada, Australia, the US & Europe playing concert and festival dates from Wanderlust Whistler to The Sound Dome in Sydney to the Great Hall in Toronto.

Chris recently released his fourth studio album entitled GOLDEN in partnership with White Swan Records & Black Swan Sounds. His most raw and vulnerable album to date was recorded in Victoria, BC in collaboration with producer Joby Baker (Deva Premal & Miten, Alex Cuba & the Wailin' Jennys) who also produced Assaad’s LION LP.

Chris’ artist journey began with a leap several years ago to follow his heart and passion for music. Just as he began exploring his love of singing and songwriting he was suddenly faced with a rapidly progressing hereditary hearing loss condition.

Nearly two years and several surgeries later, Chris's hearing was restored and he was given a second chance, further cementing his path of a life dedicated to his artistry. He has become an inspirational voice for others to follow their creative and spiritual paths towards living a life they love.

Chris has a deep passion and unique gift for supporting others in liberating their voice, amplifying their authentic self-expression and tapping into their infinite creative potential.

As a facilitator and guide, Chris holds a powerful sacred space for healing and transformation, drawing upon years of experience, deep empathic attunement and intuitive guidance. He has developed his own Voice Alchemy method to help clients access the healing power of their voice, weaving practical tools, ancient wisdom and multiple healing modalities to bring forth the full potency of their unique soul song and expression. Chris is also the creator of Follow Your Art, a lovingly-crafted online program and detailed map to support the creative journey.

This week Sonnet sits down with Tiff Randol, Founder of non-profit Mamas In Music. Learn how this non-profit brings needed resources and support to mom music makers around the world.

Randol is a composer, writer, vocalist, producer, and performer with a background in jazz, classical, and theater. She got her start in an NYC punk band and went on to writing and producing folk, electronic, pop and scoring for film and immersive environments. Her diverse background lends itself to a unique artist who also offers a wide range of creative styles and inspiration. She currently lives in LA and works as a composer, vocalist, and songwriter for film, TV, commercials, and various artist projects. Tiff is thrilled to have been recently selected to join the Society of Composers & Lyricist’s Los Angeles Mentor Program for 2022-23.

Tiff is a triple water sign, nature lover, herbalist and hobbyist chef who grows vegetables for a true farm-to-table experience at home. The natural world has always been a source of inspiration and when not in the studio, you can find her in the woods. A devoted activist for women's equality, after giving birth to a magical little human named Luka, she was inspired to create Mamas In Music, a much-needed organization that supports mothers working in the music industry and offers them channels of support and distribution.