MUSIC SUPERVISION

IN SOUTH AFRICA

A woman is standing in front of a tree in a park and smiling.

Hi, I'm Kat

Music is my life, and music licensing is my expertise.


From 2019 - 2024, I honed my skills at Universal Music South Africa (both publishing and label side), consistently increasing sync revenue through placements in major South African ads and films.


I know firsthand how complex music licensing can be, especially in Africa's rapidly growing media landscape, so I decided to become a music supervisor.


If you're a production company struggling to navigate the process for your advertising, social media, film, or any other audio-visual project, —you need a music supervisor.


Let's talk!

Contact Me
A woman is standing in front of a tree in a park and smiling.

HI, I'M KAT

Music is my life, and music licensing is my expertise.


From +27723254815, I honed my skills at Universal Music South Africa (both publishing and label side), consistently increasing sync revenue through placements in major South African ads and films.


I know firsthand how complex music licensing can be, especially in Africa's rapidly growing media landscape, so I decided to become a music supervisor.


If you're a production company struggling to navigate the process for your advertising, social media, film, or any other audio-visual project, —you need a music supervisor. Let's talk!

Contact Me

The Process

Meeting With You


The first step is to understand the current stage of your production.


It’s best to involve me early on when budgeting for the project, as music licensing fees can be surprisingly high, especially if you have a specific catalogue in mind.


However, there’s no need to worry—there are many options available in the music synchronization ecosystem; you just need to know where to look. If you feel overwhelmed, I can suggest several song options that will fit your budget.


Once you have a clear understanding of what your music budget can accommodate, you can start planning your content based on your musical ideas.

Record Labels, Music Publishers & Production Music


Once I have a list of songs you want to use in your media production, I need to identify the rights associated with each song. Every recorded song has both master and publishing rights attached to it, which will vary for each track. 


I have established relationships with record labels and music publishers, and I will compile a comprehensive list detailing the rights for each song. 


This will allow us to obtain permission from the rights owners to use the songs in your production legally. 


The same process applies to production library music, although it is usually more straightforward.

The Best Bang For Your Buck


Strategy is crucial in this third step.


I will communicate with the rightsholders to secure the best prices for the songs you want to use. 


Understanding their timelines is also important, as receiving a quote is not the final step. Rightsholders often need to obtain permission directly from the artists and songwriters.


This process can introduce some challenges, but don’t worry—I have strategies to navigate even the most frustrating situations!

Following Up, Contracts & Invoices


All rightsholders must approve the fee for the usage terms. 


This means that even if a songwriter owns only 1% of the copyright, their approval is still necessary. Once we have approval from 100% of the rights holders, you will need to sign separate licenses for each rightsholder.


The same rules apply to the invoices. And yes, it is a lot of admin, but I will create an organized system to ensure all parties remain content.

The Final Countdown


Now, you can channel your energy into finishing your production! 


With your music contracts finalised and your budget secure, you can shift your focus to making your production a success. Whether it’s through strategic marketing, pitching to the right broadcaster, or any other means, it’s time to ensure your work reaches its full potential.


When you hear that iconic CSI theme, it instantly evokes powerful memories and feelings.


That’s the magic of music! It captivates your audience, draws them in, and leaves them wanting more. Don’t underestimate its power—let’s make your production unforgettable!


FAQ's

  • What Is Sync?

    'Sync' is a term widely used in the music licensing world. It refers to the process of synchronising audio to visual elements. For example, you would synchronise a song to your video to create a 2D experience for your audience. 

  • Where Can I Find Rates For Songs?

    Unfortunately, there is no set rate card for popular music. Quotes are worked out on a case-by-case basis and are entirely in the hands of the rights holders. However, you can often find established rate cards for production library music.

  • What Is Production Library Music?

    Consider production library tracks similar to stock photos. Production library tracks are specifically created for synchronisation (sync), while popular (or commercial) music is produced for various reasons, such as performances and artist-brand deals. As a result, production library tracks are generally more affordable than commercial songs, yet their quality can be equally high.

  • Why Are Some Songs So Expensive?

    When considering the value of a song, many factors come into play, but the artist's brand is crucial. Take Taylor Swift, for example—her songs are comparable to a Ferrari. She has built one of the world's most recognisable brands, creating exceptional quality music (if it resonates with you) and delivering awe-inspiring performances. This immense popularity and craftsmanship ensure that her songs command a premium price, far exceeding that of a lesser-known, emerging artist.

  • How Do I Find Affordable, But Recognisable Music?

    A Taylor Swift song can definitely enhance your production and make it memorable. However, you might also discover that a different song resonates well with your audience. By considering the cultural background of your audience, a local track could be very effective. Alternatively, an older song that evokes nostalgia might also work well. There are numerous ways to create a world-class production without overspending on music.

  • Do You License Music Outside Of South Africa?

    Absolutely! I have connections with music professionals in many countries. If they cannot assist me, there are various methods to find the contact details of rightsholders online.

FAQ's

  • What Is Sync?

    'Sync' is a term widely used in the music licensing world. It refers to the process of synchronising audio to visual elements. For example, you would synchronise a song to your video to create a 2D experience for your audience. 

  • Where Can I Find Rates For Songs?

    Unfortunately, there is no set rate card for popular music. Quotes are worked out on a case-by-case basis and are entirely in the hands of the rights holders. However, you can often find established rate cards for production library music.

  • What Is Production Library Music?

    Consider production library tracks similar to stock photos. Production library tracks are specifically created for synchronisation (sync), while popular (or commercial) music is produced for various reasons, such as performances and artist-brand deals. As a result, production library tracks are generally more affordable than commercial songs, yet their quality can be equally high.

  • Why Are Some Songs So Expensive?

    When considering the value of a song, many factors come into play, but the artist's brand is crucial. Take Taylor Swift, for example—her songs are comparable to a Ferrari. She has built one of the world's most recognisable brands, creating exceptional quality music (if it resonates with you) and delivering awe-inspiring performances. This immense popularity and craftsmanship ensure that her songs command a premium price, far exceeding that of a lesser-known, emerging artist.

  • How Do I Find Affordable, But Recognisable Music?

    A Taylor Swift song can definitely enhance your production and make it memorable. However, you might also discover that a different song resonates well with your audience. By considering the cultural background of your audience, a local track could be very effective. Alternatively, an older song that evokes nostalgia might also work well. There are numerous ways to create a world-class production without overspending on music.

  • Do You License Music Outside Of South Africa?

    Absolutely! I have connections with music professionals in many countries. If they cannot assist me, there are various methods to find the contact details of rightsholders online.

Let’s talk about your project

Fill in the form or call to set up a meeting at  +27723254815.