Basic Metadata Every Song Should Have

We're increasingly living in a world built around metadata, which is the descriptive information about the primary data like a song file. Metadata is often overlooked by songwriters, artists and bands because it takes time and some additional research that many just don't want to put it. Meta data is becoming more and more important though, as we move into the age of streaming music.

Why is it important? The metadata of a song contains all the info about who should get paid, including songwriters, publishing company, record label, and performing rights organization. That alone should be enough reason to fill in the blanks. But another big reason is that because song placement on film and television is so important to an artist's income these days, metadata has become vital to the very people who decide what makes the cut - music supervisors.

In order to cover all your metadata needs, here's what to include with every song, especially if you're trying for a sync placement:

1. Name of artist
2. Name of songwriter
3. Song title
5. Album title
6. Label
7. Publisher
8. Year the song was released
9. The track number of the song on the album
10. The musical genre that the song falls into
11. Producer
12. Contact (either yours or management)
13. Performing rights organization you're affiliated with (ASCAP, BMI, SESAC)
14. Mood of the song
15. BPM of the song

It seems like a lot of info, but if you want a placement, it's all vital in rising above the competition.

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5 Tips For Connecting With Music Supervisors

One of the biggest income streams open today to artists, bands, musicians and songwriters is getting your song placed in a movie or on television. The good thing is that there's a constant need for new material in our 200 channel cable universe. The bad news is that there's a lot of competition, since everyone else is aware of this avenue as well.

Here are some suggestions from music supervisors in how to get your music in front of them.

1. Take advantage of YouTube, Soundcloud and music blogs. They're the go-to way supervisors find new music these days.

2. Have a great song, but have a great story too. A story lets you rise above the competition.

3. Be specific in your pitch. Find out exactly what kind of music each show is looking for. It wastes everyone's time to send alt rock songs to a show that's looking for electronic pop, or vice versa.

4. Use IMDBPro to figure out what producers and supervisors are working on.

5. Be persistent, but don't cross the line. Be friendly and to the point, but don't be a stalker. Also don't take it personally if no one gets back to you initially, so don't stop submitting either.

Music supervisors are your key to television placement, but it takes time to cultivate those contacts. Be patient, because if you've got what they need, the doors will open.

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