At Sunset Music Advocacy, we believe in the profound impact of music – not just as a creative expression, but as a vital component of countless industries, from entertainment to advertising. We’re dedicated to championing the rights of music creators and fostering an environment where innovation thrives, not stifles. This dedication is perfectly embodied in our recent collaboration with GoPro, featuring the incredible track “Sandaksatru (REM)” by Mister Sir, with the brilliant contributions of songwriters, composers, and arrangers Anton Serov, Andrew Triphonov, and Sergey Rokhmanyuk.
Imagine the breathtaking visual of Red Bull Air Race World Champion Kirby Chambliss sharing the boundless joy of flight with his daughter, Karly, soaring above the majestic Arizona desert. Now, imagine that awe-inspiring footage, shot entirely on the HERO4® camera, underscored by a track that elevates the experience from spectacular to truly unforgettable. “Sandaksatru (REM)” does exactly that. It’s more than just background music; it’s an integral part of the narrative, adding depth, emotion, and an exhilarating sense of freedom to every frame. This synergy between powerful visuals and compelling audio is what we strive for, and it’s a testament to the talent of the artists we represent.
The Unseen Architects: Why PROs Matter
This successful placement with GoPro highlights a critical truth: the value of music in commercial endeavors is undeniable. Yet, the ecosystem that supports music creators, particularly performing rights organizations (PROs) like ASCAP, often faces challenges from those who seek to diminish the true worth of creative work.
Last week, ASCAP, a cornerstone of the music industry and a partner in our advocacy efforts, submitted comprehensive reply comments to the US Copyright Office’s Notice of Inquiry concerning the performing rights licensing system. Their submission, which we at Sunset Music Advocacy wholeheartedly endorse, champions a pro-competitive and transparent approach. It’s an approach that directly benefits the over one million members who rely on a robust PRO system to earn a living from their art.
The reality is, U.S. PROs are performing a monumental task: licensing tens of millions of musical works and processing trillions of performances annually. This intricate system is vital for ensuring that songwriters, composers, and publishers receive fair compensation for the use of their music. The assertion that the PRO market is unhealthy or that a government-run centralized music database is needed simply doesn’t align with the facts. In truth, the market is vibrant and competitive, offering an unprecedented array of programming choices to music users.
ASCAP’s submission, built on years of experience and a deep understanding of the industry, underscores four crucial points:
- A Healthy and Competitive PRO Market: The market thrives, offering diverse programming options to music users.
- No Need for Government Intervention: Calls for a centralized music database are not only unwarranted but could stifle the very innovation they claim to promote.
- PROs Ensure Fair Compensation: These organizations are the backbone of royalty distribution, ensuring creators are paid for their work.
- Creator-PRO Relationship is Paramount: How royalties are distributed should remain a private matter between the creator and their PRO, free from external interference.
Let’s be clear: the recent Notice of Inquiry was a direct result of lobbying efforts by a coalition of music licensees whose primary objective is to reduce the compensation paid to songwriters and composers. This isn’t a new fight. For decades, these entities have made misleading arguments, attempting to prioritize their economic interests at the expense of the very creators whose music underpins their businesses.
At Sunset Music Advocacy, our commitment is unwavering. We will continue to advocate for transparency, fairness, and the fundamental rights of music creators in every forum. We are immensely grateful for the individual voices of ASCAP members and countless other creators who have joined this crucial conversation, ensuring their perspectives are heard.
Opportunities for Creators: Fueling the Future of Music
Beyond advocacy, Sunset Music Advocacy is deeply invested in creating tangible opportunities for artists. We understand the challenges of navigating the music industry, and we strive to connect talented creators with the right projects. Consider these current sync requests, illustrative of the diverse needs of today’s media landscape:
- Haunting Music for Online Advert (Deadline: July 7, 2025): A comical social media video seeks a haunting, orchestral, or experimental piece with a retro horror film feel, akin to Andrzej Korzyński’s “The Night The Screaming Stops (Opening Titles).” Instrumental or minimal vocals preferred.
- Building Songs for Advert (Deadline: June 16, 2025): An ad campaign focused on “building yourself up” needs positive, anticipatory tracks with a clear build and drop, and a quintessential British edge, referencing SAULT’s “The Beginning & The End.”
- Driving Track for Cool Campaign (Deadline: June 30, 2025): A visually “trippy” tech brand is looking for a cool, innovative, fast-paced track with a strong beat and dynamics. Think punky vibes mixed with electronic elements for a fresh, modern sound, similar to Sam Austins, Billy Lemos – “Pretend Friend.” Lyrics about “making the most out of life” are a bonus.
- Strange Sexy Songs for Vitamin Brand (Deadline: June 23, 2025): A vitamin brand seeks laid-back songs with a strange but sexy vibe, an effortless groove, cool confidence, and unique attention-grabbing elements. Vocals with minimal words and more “oohs” and “aahs” would be ideal, with a preference for a retro sound, like Aphex Twin’s “Windowlicker.”
These opportunities are just a glimpse into the dynamic world of music licensing and the ever-present demand for fresh, innovative sounds.
Looking Ahead: Events and Deadlines
We encourage all music creators to stay informed and engaged. Mark your calendars for these important dates:
- June 10, 2025: The ASCAP Foundation 50th Anniversary Gala in New York, NY, honoring Stephen Schwartz and Chandrika Tandon.
- June 15, 2025: Deadline to submit for the 2025 World Soundtrack Awards. Composers can submit in six categories for one of the most prestigious honors in global film music.
- Ongoing: Weekly Cyber Support Groups in partnership with MusiCares, offering free support to those in the music community.
At Sunset Music Advocacy, our mission is clear: to empower music creators and ensure that their invaluable contributions are recognized and fairly compensated. We will continue to fight for a future where creativity is celebrated, not devalued, and where every note, every lyric, and every composition receives the respect and remuneration it deserves. Join us in this vital advocacy for the soundtrack of our lives.
