Music Industry Experts: Gabe McDonough, Music Supervisor at Music and Strategy

In an industry where the artistry of music meets the precision of strategy, individuals like Gabe McDonough, a Partner, Executive Producer, and Music Supervisor at Music and Strategy, serve as the vital conduits uniting brands with the profound influence of music. In a recent interview with Music You’re Missing’s Brendan Jeannetti, Gabe generously shared his insights into the mission and multifaceted functions of Music and Strategy, alongside his invaluable perspectives on the evolving dynamics of the music and advertising realm.Music and Strategy: Bridging Brands and MusicAt its core, Music and Strategy serves as a bridge between brands and music, offering a diverse range of services to meet the unique needs of each project. According to Gabe, the company's mission revolves around connecting brands with music, which can entail composing original music, finding existing tracks, matching artists with brands, and negotiating licensing deals. From major corporations with substantial budgets to emerging businesses with limited resources, Music and Strategy caters to a wide spectrum of clients.Two Key Pillars: Original Composition and Music SupervisionGabe outlined two primary pillars of Music and Strategy's operations: original music composition and music supervision. Original music involves creating music tailored to a brand's specific requirements, whether it's mood, genre, or vocal presence. This pillar allows brands to have a unique sonic identity that resonates with their audience.On the other hand, music supervision encompasses various tasks, such as identifying suitable music, securing licensing rights from record labels and publishers, and negotiating the necessary deals. This multifaceted role ensures that brands not only find the right music but also navigate the complex legal aspects of music usage.When asked about the breadth of music available for brands, Gabe emphasized that the world is their oyster. Music and Strategy's approach involves scouring the global music landscape to find the perfect fit for each project. Whether it's a well-known track that evokes nostalgia or an undiscovered gem that introduces listeners to something new, the company leaves no stone unturned in the quest for the ideal musical accompaniment.The Value of Familiarity vs. DiscoveryGabe touched upon the pricing dynamics of music selection, highlighting that familiarity and recognizability often drive song costs. Well-known songs can elicit emotional responses and memories, making them valuable assets for brands. However, not every brand aims to trigger nostalgia. Some, like Apple, thrive on introducing audiences to new artists and sounds. Thus, the choice between familiar hits and fresh discoveries depends on a brand's unique objectives.The Rise of Synchronization RoyaltiesSynchronization royalties, which encompass music usage in advertising, film, TV, and more, have seen a significant year-over-year increase. Gabe attributed this growth to the surge in content creation. As more streaming platforms, TV networks, and advertisers produce content, the demand for music synchronization rises. This uptick in demand results in higher synchronization royalties, reflecting the expanding opportunities in the industry.Navigating Copyright in the Digital AgeThe conversation also delved into copyright issues, particularly on platforms like TikTok. Gabe clarified that brands on TikTok should adhere to the platform's rules and make use of the commercial music library. Straying from licensed music could lead to legal consequences, and TikTok keeps a close eye on potential copyright violations.Managing Pleasure Pill: A Passion ProjectAs part of his role at Music and Strategy, Gabe also serves as the manager for the band Pleasure Pill. His involvement with the band began as a result of his genuine love for music. Over time, the band's recognition grew, and Gabe