EP.44: Music Supervisor Burt Blackarach on Sync, Sampling & Survival in the Music Industry

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Website: https://burtblackarach.com/

ABOUT THIS EPISODE:

Charles Levan sits down with legendary DJ, composer, and music supervisor Burt Blackarach for a deep dive into the evolving music industry. From his roots behind the turntables to scoring for film, Burt opens up about the journey that led him through the maze of music publishing, sync licensing, and the rise of AI in music creation.This candid conversation explores why understanding publishing rights is essential for generating mailbox money, and how independent artists can unknowingly leave revenue behind. Burt reflects on sampling and re-recording as modern creative tools, and unpacks the balance between analog and digital in a tech-driven industry.He also shares the story behind his project Un-Shazamable, a personal tribute to legacy and originality, and emphasizes the importance of mental health, self-expression, and building lasting platforms. From personal stories to practical advice, this episode is packed with insights for creatives at every level.

Takeaways:

🌟 Publishing is the foundation of music ownership—and income.

🌟 AI can support creativity but can't replace artistic soul.

🌟 Independent artists often miss out on royalties due to lack of knowledge.

🌟 Sync licensing can open doors to new audiences and revenue.

🌟 Building a platform and staying consistent is key to long-term success.

CHAPTERS:

00:00 Introduction to Burt Blackarach

01:48 Understanding Music Publishing

07:58 The Journey from DJ to Composer

11:59 The Impact of Sync Licensing

15:00 Exploring Sampling and Re-recording

19:03 Navigating the Modern Music Landscape

23:53 The Role of AI in Music Creation

30:04 Back to Basics: Analog vs. Digital

32:00 Un-Shazamable: A Tribute to Legacy

36:58 Building a Platform: DJ for a Day and Experiences

43:01 Navigating Opportunities in Film and Music

49:01 Mental Health and the Creative Process

🎙️ SyncRiffs is a weekly podcast where we discuss sync placements in multimedia (TV/Film/Advertising, etc.), the music industry, pop culture, and everything in between, including exclusive interviews with musical artists, composers, agents, and music supervisors. We riff on sync strategies, music monetization, and the state of the music industry. Subscribe to the channel for future episodes!

Podcast produced by Blue Buddha Entertainment

This content is for educational purposes. We encourage others to conduct proper research, and if needed, consult an attorney for any legal advice regarding music licensing. (c) (p) 2025

#MusicPublishing #SyncLicensing #AIinMusic #IndependentArtists #MusicR

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