You’re probably overlooking one of the best resources for getting more sync placements this year: ctrlcamp.com
If you’ve already registered, you might occasionally check briefs, but many of you aren’t taking full advantage of what this platform offers. I designed CTRL Camp to help every single one of you achieve more placements, build stronger collaborations, and become better writers and producers within the sync licensing community. Whether you’re new to the platform or just haven’t been using it to its fullest capacity, this newsletter will guide you on how to truly level up using the CTRL Camp membership site.
This site is my gift to the music community because, when I started, finding reliable information about sync was incredibly difficult. Most helpful resources weren’t free and were often inaccessible. One of the few free tools that made a huge difference for me was the forum at Taxi. I found my first major collaboration there, learned how placements worked, and gained valuable insights from seeing how other people responded to briefs. CTRL Camp is my way of recreating that experience for today’s generation of sync hopefuls.
Setting Up for Success: Your Profile
The first step is to set up your profile on CTRL Camp. Go to ctrlcamp.com, click “Join CTRL Camp” and set up an account. You can log in using Google or Facebook, or create a unique username and password. Once your account is created, take the time to fill out your profile completely.
Think of CTRL Camp as a business networking site where you’re pitching yourself, your services, and your art to other musicians and industry professionals. A blank profile does you a disservice. Upload a professional photo, write a clear and engaging bio, and link to your music and social media. Even if you’re just starting out, share what you’re passionate about—what instruments you play, your interest in sync, or your aspirations.
Your profile is valuable real estate. Don’t let it go to waste. Complete it thoughtfully so that others in the community can get to know you and want to work with you.
Submissions: Where the Magic Happens
For most of you, the Submissions section will be the main attraction. This is where you’ll find briefs posted by me or our partners. To access these opportunities, you’ll need to complete the free Sync 101 course (found under the “Courses” menu) and pass the accompanying quiz with a score of 80% or higher.
Why is this required? Because the music supervisors we pitch to need assurance that submissions come from creators who understand the nuances of sync licensing. This course ensures that you grasp the rules and expectations, which are just as important as having the right music.
If you’re new to sync, take your time with the course to absorb the material thoroughly. If you already have experience, you can skip ahead to the quiz. However, if you don’t pass, you won’t receive feedback on which answers were incorrect—you’ll need to revisit the course and retake the quiz until you succeed.
Once you’ve passed, you’re ready to submit music. Carefully read the details of each brief before submitting. Don’t submit a song just because it’s close to what’s requested. Pay attention to specifics like BPM, lyrical themes, and instrumentation. Misaligned submissions waste time for everyone and reduce your credibility.
Check the Submissions section regularly for new briefs. While I try to send email notifications for updates, it’s always good to keep an eye on the site in case you miss an email.
Collaborations: The Secret to Sync Success
Collaboration is a sync superpower. Working with others can help you build a stronger catalog faster and open doors to new opportunities. Whether you’re an artist looking for producers, a producer seeking vocalists, or a songwriter in need of a team, the Collaboration section is where you’ll find your next creative partner.
Here’s how to make the most of it:
- Post Your Own Brief: Introduce yourself and be specific about what you’re looking for. For example:
“I’m a pop artist specializing in modern, East Coast-influenced hip-hop. I’ve had placements on reality shows and ads, and I’m looking for producers who can create up-tempo, high-energy tracks with cinematic sound design.” - Share Examples of Your Work: Always include links to your music in your post. This helps potential collaborators understand your style and decide if they’d be a good fit.
- Be Honest About Your Level: Don’t feel pressured to exaggerate your experience. You’re looking for collaborators at a similar level, so being upfront helps ensure a good match.
- Ask for Detailed Responses: When others reply, request examples of their work and a brief description of their credits or experience.
- Repost Routinely: New members join CTRL Camp every day. Occasionally repost what you’re looking for until your squad is complete.
Feedback: A Critical Tool for Growth
Getting constructive feedback is one of the most important steps to improving your music for sync. CTRL Camp’s Feedback section is designed for mutual support. To get feedback, start by offering feedback to two or three others. Even if you’re not a sync expert, you can share your thoughts based on what you’ve learned so far. Just be sure to mention your perspective (e.g., “I’m new to sync, but here’s what I’ve noticed based on the Sync 101 course”).
When requesting feedback, provide context. Let others know whether the song was written specifically for sync and what type of placement you envision (e.g., a TV show, commercial, or trailer). This helps others give more targeted and useful feedback.
Some experienced members of the community, designated as Sync Experts, also participate in the Feedback section. Their insights can be especially valuable. If you have significant sync experience and would like to be recognized as an expert, reach out to me with your credentials.
Regional Groups: Connecting Locally
CTRL Camp also offers Regional Groups to help you connect with peers in your area. Current groups include cities like Nashville, Atlanta, New York, and Los Angeles. If your region isn’t listed, let me know. If there’s enough interest, I’ll create a group for your area. Regional Groups are a great way to organize meetups and build local teams for in-person collaboration.
Please only join groups relevant to where you live. Moderators will remove users who join multiple regions to keep the groups focused and authentic.
The Winner’s Circle: Your Exclusive Coaching Group
Lastly, within the groups section, there’s a hidden gem that won’t appear on your feed but is making a big impact. About 40 members are leveling up their sync licensing careers through our exclusive coaching group called the Winner’s Circle.
This group meets a few times a month and comes with numerous benefits, including direct feedback on all your music from me. I also help each member develop a personalized, custom strategy to achieve their specific goals, whether that’s scoring films, landing consistent ad placements, or finding the right team to collaborate with.
If you’re interested in joining or learning more about the Winner’s Circle, visit ctrlcamp.com/winners for all the details.
What’s Next?
CTRL Camp is so much more than just a place to find briefs. It’s a community where you can:
- Build lasting collaborations.
- Get valuable feedback to refine your music.
- Connect with like-minded peers in your region.
As we kick off a new year, make it your goal to use CTRL Camp to its fullest potential. If there are features you’d like to see added, let me know. I’m always looking for ways to make this platform even more helpful for you.
Here’s to leveling up in 2025 and beyond!