EP. 46: Inside Music Supervision: Playtone’s Sync Secrets from The Piano Lesson to Masters of the Air

First Step For Sync? Get Your Music Meta-Data Done Right! - Grab your FREE guide on how to do this here: https://mailchi.mp/839e030188ce/9mc45...

🎧 Sign up for our Sync Like A Pro Academy:

https://charles-levan-s-school.teacha...

🔊 Join, create, and connect with our indie music community here:

/ bluebuddhaentertainmentsynccohorts

CONTACT US:

📨 Email: bluebuddha909@gmail.com

🔵 Blue Buddha Website: https://bluebuddhaentertainment.com/

📸 Instagram: @‌bluebuddhaent @‌syncriffs

📸 Instagram: @rachel_lautzy and @deva.anderson.music

🎬 How Does Music Shape the Stories We Love?

In this episode, Charles Levan sits down with music supervisors Deva Anderson and Rachel Lautzenheiser of Playtone (Masters of the Air, The Piano Lesson) for a behind-the-scenes masterclass in music supervision. With nearly a decade of collaboration, they share their journey through the music industry and what it really takes to bring sound to screen.

🎵 From curating historically accurate scores to telling underrepresented stories through music, Deva and Rachel dive into:

🎬 Their creative process on high-profile projects

🎬 Why music matters in preserving cultural legacy

🎬 The truth about music submissions (what to do and what not to send)

🎬 Navigating copyright, AI vocals, and sync trends

🎬 Staying inspired through meditation, mindfulness, and nature

Whether you're a musician, supervisor, filmmaker—or just a fan of how great soundtracks are made—this conversation is packed with honest insights, practical advice, and inspiring moments.

CHAPTERS:

00:00 Introduction to Music Supervision and Guests

03:01 The Journey of Deva and Rachel in Music Supervision

06:00 The Creative Process Behind The Piano Lesson

09:02 Navigating Copyrights and Clearances in Music Supervision

12:01 The Importance of Historical Context in Music Selection

14:55 Amplifying Underrepresented Stories through Music

17:59 Balancing In-House and Independent Music Supervision

21:25 Navigating the Music Landscape

30:28 The Role of Music in Film and TV

36:12 Advice for Aspiring Music Supervisors

41:49 Finding Inspiration in Nature

👇 Don’t forget to like, subscribe, and hit the bell for more sync stories from the inside.

🎙️ SyncRiffs is a weekly podcast where we discuss sync placements in multimedia (TV/Film/Advertising, etc.), the music industry, pop culture, and everything in between, including exclusive interviews with musical artists, composers, agents, and music supervisors. We riff on sync strategies, music monetization, and the state of the music industry. Subscribe to the channel for future episodes!

Music: "Flying Tigers" from Magic Tiger

Podcast produced by Charles Levan & the Blue Buddha Entertainment Team.

This content is for educational purposes. We encourage others to conduct proper research, and if needed, consult an attorney for any legal advice regarding music licensing. (c) (p) 2025

#synclicensing #MusicSupervision #Playtone #FilmMusic #MusicInFilm #MusicIndustry #SyncTips #ThePianoLesson #MastersOfTheAir #SoundtrackStorytelling #SyncRiffs #BlueBuddhaEntertainment

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EP.44: Music Supervisor Burt Blackarach on Sync, Sampling & Survival in the Music Industry

🎵 First Step For Sync? Get Your Music Meta-Data Done Right! - Grab your FREE guide on how to do this here: https://mailchi.mp/839e030188ce/9mc45541ff

🎧 Sign up for our Sync Like A Pro Academy:

https://bluebuddhaentertainment.com/sync-like-a-pro%3A-academy

🔊 Join, create, and connect with our indie music community here:

https://www.patreon.com/BlueBuddhaEntertainmentSyncCohorts

CONTACT US:

📨 Email: bluebuddha909@gmail.com

🔵 Blue Buddha Website: https://bluebuddhaentertainment.com/

📸 Instagram: @‌bluebuddhaent @‌syncriffs

FIND MORE FROM BURT BLACKARACH:

📸 Instagram: djburtblackarach

Website: https://burtblackarach.com/

ABOUT THIS EPISODE:

Charles Levan sits down with legendary DJ, composer, and music supervisor Burt Blackarach for a deep dive into the evolving music industry. From his roots behind the turntables to scoring for film, Burt opens up about the journey that led him through the maze of music publishing, sync licensing, and the rise of AI in music creation.This candid conversation explores why understanding publishing rights is essential for generating mailbox money, and how independent artists can unknowingly leave revenue behind. Burt reflects on sampling and re-recording as modern creative tools, and unpacks the balance between analog and digital in a tech-driven industry.He also shares the story behind his project Un-Shazamable, a personal tribute to legacy and originality, and emphasizes the importance of mental health, self-expression, and building lasting platforms. From personal stories to practical advice, this episode is packed with insights for creatives at every level.

