ATL Sync

ATL Sync is an Atlanta-based sync licensing company that connects independent artists with placement opportunities in film, television, commercials, and video games. The company curates a catalog rooted in Atlanta's music scene while representing creators globally. Its catalog includes artists like Lupe Fiasco, K Camp, and Young MC. Best suited for independent artists, particularly those in hip-hop, R&B, and pop, who want sync representation from an Atlanta-based team.

How ATL Sync Works

ATL Sync operates as a sync licensing company with strong ties to Atlanta's music community. The company was created by Ben Yonas, a Grammy and Latin Grammy-nominated music producer with over 20 years of experience.

The process works as follows:

1. Artist submission: Artists submit music through the ATL Sync website. The company accepts submissions from musicians globally, not just Atlanta-based artists.
2. Catalog review: The ATL Sync team reviews submissions for quality, sync suitability, and genre fit. Accepted tracks are added to the catalog.
3. Direct pitching: The team pitches tracks to music supervisors, ad agencies, and production companies. ATL Sync's Atlanta roots give it access to the city's deep talent pool and industry connections.
4. License clearance: ATL Sync handles licensing, clearance, and contracting for placements. The company works to simplify the clearance process for supervisors.
5. Local community focus: ATL Sync champions Atlanta's music scene by providing local artists with placement opportunities and publishing support. The company also operates Crosstown Sync, a Memphis-focused catalog, expanding its regional reach.
6. University connection: Al Thrash, a team member, is a Program Coordinator and Professor of Practice at Georgia State University. He launched MTM Standard, the school's first student-led record label and sync licensing company. ATL Sync is connected to the MTM Sync Meetup 2026 event at Georgia State, which features panels with music supervisors and industry professionals.

Real-World Example

A music supervisor needs an authentic hip-hop track for a streaming series set in Atlanta. They contact ATL Sync, which pitches several tracks from its catalog. The supervisor selects a track from an independent Atlanta artist. The sync fee for a 30-second use in a streaming drama typically ranges from $1,500 to $4,000. ATL Sync clears the license, and the artist receives their split of the fee within 30 to 60 days.

Why It Matters for Independent Artists

ATL Sync offers independent artists access to sync opportunities from a team embedded in Atlanta's music community. Atlanta is a global center for hip-hop, R&B, and pop, and ATL Sync leverages that position.

Consider these points:

• Atlanta music scene access: If you are an Atlanta-based artist, ATL Sync provides local representation with industry connections. If you are outside Atlanta, the company still accepts global submissions.
• Established artist catalog: Having artists like Lupe Fiasco and Young MC in the catalog gives ATL Sync credibility with supervisors. Your music sits alongside established names.
• Regional expansion: Through Crosstown Sync, ATL Sync also covers Memphis music. This regional approach gives supervisors access to distinct southern US sounds.
• Founder expertise: Ben Yonas brings 20 years of production experience and industry relationships. The team also includes Al Thrash, a veteran with BMG Distribution background who has worked with artists like Outkast, Britney Spears, and Usher. Al currently works at Thirty Tigers and has taught music business courses at Morehouse College, Spelman College, and Agnes Scott College. The team also includes a sync coordinator named Chris who handles the administrative side of music publishing.

Drawbacks / Things to Consider

• Newer company: ATL Sync is a relatively young company. Its catalog size and supervisor relationships may not yet match those of established agencies.
• Small team: ATL Sync operates with a small team. Active pitching capacity is limited compared to larger sync agencies with dedicated departments.
• Limited public information: The company does not publicly disclose its exact fee split, catalog size, or full client roster. You must contact them directly for specifics.
• Atlanta focus: While the company accepts global submissions, its industry connections are concentrated in Atlanta and the southern US. Artists in other regions may find better local representation elsewhere.
• No guaranteed placements: Being in the ATL Sync catalog does not guarantee sync placements. The team pitches actively, but placements depend on supervisor demand.

Company Type and Licensing Model

ATL Sync operates as a sync placement agency. The company represents artists for synchronization placements in film, television, commercials, and video games. Unlike production music libraries that build owned catalogs, ATL Sync pitches music from artists who retain their rights.

The licensing model is non-exclusive. Artists retain ownership of their masters and publishing. ATL Sync takes a split of licensing fees for placements it secures. Exact split percentages are confirmed during the agreement process and are not publicly disclosed.

ATL Sync also operates Crosstown Sync, a Memphis-focused catalog. Both catalogs draw from the same ecosystem: the Yonas Media roster, studio recordings, and music from MTM Standard students at Georgia State University.

Catalog and Clients

ATL Sync does not publicly disclose its total catalog size. The catalog is hosted on DISCO, a music search and pitching platform used by sync agencies. The company represents established artists including Lupe Fiasco, K Camp, and Young MC alongside independent artists from Atlanta and beyond.

Genre coverage spans hip-hop, R&B, pop, rock, soul, and indie. The catalog leans toward southern US sounds, reflecting its Atlanta and Memphis roots.

ATL Sync pitches to music supervisors, ad agencies, and production companies. Specific client names are not publicly listed. The company's industry connections are concentrated in Atlanta and the southeastern United States.

Notable placements are not publicly disclosed. The company was founded in 2020 and is still building its placement track record.

Payment Structure

ATL Sync operates on a fee-split model. When a placement is secured, the sync fee is divided between the artist and ATL Sync. The exact split percentage is negotiated during the agreement process.

Artists retain ownership of their masters and publishing rights. Artists continue to earn performance royalties through their PRO when music airs on broadcast television or in theaters.

ATL Sync does not charge upfront fees for catalog inclusion. The company earns only when a placement is secured. This aligns ATL Sync's incentives with the artist's interests.

Payment timelines range from 30 to 60 days after license clearance, based on the streaming series placement example described above.

Comparison: ATL Sync vs Other Sync Licensing Companies

Videos

Similar Sync Licensing Companies

• Crucial Music - Non-exclusive sync agency with 50/50 fee splits
• Bodega Sync - Sync placement agency for independent artists
• Secret Road - Sync licensing agency with non-exclusive representation
• Riptide Music Group - Music publishing and sync licensing company

Related Resources

• Sync Licensing Companies Directory
• Sync License Glossary Term
• Sync Licensing for Independent Musicians: Complete Guide (2026) for a full overview of the sync industry
• How to Get Your First Sync License: Complete Guide for practical pitching advice
• Sync Licensing Companies vs Music Libraries to understand which model fits you
• Sync Licensing Fee Calculator to evaluate if a sync offer is fair
• Visit ATL Sync for submissions