Sync Your Catalogue: Start Without Brief

When it comes to your dream of breaking into sync licensing, don’t wait around for an invitation or an inside scoop. It’s time to start creating.

Too many artists think the only way to write for sync is by first connecting with companies and receiving briefs (those insider notes that outline what a music supervisor is looking for in a scene). The problem? Not everyone has those connections, and not everyone wants to sit around waiting for directions.

Here’s the truth: you can build a catalogue of sync-ready songs before you ever know a single music supervisor or publisher.

Creative Stalking: The Research Method That Works

One of my top sync placements—on Shameless (Showtime)—came without a brief. My production style matched perfectly with Tamara Bubble’s lyrical content, and the song landed. Why? Because we did the research.

I call this process creative stalking. It means studying what companies, libraries, and supervisors are already using—and then building songs that could naturally fit into that world.

Step 1: Research Music Libraries

Music libraries are goldmines. Since there are so many, start small:

• Look at their roster. What kind of artists do they sign?

• Notice the themes. Do they lean toward Indie Pop, Folk, Americana, Hip-Hop?

• Check placements. Companies love to brag about what they’ve landed—it’s all research fuel for you.

Sites like Tunefind, IMDb, and iSpotTV are your best friends. You can browse shows episode by episode, see what songs were placed, and sometimes even track down the music supervisor’s name.

Step 2: Build Playlists and Actively Listen

If there’s a show you’d love to land a placement in, create a playlist of its past songs. Put them on repeat. Don’t just listen once or twice—study them.

Pay attention to:

• Nuances: Where does the song build or drop?

• Sections: Was the verse or chorus used in the show?

• Lyrical content: What themes keep showing up?

Active listening trains your ear to understand why a song works for a scene.

Step 3: Write Consistently (and Expect Growing Pains)

Once you’ve absorbed the patterns, it’s time to write. And here’s the truth: your first few attempts probably won’t be bangers. That’s okay.

Writing for sync is like muscle memory—you practice until it becomes second nature. Over time, your songs will feel authentic, not forced. And authenticity is exactly what music supervisors are looking for.

Step 4: Treat Every Song as Its Own Project

As you build your catalogue, no two songs will be the same. Ask yourself:

• Is this a full vocal track or an instrumental?

• Should I sing it, or bring in a work-for-hire vocalist?

• Does this track need alternate versions (instrumental, underscore, cut-downs)?

Approaching each song strategically builds flexibility into your catalogue—and that’s what licensors love.

Step 5: Collaborate for Faster Access

You don’t have to do this alone. While researching, notice which artists are already connected to licensing companies. Many are accessible and open to collaboration.

When you co-write with an artist who already has a relationship with a publisher or library, you gain an “in” without cold emails that go unread. A song written together has a better chance of traction, and suddenly, you’ve got a foot in the door.

Final Thoughts

There are countless ways to succeed in sync—writing instrumentals, underscores, trailers, ads, or collaborating with other artists.

The key is simple: start now.
Do the research, write consistently, collaborate wisely, and your catalogue will grow. Before long, you’ll find yourself inside the sync world—not waiting for a brief, but building opportunities on your own terms.