Takeaways:

🌟 Publishing is the foundation of music ownership—and income.

🌟 AI can support creativity but can't replace artistic soul.

🌟 Independent artists often miss out on royalties due to lack of knowledge.

🌟 Sync licensing can open doors to new audiences and revenue.

🌟 Building a platform and staying consistent is key to long-term success.

CHAPTERS:

00:00 Introduction to Burt Blackarach

01:48 Understanding Music Publishing

07:58 The Journey from DJ to Composer

11:59 The Impact of Sync Licensing

15:00 Exploring Sampling and Re-recording

19:03 Navigating the Modern Music Landscape

23:53 The Role of AI in Music Creation

30:04 Back to Basics: Analog vs. Digital

32:00 Un-Shazamable: A Tribute to Legacy

36:58 Building a Platform: DJ for a Day and Experiences

43:01 Navigating Opportunities in Film and Music

49:01 Mental Health and the Creative Process

🎙️ SyncRiffs is a weekly podcast where we discuss sync placements in multimedia (TV/Film/Advertising, etc.), the music industry, pop culture, and everything in between, including exclusive interviews with musical artists, composers, agents, and music supervisors. We riff on sync strategies, music monetization, and the state of the music industry. Subscribe to the channel for future episodes!

Podcast produced by Blue Buddha Entertainment

This content is for educational purposes. We encourage others to conduct proper research, and if needed, consult an attorney for any legal advice regarding music licensing. (c) (p) 2025

#MusicPublishing #SyncLicensing #AIinMusic #IndependentArtists #MusicR

Support the show

🎵 First Step For Sync? Get Your Music Meta-Data Done Right! - Grab your FREE guide on how to do this here: https://mailchi.mp/839e030188ce/9mc45...

🎧 Sign up for our Sync Like A Pro Academy:
https://bluebuddhaentertainment.com/s...

🔊 Join, create, and connect with our indie music community here:
/ bluebuddhaentertainmentsynccohorts

ABOUT THIS EPISODE:

Charles Levan interviews music supervisor Katy McIlvaine to discuss her journey into music supervision and the creative process behind selecting music for film. They dive into the complexities of music clearance, especially when it comes to older songs, and the importance of authenticity in storytelling.

Katy shares her passion for advocating for independent artists, particularly BIPOC and AAPI creators, and emphasizes how essential it is to support underrepresented voices in the music industry. She also provides insight into the challenges independent artists face in today’s competitive landscape. Katy highlights the importance of spotting sessions for finding the perfect music for each scene, revealing how the final soundtrack often evolves from the initial script. She talks about her current projects, including Christmas films, and offers practical advice for aspiring music supervisors. The conversation also touches on how Katy manages the influx of music pitches, her love for the detective work behind music supervision, and the role of organization in handling the clearance process.

Podcast produced by Blue Buddha Entertainment, LLC
This content is for educational purposes. We encourage others to conduct proper research, and if needed, consult an attorney for any legal advice regarding music licensing. (c) (p) 2024

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Ep.42: Behind the Sync: LA Music Supervisors Share Their Journeys, Challenges, & AI Insights

Charles sits down with three top LA music supervisors—Lava Hong, Deric Berberabe, and Allyson Aranez—for an inside look at breaking into the world of music supervision. Discover their inspiring career journeys, the power of mentorship, and how they tackle the challenges of licensing music for TV, film, and more. Get insights on the future of AI in music supervision, learn about key networking tips within the AAPI community, and hear expert advice for anyone looking to thrive in the industry. Whether you're an aspiring music supervisor or just curious about the sync world, this episode is packed with valuable tips and real-world wisdom

🎵 First Step For Sync? Get Your Music Meta-Data Done Right! - Grab your FREE guide on how to do this here: https://mailchi.mp/839e030188ce/9mc45541ff

🎧 Sign up for our Sync Like A Pro Academy:

https://bluebuddhaentertainment.com/sync-like-a-pro%3A-academy

🔊 Join, create and connect with our indie music community here:

https://www.patreon.com/BlueBuddhaEntertainmentSyncCohorts

------------------------------------------

CONTACT US:

📨 Email: bluebuddha909@gmail.com

🔵 Blue Buddha Website: https://bluebuddhaentertainment.com/

📸 Instagram: @‌bluebuddhaent @‌syncriffs

🎙️ SyncRiffs is a weekly podcast where we discuss sync placements in multimedia (TV/Film/Advertising, etc.), the music industry, pop culture and everything in between including exclusive interviews with musical artists, composers, agents, and music supervisors where we riff about syncs and the state of the music industry. Subscribe to the channel for future episodes.

