Does film/tv placement undercut possible label interest?

[standardtunes]

If you get a deal and place a song in a tv show, for example, and you also have that song out in response to label/publisher listings, would its use (upcoming or prior) on tv make a label less interested in any way? I guess another way to ask this is, if I have a song that I believe in enough to think a label will want it for an artist, should I be shopping that song for sync uses or would a label/artist will be more likely to jump on something no one has ever heard? -- Thanks. John

[guscave]

Hi John,
Assuming that you have the song signed to a library on a non-exclusive deal, I think you should continue to pitch it to other publishers who are not bidding for the same market.

If your song get's placed on a commercial and you get signed to a label, I don't think that they'll mind the extra free publicity. However keep in mind that a publisher who'll try to get your song placed with an Artist will most likely want to have exclusive rights.

[fret17]

I've read articles where someone new to the industry has cut a great song and someone huge hears it and wants to cut their version of it... I suppose, as long as it's out there working for you, more can happen with it down the line....you never know who's listening and where..
Fret17

[mojobone]

Nope; it makes a label more interested. Many indie labels have turned to cable and broadcast as a way to break new artists, particularly artists in genres that aren't as welcome at mainstream commercial radio.

[standardtunes]

Thanks everybody. Sounds like the way to go is to just get the material out there. John

[coachdebra]

I think this is true of both publisher and labels, agents and managers, etc. They all want to see that you are pro-actively, consistently, intelligently and professionally pursuing your career and that you will continue to do so if they bring you into their roster.

It's like baseball - it's not enough to show you can hit in the minor leagues. That'll get you to the show, but you won't stay there long if you don't continue to deliver the goods.