Your initial outreach email can be a defining line that allows you to be either noticed or instantly binned by a music supervisor. Whatever you do, DO NOT email blast music supervisors (or anyone else) – IT DOESN'T WORK!
The last thing a busy music supervisor needs is to receive a spam email that reads as follows:
“To whom it may concern,
Plz check out my radical sounds
Me and my band have been vibing it up and my girlfriend rekons we sound killer."
(this happens more than you think)
Now you know what not to do, lets look at the Top 6 ways to get a response from a music supervisor.
1. Do Your Homework.
Ask yourself, Who exactly do I need to contact? What do I want to tell them? Why should they listen? Have clarity before sending any emails out. Keep your email, clear, short and concise.
2. Make it personal.
While doing your homework take note of something you like about the work that the music supervisor has done and mention it in your email. Everyone likes a compliment!
3.Your subject lines need to be specific.
This can also only come from doing your homework on the person you are approaching. A subject line like “One - Stop track In The Style of the Black Keys" stands out and is more likely to garner the attention of a music supervisor who is placing similar styled songs. Do the homework and craft a subject line that will make the supervisor want to read your email and listen to your music.
4. Learn netiquette
Remember to cross all your T's and dot all your I's. Be concise and polite about what it is your presenting and remember to ALWAYS send tracks via links and ALWAYS fully metadata every song. Nothing looks worse to a supervisor than to receive a song that is by unknown artist.
5. Appropriateness
Be aware of their projects - if they work on Dove advertising campaigns, Fur-get-bout-it if you only have heavy metal tracks to offer.
6. Follow up
Don't expect a reply first time round, it's normal so don't take it personally. Always send a follow up email, and/or follow up call. Show your dedication, interest and persistence by following up – make yourself standout.
“Polite persistence is insurance against Failure"
If you have a killer track that you want a music supervisor to take notice of, make sure you; research the music supervisor, make the email as personal as possible, make sure your tracks are appropriate and make sure to follow up on your initial outreach.
About the Author – Daniela D'Onofrio
Daniela has been responsible in representing hundreds of indie artists, and successfully securing placements for Virgin, Qantas, Contiki, Jeans West, Joe Fresh, Sony PlayStation and countless Films and TV Shows with Disney, 20th Century Fox, Sony Pictures, HBO, Showtime, FOX, USA Network, MTV, CTV, Warner Bros, ABC (USA), and NBC Universal.
Passionate about the sync industry, Daniela has had many speaking and teaching engagements including Q Music, Music Industry Inside Out, and SYNC Master Classes at Queensland University of Technology.