Music: "Flying Tigers" from Magic Tiger,

Podcast produced by Blue Buddha Entertainment, LLC

This content is for educational purposes. We encourage others to conduct proper research, and if needed, consult an attorney for any legal advice regarding music licensing. (c) (p) 2024

#musiclicensing #musicindustry #synceducation #syncagent #indieartists

Support the show

S2: E11 Linda Ferrando on Sync Trends, Industry Evolution, and Indie Artist Tips

🎵 First Step For Sync? Get Your Music Meta-Data Done Right! - Grab your FREE guide on how to do this here: https://mailchi.mp/839e030188ce/9mc45541ff

🎧 Sign up for our Sync Like A Pro Academy:

https://bluebuddhaentertainment.com/sync-like-a-pro%3A-academy

🔊 Join, create and connect with our indie music community here:

https://www.patreon.com/BlueBuddhaEntertainmentSyncCohorts

-------------------------------------------

CONTACT US:

📨 Email: bluebuddha909@gmail.com

🔵 Blue Buddha Website: https://bluebuddhaentertainment.com/

📸 Instagram: @‌bluebuddhaent @‌syncriffs

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In this episode, Linda Ferrando of LTF Entertainment Group shares the story of building Atlantic Records' sync department from the ground up in the 90s. She discusses the evolution of sync in the music industry, her work with Apple, and trends in sync related to brand identity. Linda reflects on her start in the industry, handling touring, video promotion, and sync licensing. She highlights the need for adaptability in the ever-changing music business and offers valuable advice for independent artists on building a strong fan base through social media and live performances. The episode wraps up with insights on songwriting, popularity, and teamwork in the music industry.

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🎙️ SyncRiffs is a weekly podcast where we discuss sync placements in multimedia (TV/Film/Advertising, etc.), the music industry, pop culture and everything in between including exclusive interviews with musical artists, composers, agents, and music supervisors where we riff about syncs and the state of the music industry. Subscribe to the channel for future episodes.

Music: "Flying Tigers" from Magic Tiger

Podcast produced by Blue Buddha Entertainment

This content is for educational purposes. We encourage others to conduct proper research, and if needed, consult an attorney for any legal advice regarding music licensing. (c) (p) 2024

#musiclicensing #musicindustry #synceducation #syncagent #indieartist

Support the show

Hot Topics in Music: AI Music Trends, Sync Income Strategies, & Branding Tips for Indie Artists - P2

🎵 First Step For Sync? Get Your Music Meta-Data Done Right! - Grab your FREE guide on how to do this here: https://mailchi.mp/839e030188ce/9mc45541ff

🎧 Sign up for our Sync Like A Pro Academy:

https://bluebuddhaentertainment.com/sync-like-a-pro%3A-academy

🔊 Join, create and connect with our indie music community here:

https://www.patreon.com/BlueBuddhaEntertainmentSyncCohorts

-------------------------------------------

CONTACT US:

📨 Email: bluebuddha909@gmail.com

🔵 Blue Buddha Website: https://bluebuddhaentertainment.com/

📸 Instagram: @‌bluebuddhaent @‌syncriffs

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Charles and Chase discuss various hot topics currently impacting the music industry. They touch on the importance of crafting one’s brand identity and avoiding songs that sound “too on the nose” when it comes to pitching for sync.

They also explore the trends and current uses of A.I. generated music and the challenges it presents in terms of copyright ownership and also the opportunity for artists to thrive while making authentic music.

They then discuss the role of publishing administration in helping indie artists collect all and any forms of streaming income generated from Syncs, Downloads, and Streaming income. They also discuss the challenges of promoting one’s music on the DSP’s and strategies for marketing songs to leverage sync placements and or editorials.

--------------------------------------------

🎙️ SyncRiffs is a weekly podcast where we discuss sync placements in multimedia (TV/Film/Advertising, etc.), the music industry, pop culture and everything in between including exclusive interviews with musical artists, composers, agents, and music supervisors where we riff about syncs and the state of the music industry. Subscribe to the channel for future episodes.

