ION INDIE MAGAZINE September 2015, Volume 16 | Page 99

today?
EL: I think I started with the most basic stuff and learned that, then moved on to one piece of gear and one plugin at a time. I
learned as I went and watched videos online and talked with other producers. I always tried to see everything in the studio
with a problem-solution mentality. Why do my guitars not sound like "XYZ" bands and how do I get them to? I have always
tried to get to the level of a "professional" sounding recording, while maintaining my own sound. Eventually I started licensing
music that I recorded and that almost doubled my income to the point where I could build a studio in a more professional
setting.
DX: At what point did you decide to peruse this to the level you have? What made you know that you were on to something?
EL: When my son was born, it was no looking back. This was going to be my job and I'm going to find a way to make it happen.
DX: What is it about producing, engineering and recording all of these bands that you enjoy the most?
EL: I just love making great tunes. I love when something comes into the studio and we mold it from good to gre at. Landing a
big placement after that process is always a great feeling too.
DX: Can you give a close estimate of the total number of bands that you have recorded?
EL: Well, over 100 since 2008.
DX: How about an estimate or total number of songs that you have recorded?
EL: Thousands of songs. I can't even guess an exact number.
DX: How many songs have you licensed?
EL: I have a catalog of about 500 songs. Roughly half of them have been placed.
DX: How about total placements?
EL: Tens of thousands.
DX: What are some general figures of your top bands…hints of general earnings, number of placements?
EL: Gross sync for some of the top bands in the last 2 years is around $12,000. These artists also see royalties from their
performance rights organization (BMI/ASCAP/SESAC). Some of these royalties reach over $1000 per member per quarter.
DX: What characteristics are in common, if any, with all of the songs that have any degree of success with licensing and
placements?
EL: All songs that get licensed are well produced and have some solid energy/emotion. That is one of the main reasons Cherry
Pit bands do well with licensing. They have all been LaBrosse'd (LOL)!
DX: What is licensing and how does it work?
EL: Song licensing is the process of taking a song, putting it on TV/Film, and making money. There's a team that makes the
process happen.
DX: How did you get so established in licensing?