What’s Up with MXSup’s: Interviews with the Purveyors of Cool

Andrea Johnson
Berklee College of Music

Abstract

Presents a cogent summary of how Hollywood music supervisors discover, select, and license music for their media properties. Seven music supervisors currently in the field discuss their real-world obstacles and job responsibilities in licensing music for film, television, and commercials. The conversation is a behind-the-scenes look at the career of a music supervisor and uncovers key contract negotiation points in digital rights as well as strategies for independent artists interested in placing their music. The dialogue reveals required industry-specific software and a step-by-step guide on the licensing process for supervisors new to the field. The interviews suggest that changes in music discovery (for music supervisors) and streamlining practices in submitting musical content (for independent musicians) can escalate opportunities and revenues on those placements industry-wide in a variety of media vehicles. Higher education professionals in the music business will find that these new tools and reading sources can be applied in their legal, publishing, and licensing coursework to expand career prospects for their students.

Keywords: Music supervision, synchronization licensing, digital rights, royalties, film production, music production, MXSup, copyright, publishing, music industry curriculum, music management, music business, social media, marketing, independent music marketing

Johnson, Andrea. “What’s Up with MXSup’s: Interviews with the Purveyors of Cool.” Journal of the Music and Entertainment Industry Educators Association 12, no. 1 (2012): 131-158. https://doi.org/10.25101/12.5

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