Podcast produced by Blue Buddha Entertainment

This content is for educational purposes. We encourage others to conduct proper research, and if needed, consult an attorney for any legal advice regarding music licensing. (c) (p) 2024

#musiclicensing #musicindustry #synceducation #syncagent #indieartists

Support the show

S2:E9
Hot Topics in Music: AI Music Trends, Sync Income Strategies, & Branding Tips for Indie Artists (part 1)

🎵 First Step For Sync? Get Your Music Meta-Data Done Right! - Grab your FREE guide on how to do this here: https://mailchi.mp/839e030188ce/9mc45541ff

🎧 Sign up for our Sync Like A Pro Academy:

https://bluebuddhaentertainment.com/sync-like-a-pro%3A-academy

🔊 Join, create and connect with our indie music community here:

https://www.patreon.com/BlueBuddhaEntertainmentSyncCohorts

-------------------------------------------

CONTACT US:

📨 Email: bluebuddha909@gmail.com

🔵 Blue Buddha Website: https://bluebuddhaentertainment.com/

📸 Instagram: @‌bluebuddhaent @‌syncriffs

--------------------------------------------

Charles and Chase discuss various hot topics currently impacting the music industry. They touch on the importance of crafting one’s brand identity and avoiding songs that sound “too on the nose” when it comes to pitching for sync.

They also explore the trends and current uses of A.I. generated music and the challenges it presents in terms of copyright ownership and also the opportunity for artists to thrive while making authentic music.

They then discuss the role of publishing administration in helping indie artists collect all and any forms of streaming income generated from Syncs, Downloads, and Streaming income. They also discuss the challenges of promoting one’s music on the DSP’s and strategies for marketing songs to leverage sync placements and or editorials.

--------------------------------------------

🎙️ SyncRiffs is a weekly podcast where we discuss sync placements in multimedia (TV/Film/Advertising, etc.), the music industry, pop culture and everything in between including exclusive interviews with musical artists, composers, agents, and music supervisors where we riff about syncs and the state of the music industry. Subscribe to the channel for future episodes.

Music: "Flying Tigers" from Magic Tiger

Podcast produced by Blue Buddha Entertainment

This content is for educational purposes. We encourage others to conduct proper research, and if needed, consult an attorney for any legal advice regarding music licensing. (c) (p) 2023

#musiclicensing #musicindustry #synceducation #syncagent #indieartists

Support the show

S2: E8 Indie Singer-Songwriter Marelle: Journey, Inspirations, and Music Insights

🎵 First Step For Sync? Get Your Music Meta-Data Done Right! - Grab your FREE guide on how to do this here: https://mailchi.mp/839e030188ce/9mc45...

🎧 Sign up for our Sync Like A Pro Academy:

https://bluebuddhaentertainment.com/s...

🔊 Join, create and connect with our indie music community here:

https://www.patreon.com/BlueBuddhaEnt...

-------------------------------------------

CONTACT US:

📨 Email: bluebuddha909@gmail.com

🔵 Blue Buddha Website: https://bluebuddhaentertainment.com/

📸 Instagram: @‌bluebuddhaent @‌syncriffs

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Charles interviews singer songwriter Marelle and producer Kevin Selmer. They chat about the influences and creative process behind Marelle’s new e.p as well as her live performances and her most recent video “Alone.” They also share their most current and favorite artists that they are listening to and the importance of building your community.

Takeaways:

🌟Marelle’s new EP, featuring songs influenced by artists like Mac Ayres, SZA, and Summer Walker, will be released on April 14th.

🌟Morrell and Kevin Selmer collaborated on the production of the EP, creating a seamless and enjoyable writing process.

🌟Morrell has performed live with a band and is planning a special release show for the EP.

🌟Kevin Selmer recommends checking out artist Charlie Powers for his unique alternative R&B and hyperpop sound.

🌟Building an email list is an important backup plan for connecting with fans if social media platforms were to disappear.

More about Marelle here: https://www.instagram.com/marellemusic/

More about Kevin Celmer here: https://www.instagram.com/celmermusic/

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🎙️ SyncRiffs is a weekly podcast where we discuss sync placements in multimedia (TV/Film/Advertising, etc.), the music industry, pop culture and everything in between including exclusive interviews with musical artists, composers, agents, and music supervisors where we riff about syncs and the state of the music industry. Subscribe to the channel for future episodes.

Podcast produced by Blue Buddha Entertainment

This content is for educational purposes. We encourage others to conduct proper research, and if needed, consult an attorney for any legal advice regarding music licensing. (c) (p) 2023

#musiclicensing #musicindustry #synceducation #syncagent #indieartists

Support the show