Koze Music | Sync and Publishing Administration FAQ

SYNC FAQ

What is Sync Licensing?

Sync licensing (short for synchronization licensing) is the process of pairing music with visual media like TV shows, films, commercials, video games, and online content. Any time a piece of music is "synced" to a moving image, a license is required.

Why Do I Need a Sync Agent?

A sync agent like Koze helps pitch your music to decision-makers and handles the licensing process. We also ensure you collect all revenue owed from sync fees globally. Without professional representation, many sync opportunities can be difficult to access.

What Rights Are Needed for a Sync License?

A sync license requires two key rights:

Master Rights: The right to use a specific recording of a song. This is usually controlled by the artist or record label.
Publishing Rights: The right to use the underlying composition (lyrics and melody). This is controlled by the songwriter(s) or their publisher.

For a sync to proceed, both rights must be cleared and licensed.

What Does 'One-Stop' Mean?

A "one-stop" song means that both the master and publishing rights are controlled by a single entity or can be cleared in one place. This makes licensing faster and more appealing to music supervisors.

How Does Koze Help with Sync?

We provide:

Pitching & Promotion: We pitch your music to film, TV, advertising, and other media outlets.
Global Service: We ensure our international partners are equiped to pitch your music and collect sync fees.
Administration: We manage the paperwork, rights clearance, and ensure timely royalty collection.

How Can I Maximize My Chances for Sync Placements?

Ensure your metadata (song title, writer splits, contact info) is complete and accurate.
Have both instrumental and vocal mix versions available.
Be open to custom opportunities and clear your rights in advance.
Respond to requests in less than 24 hours.

What is the Sync Process

Koze works directly with music supervisors, creative agencies, production companies, and other industry professionals who request music for their projects. We receive briefs for TV shows, films, video games, and advertisements and proactively pitch your music for these opportunities.

Our team curates playlists featuring your music and presents them to decision-makers worldwide. When your music is selected, we contact you for approval then handle the negotiation of fees, agreement terms, and licensing on your behalf.

PUB ADMIN FAQ

Why Use a Publishing Administrator (Pub Admin)?

Performing rights organizations (PROs) like BMI, ASCAP, and SESAC collect royalties for the public performance of your compositions. This includes radio and TV broadcasts, live performances in licensed venues, and other public uses of your music.

Many musicians sign up with a PRO, create a publishing name, and think that covers everything. In reality, public performance royalties are just one part of the picture. Other revenue streams—like mechanical royalties and sync fees—are not collected by your PRO.

What Are Mechanical Royalties?

Mechanical royalties are earned when your music is reproduced or distributed. This includes:

Streams on platforms like Spotify
Downloads from stores like iTunes and Amazon
Physical CD and Vinyl sales etc

These royalties are collected by mechanical rights organizations like Music Reports and Harry Fox, which operate separately from PROs. To access this income worldwide, you would need to affiliate with multiple organizations—a time-consuming and complex process.

A publishing administrator like Koze simplifies this for you. We maintain direct relationships with global collection societies, allowing us to collect all the royalties you're owed. Instead of handling complicated registrations and paying affiliate fees, you can focus on your music while we collect your royalties for a small commission.

What Is an IPI Number and Why Does It Matter?

When you affiliate with a PRO as a songwriter, you're assigned a unique nine- or ten-digit IPI number (Interested Parties Information). This number distinguishes you from others with the same name and ensures your royalties are properly allocated.

For example, if your name is John Smith, searching the PRO database may return dozens of results. Your IPI number ensures your earnings aren't mistakenly paid to "John Smith #145."

If you also register a publishing entity, it will receive a separate IPI number. Providing us with your correct IPI numbers is essential to ensure accurate royalty collection.