JPF Home Page Forums General Messages Industry Message Forum Hey Nashville... Anyone hear of SongMatchmakersNetwork.com ?

I submit to "Film Music Network" occasionally. I submitted a solo piano track and received this email from the forwarding company. Does anyone know of them and their "Silver Writers Program"? Big thanks, John

We received your submissions through Film Music Network. We are SongMatchmakersNetwork.com Please check out our web site to see Who We Are and our writers program.
We're pleased to inform you that your song has been accepted into the Silver writers program for the Song Matchmakers Network. Here are the program details.
Silver Songs
Silver songs are pitched for movies, TV shows, commercials, and video games in all music genres. To have a song in this program, the writers need to own 100% of the song as well as own the master to the song. If you don’t own the master, we can advise you on how to get a Work for Hire agreement from both the vocalist and the studio.
When a sync license is requested for movies and TV, the song has to be cleared immediately. This means that we must have secured all master rights prior to submitting the song for consideration. To have a song in this program, all writers must agree to be in the Writers’ Program. Silk and Denim Music can negotiate the best rate and give immediate clearance. If additional writers and publishers have to be notified and agree on the sync license royalty rate, immediate clearance cannot be secured. Many times it means that the license will be offered to the next song on their list, losing the song placement opportunity.
Please visit us at http://www.SongMatchmakersNetwork.com and click on Writers’ Program for more information. It will explain the services the program provides, and how songs are paid.

Information Attached

They do look like a bunch of honest folks on their website.

John

I've considered submitting to the Film Music Network, but haven't as it's not very transparent. With Taxi, I know the company is selective with the libraries they work with, so that gets a vote of confidence with me, but with the Film Music Network, I just don't get a way of knowing.

Please post again, if anything comes from it.

Thanks Magne! Yeah, I'm not too concerned about FMN. I'm interested in the company my track went to. They appear to be a good company. Never heard of them. Not even listed in the MLR. I'll look over their contract tonight. Since they're based in Nashville, maybe Marc can give me some info.

John

Hi John: (...and Magne)

I never heard of this group. I'm would not be real happy if someone I sent songs to in good faith had the nerve to pass my work along to another group without asking my permission first.

I did not open the link or bother to look them up... my hackles are raised at the rhetoric contained in their communication to you. Sounds a little "carrot and stickish" to me. I hope I'm wrong but my attitude about most things related to the internet is really negative. So many scams out there feeding on songwriters and composers.

If convenient, please keep us informed.

Best regards,

Dave

No Dave, this was a listing on the Film Music Network that I submitted to. They passed it to the listing company which is "Song Makers".

I'm looking through their contract tonight. Seems to be in order. Not asking for any upfront money.

The FMN is pretty good at checking their listings out. Many are low budget films, but the FMN exec I communicate with is first to admit many of the opportunities are low budget (film festival stuff I imagine).

Best, John

Anyone from Nashville see Song Matchmaker's shingle hangin' out?

John

John:

Thanks for the clarification. (Surely it's not early-Alzheimers' showing up already???) I'll keep watching this thread. There were several start-up music libraries in Nashville a few years ago. I believe they all went "belly-up."

Dave

This company appears to be fairly active from their website. Maybe I'll get more replies on this.

Thanks for your thoughts.

John

I have seen those folks around town and everything looks legit about them.....I cant vouch for their effectiveness though......and thats really what its all about.........John you are already getting alot of songs picked up already-so you are doing whats effective.........why would you want/need-another layer between you and success?


Tom

here is link to their BIO on LinkedIN website

says pretty much the same thing as their website........

http://www.linkedin.com/in/silkanddenimmusic




Tom

Thanks Tom! I basically wanted to know if they're legit.

I'm adding new tracks every week. My idea is to keep finding new outlets for my new music. I figure it's better to have a dozen people finding placements for me than a couple.

Actually, my music is in 8 libraries at present time. Some are doing well, others not so well. One has about 50-60 of my piano solos signed (exclusively), but have only placed three of them so far. I don't think it would be productive to give them more of the same. I'd rather find new outlets.

Thanks again Tom!

Best, John

very welcome John

and your multiple outlet approach does make sense......

the one thing I have found surprising about SMN is that nowhere in their websites do you see actual placement records of this song on NBC or CMT or anything anywhere...........thats usually the first thing any music licensing library or publisher does-is to prominently show corporate icons for networks-shows-etc...

so again I dont doubt they are legit- I am however surprised they dont quote a successful track record in the song promotion business......maybe they havent had any placements yet........if it was my company that would be the first thing you would see and the most frequent thing you would see.........

good luck John


Tom

Thanks again Tom! That's a good question. All my other libraries flaunt their credits.

