If you’re an indie artist, producer, or songwriter trying to land placements in film, TV, or advertising, you’ve probably heard the term music supervisor brief thrown around. But what exactly is a brief—and how does it fit into the world of sync licensing?
Let’s unpack what it is, why it matters, and how you can respond like a pro.
🎯 What Is a Music Supervisor Brief?
A music supervisor brief is a specific request sent by a music supervisor to trusted sources—like sync agents, licensing reps, or publishers—outlining the exact type of music they need for a scene, trailer, ad, or project.
Think of it as a creative blueprint. It’s not just “send us cool music”—it’s “send us something that feels like heartbreak in slow motion with 90s R&B textures and no explicit lyrics.”
Most briefs are private, fast-moving, and highly detailed. If you’re on the inside, you’ve got a shot. If not, you won’t even know the opportunity existed.
🔍 What’s Inside a Brief?
While every brief varies, here’s what you’ll typically see:
- Project Info: Name of the film, series, brand, or ad campaign (sometimes confidential)
- Scene Description: What’s happening visually or emotionally (e.g., “slow-motion breakup in the rain”)
- Music Direction: Preferred genres, tempo, lyrical themes, and reference artists (e.g., “Jhené Aiko meets Billie Eilish”)
- Licensing Info: Budget range and terms (e.g., 1-year web usage, in perpetuity worldwide, etc.)
- Submission Deadline: Usually tight—24 to 72 hours max
- Song Usage Type: Background, featured, montage, trailer, etc.
🎧 How the Process Works
Here’s what happens after a brief is sent out:
- The Ask: A music supervisor sends the brief to vetted sync reps or agencies like Echo Music Guild.
- Curation: Reps review their catalogs and pitch songs that match the creative ask—and can be cleared easily.
- Shortlist: The supervisor tests top picks against the scene to see what hits emotionally.
- Clearance: If your track is chosen, it must be cleared—meaning all rights holders (both master and publishing) approve and sign off.
- Sync Deal Finalized: Once cleared, a sync license is issued, payment terms are agreed on, and the music is locked into the production.
✅ What Artists Need to Know
To be considered for sync briefs, you’ll need to be:
- One-Stop Ready: You (or your rep) must control both the master and publishing rights—or have permission from all writers/owners to license the track.
- Broadcast-Ready: No rough demos. Music must be professionally mixed and mastered.
- Organized: Have WAVs, instrumentals, clean versions, and lyric sheets ready to send fast.
- Responsive: Briefs move quickly. A 2-day delay could cost you the placement.
- Focused: Only pitch music that fits the brief. Generic or off-target songs get ignored.
🎤 Why Sync Briefs Matter
Music supervisor briefs aren’t just job listings—they’re invitations into the heart of a project. When you align your sound with a director’s vision, your song becomes part of the story. That’s powerful. That’s sync.
Getting on the right side of briefs means:
- More placements
- Bigger licensing fees
- Increased exposure
- Creative credibility
At Echo Music Guild, we read briefs like second nature—and we represent artists who are ready when opportunity knocks.
Want to get in on real briefs?
Join our artist roster or submit your music through our submission portal to be considered for upcoming sync opportunities.
