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Here’s how an unknown band can make money in the world of sync and licensing–and what it implies for the future

I’d never heard of Caught a Ghost before this week. They’re an LA indie band with exactly one album to its name. But since it came out in 2014, Caught a Ghost has had its music placed all over the place.

  • HBO (Boardwalk Empire, Shameless, Crashing)
  • Amazon Prime (Bosch)
  • Grey’s Anatomy
  • Suits
  • Vampire Diaries
  • The Blacklist
  • Dear White People
  • The trailer for the video came A Way Out
  • Commercials for Miller Lite and the dating site BlackPeopleMeet
  • The soundtrack for a Victoria’s Secret show.

As Popbitch pointed out in their newsletter this week if an unknown indie band can get this kind of placement, imagine what’s going to happen with acts like the Red Hot Chili Peppers, Bob Dylan, and Stevie Nicks, who have sold their catalogues to companies who want to make bank on their music.

Here’s what Caught a Ghost sounds like. Anything feel familiar?

Alan Cross

is an internationally known broadcaster, interviewer, writer, consultant, blogger and speaker. In his 40+ years in the music business, Alan has interviewed the biggest names in rock, from David Bowie and U2 to Pearl Jam and the Foo Fighters. He’s also known as a musicologist and documentarian through programs like The Ongoing History of New Music.

Alan Cross has 38005 posts and counting. See all posts by Alan Cross

One thought on “Here’s how an unknown band can make money in the world of sync and licensing–and what it implies for the future

  • Caught A Ghost’s debut (and only) album was one of my fav of the year it was released. The song “Human Nature” is an absolutely outstanding song.

    Reply

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