John

oops-just saw a $5 per song submission fee!

warning warning-danger Will Robinson-danger!

RUNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNN


Tom

Hey!!!!!

I'm running... Thanks Tom!

I wonder why they didn't tell me? They just told me to send them my CD.

Time to put another worm on my hook and go fishin' in another stream.

John

Hey Bill! Yeah, it would have been a lot simpler if they just came out and told me of their $5 fee.

John

really sad wasnt it-all that for nothing.........

it really surprised me they had a $5 per song submission fee.......I wasnt expecting that from a Nashville publisher obviously so I didnt even look at first-cause thats more of a Hollywood hustle in my experience.......well it will work with the folks who dont know better........and think thats industry standard for the biz......glad I caught that-I know most in JPF are too smart to pay that fee......amazing-the nerve of them asking that- and without offering any track record of placements in film and tv.......or anywhere.......

Morning Tom,

They must have forgotten my $5 submission fee. Maybe because my submission was solicited through FMN. Not sure, but there was no mention of any $5 charge. Just , we want your track (accompanied by a contract).

Such an interesting business with so many variables and possibilities. I dig it!

Best, John

morning John

another all niter for the Tomster-yes I am crazy.......but anyway-this thing is now reminding me of when I registered my first song copyright and proceeded to hear from a dozen Hollywood "studios" and "record labels".......mostly located on Sunset Blvd it seemed-lol........oh well obviously the dream machines are still doing well even when the rest of the economy is not........they are probaly doing better than usual cause now all the unemployed folks actually got time to think about what they would rather do than work a factory line or whatever.....

good luck with your music John-you are very talented indeed


Tom

Tom,

The people that got rich in all the silver and Gold rushes in the 1800's weren't the miners. Very few either struck it rich or lived to spend any money they may have made. The people who got rich sold the picks and shovels, the merchants.

That is pretty much what all of these services are doing, me included. Selling picks and shovels. Some are selling worthless land claims. Some are trying to be honest some are honest. I'll leave it up to you and others to decide which one I am, but for the most part, it is all about dealing with people's dreams.

Dreams always need to be injected with reality.

Buyer beware.

MAB

thanks Marc

you contribute a great deal to the JPF community for free-because you love talking about all this stuff.......I know you to be real and sincere........and have no doubt that people who use your paid services come out alot smarter than when they went in the door-which is the whole idea.....I wish you luck with your business

Tom

Yes, I agree with Tom. It's great getting your feedback here on JPF Marc. Much appreciated.

This company may or may not be able to produce the goods. But since they didn't charge me a fee, and I haven't found any scam info Googling, and it's only one track, I may take a chance. I'll get my dice out of the drawer and give 'em a roll.

John

Thanks guys.

Tom,the things we talk about here are general information,there are no secrets. I give it from the perspective of being around it a lot first hand, either myself or through friends of mine who are in the positions every one are trying to get to. I try never to talk about things I don't personally know about. That is easy. Sometimes long winded because a lot of this stuff is kind of complicated.

But I also see a lot of the same stuff being talked about on the other five or six sites I am involved with. So it is no big deal. What I am paid for is when I am working with people one on one and giving the brain power and experience it has taken me years to assemble. That is what I am paid for.

But it brings people to me like Kevin Emmerick who just came through one of my group tour weekends. That was a lot of fun and enabled me to get to know him better.

MAB

Hmm... received their exclusive contract today for one of my piano solos. The contract seems to be typical of all my other contracts.

If they have a $5 submission fee, it was never mentioned to me. Edit: just noticed on their website that the $5 applies only for multiple submissions. First submission is free. Maybe to keep the submissions to a minimum - don't know.

Considering signing over the track. It's only one track. Its not as if I have a shortage of piano tracks. The signing company is "Silk and Denim Music".

I'll think about it for a day or two. In the meantime, I'll appreciate any info, suggestions, or even if you want to call me a dimwit.

Best, John

up to you Johnny boy

no one would say you are a dimwit...I myself just dont think these folks have the juice to get any thing heard by the top singers or
New York/Hollywood movies and tv.....everything I have seen on them so far is post office box this and post office box that.........does the contract have one single brick and mortar address.......yes you get one free submission a month-all others are 5 bucks......well whatever ya decide-best of luck......like you say its only one track..

Tom

Thanks Tom! This will require a little more thinking.

I was also wondering about their access to the Hollywood/TV/film Industry. Though, because of the Internet companies can do business anywhere in the World. Still, it looks like they're basically into the song market.

My wife Sandra, thinks I should slow up a bit. I've signed 80 tracks over to four publishers in the last month. Sandra asked me last night if I was sure I knew what I was doing. Her vote of confidence.

Anyway, yes, all this legal stuff is starting to make me a bit on edge.

Probably a good idea to sit on it for awhile.

John

If they had the juice to get anything anywhere, don't you think they would be getting their own stuff out there? If nothing else to show how big a track record they have. These people all start out as writers in the first place.

They are competing in a professional football game wearing cricket outfits. They are really not even in the game. Just charging money like they are.

MAB

Hi Marc! Didn't charge me anything. If they tried, I'd be long gone.

Not all publishers are composers. Some are just business people.

Also, one of my publishers is an Emmy winning composer, but he's gotten me some placements as well. The TV/film market is too large for any one composer to take on all the jobs. Some of these publishers/composers are limited to a specific genre. They seek other composers to fill the jobs beyond their capabilities. So there are a lot of variables in the film/TV placement business.

My biggest concern with them is whether they have any clients (or notable credits) for film/TV. From their website they seem to be mostly a "song to artist" plugging company (and mostly Country).

Wondering if you know any of the people on their website Marc? http://www.SongMatchmakersNetwork.com

This will require a little more thought.

Thanks for your slant on this company.

Best, John

I was thinking of joining Taxi. Actually, i did join but didn't pay so I can't submit any of my music.

It's $299 to join. I get to see what they have on there. They had one opportunity for Pop last month. Maybe if I had 25 songs it would be worth it, but I think it's a rip-off.

Everyone is trying to get money from us. And I don't mind if the web site is helpful and maybe promising.

Oh, it's $299 to join for ONE YEAR.

John,

I do know those people, although not know them very well. Just like a lot of the other people listed in their photo gallery. I was at Douglas Corner when a lot of those were taken. Don't know exactly their business but I know a lot of people are all doing the same thing. Like everything if you have a good personal relationship with them and what they do, who am I to say what you should or should not do.

The majority of everyone hit the same wall which is the inside cut. The only way I know around that is becoming part of the inside before an artist or writer becomes well known. Everyone else is coming from the outside.

Of course if I knew how to do this flawlessly I would be doing it all the time. I try to stick to what I know. The process of writing, presentation, networking and understanding of business are things I know. Everything else are different ways to get there.

MAB

I signed two tracks with them. Kind of a tester. No more till I see some action.

A little ironic; they're an exclusive publisher, but they just negotiated a blanket license with MTV (non-exclusively). Just seems very wrong to me being an exclusive publisher, but making non-exclusive blanket deals.

Then again, I'm used to spreading my music around like manure. Maybe something besides weeds will sprout up.

Maybe I'll make a little beer money there. Wait a minute, I don't drink beer.

Best, John

The name alone made me think of a vision of a big red flag. I read the responses first and was getting sick to my stomach. Then I read their email. It made me sicker. Then I read where someone finally bothered to pay closer attention to what they were REALLY all about. Then I knew all my gut reactions were justified.

Not in a million years would I do business with these guys. I'd also be PISSED and distrustful going forward for the FMN having sent my material to these people in the first place. You should be judged by the company you choose to keep. That's why we turn down companies just like this one nearly every week as sponsors because it's all just BS dressed in different pretty outfits, all making "sort of" promises with the suggestive language that comes close to crossing the boundary that would get them in legal trouble playing on people's dreams. Then, for it to have taken several people several go rounds to discover a fee attached makes my skin crawl and screams to me, in my opinion, SCAM. Anyone not 100% upfront with their costs and policies in an easy and clear way to me is dishonest. They get you so excited that when the drop the cost, they might have you so worked up you'll pay then cash for nothing. Even if that song was used, they can license it for any amount.. so if they had friends making a film, they could, it appears, license it for 1 dollar and charge you 5 dollars for the placement. I didn't hear if they ALSO got a % of any income (does anyone know?) but even if they didn't take a dime (which I doubt) it's a rip off in my view.

I see Marc has taken up on my statement that if these folks had any power to get anything done, they'd be doing it themselves already. I also agree with his pick and shovel analogy, because it's true. It's the driving force as to why I started JPF and have done all I can to keep it free. No one else out there that I know works to help artists and writers without ever putting their hands into their pockets and taking their money while doing it.l Honest people and companies can (and do) do that, but a much larger number of people selling scam tools or methods or theories to reach your dreams are out there making a living off the community. The only folks they help make money are themselves. If someone offers a very upfront service that is well defined and 100% upfront, then they at least have the potential of being worth it. If they don't reach that starting point, they are a scam. Plain and simple. Once they do start off correctly, then you look at value, track record, how happy REAL (rather than planted or delusional) customers are and find verifiable examples of the successes they've assisted with.

Marc is a good example to use here. I took (and still take) heat from many Nashville folks who aren't so positive about Marc and feel he falls into the pick and shovel sales category without offering any real value. I disagree. The reason isn't because of proof of him getting deal for people, though I think he may have some examples of having a hand in helping some successful people, but because he's upfront, comes here and offers his experiences and opinions with no strings attached on a regular basis and has proven through actions that he's a value and deserves our trust. I don't always agree with him, but I find it interesting that when I challenge a scam artist, they often go into personal attacks or blow up completely or disappear or bring in fictitious happy customers to refute what I am saying. Marc has never done any of those things and I don't have to always agree with someone to respect them and I have grown to respect Marc over the last couple years because he's a genuine guy who has had more success than 99% of our peers ever will and who has brought a lot of valuable input to our site and while I was out of the picture due to health problems, he actually did a great job of helping play watch dog against scam artists and also helped give honest info in a positive way. I didn't ask him to do it, he just did it. He may not have even realized it but often I read posts that needed a knowledgable response, but I didn't have to step up because he (along with Mr. Dunbar and Mr. Caro and Mr. Shapiro and others)had already stepped up to address it.

A lot of these companies who come to me to "sponsor us" and try to sell me on how they are experts at this or that, I ask them to come to the boards and meet the folks and get involved. That would help me speed up my own due dilligence process since I doubt they want to wait years like TAXI and Disc Makers and CD Baby/Hostbaby etc. did. Ourstage (remember Daniel?) did that and we sped up our process and had a great 18 month sponsor deal with them. Most I never hear from again. So anytime someone puts their actions where their mouths are and demonstrates that they do in fact have something to offer and they are willing to demonstrate it out in the open for all to see for themselves, it makes a big differences, as it has with Marc.

So good for Marc (aka MAB). Not so much with the folks mentioned above.

Brian

Hey Brian, I always appreciate your sugar-coated perspective. Kidding, I do appreciate your no-holds-barred in-depth replies.

“The name alone made me think of a vision of a big red flag. I read the responses first and was getting sick to my stomach. Then I read their email. It made me sicker. Then I read where someone finally bothered to pay closer attention to what they were REALLY all about. Then I knew all my gut reactions were justified” – Brian

Yes, that big red flag popped into my vision as well. Always does when signing contracts. I submitted to a horror film through FMN which was this company’s listing. I whipped up one track for the listing (and one piano solo later as well). Because it was through FMN, 2-3 hours of my time felt justified. Besides, there is a two year reversion clause in their contract. Not that I have an immediate need to recoup another horror track for my collection. BTW, the company name on the contract is “Silk and Denim Music (BMI)”. Slightly more respectable than “Song Matchmakers”.

“ I'd also be PISSED and distrustful going forward for the FMN having sent my material to these people in the first place. You should be judged by the company you choose to keep” – Brian

I imagine FMN has the same problems as all of us deciding the legitimacy of a company.

Personally I think this company is just a song pitching service that wants to get into the music library business as well. From the numerous emails I had with this company, they appear to be a bit naïve about the library business. Though they’re learning quickly as noted in a previous posting of their blanket deal with MTV. Not a big windfall for the composer, but a starting point maybe.

“Then, for it to have taken several people several go rounds to discover a fee attached makes my skin crawl and screams to me, in my opinion, SCAM. Anyone not 100% upfront with their costs and policies in an easy and clear way to me is dishonest” - Brian

I have no experience with their fees. They invited me to submit as many tracks as I want free of charge. I haven’t paid a penny to them (and never will). Their contract with me is a 50/50 spilt. Though I won't submit any more tracks until I see some green.

“Even if that song was used, they can license it for any amount.. so if they had friends making a film, they could, it appears, license it for 1 dollar and charge you 5 dollars for the placement. I didn't hear if they ALSO got a % of any income (does anyone know?) but even if they didn't take a dime (which I doubt) it's a rip off in my view” – Brian

I don’t see anything in my contract with them about a $5 charge for a placement. Not sure where you read that Brian. I did see that they charge $5 for submitting to them directly, but not through an invite.

All and all, I don’t think this company is a scam. Maybe a little naïve about the library business, but not crooks. Time will tell…