Burnett Music

Burnett Music is a full-service music company based in Los Angeles, founded in 2014, that provides original music composition, sync licensing, publishing administration, and music supervision for film, TV, brands, and games. The company employs approximately 21 people across the US, UK, and Germany. Best suited for composers and artists seeking a partner that handles both custom composition and catalog licensing across global media.

How Burnett Music Works

Burnett Music operates as a multi-service music company. The team handles original scoring, sync licensing, music supervision, and publishing administration under one roof.

The process works as follows:

1. Custom composition: Burnett's roster of composers creates original scores for film, TV, games, and brand campaigns. The company matches composers to projects based on style and experience.
2. Sync licensing: Burnett licenses music from its catalog for media use. The catalog includes works by the company's signed composers and artists.
3. Music supervision: The company provides full music supervision services, including music search, clearance, licensing, and cue sheet management.
4. Publishing administration: Burnett handles publishing administration for its writers, collecting royalties worldwide and managing copyright registration.
5. Global network: With team members across the US, UK, and Germany, Burnett can service clients in multiple time zones and territories.

Real-World Example

A game developer needs an original score for a new release. Burnett Music assigns a composer from its roster who specializes in orchestral and electronic hybrid scores. The composer writes 40 minutes of original music over a 3-month period. The fee for a game score of this scope typically ranges from $20,000 to $80,000 depending on the game's budget, platform, and distribution. Burnett handles the contract, publishing administration, and royalty registration.

Why It Matters for Independent Artists

Burnett Music represents a modern full-service model where composers get both creative work and administrative support from a single partner.

Consider these points:

• Composer-focused: Burnett signs composers and writers, not just catalog tracks. If you are a composer who creates original music for media, this model fits your career path.
• Global reach: With team members in three countries, Burnett can service international projects. This expands your potential client base beyond your home market.
• Publishing administration included: Burnett handles royalty collection and copyright management. This saves you from hiring a separate administrator.
• Multi-service efficiency: Having scoring, licensing, supervision, and administration in one company reduces the number of partners you need to manage.

Drawbacks / Things to Consider

• Small company size: With 21 employees, Burnett has less capacity than major publishers. The company may turn down projects during busy periods.
• No public submission portal: Burnett does not run an open submission form for catalog tracks. You must contact them directly with a portfolio.
• Limited public client information: Burnett does not prominently disclose its specific client roster or past placements on its website. You must request this information directly.
• Composer-focused model: Burnett primarily serves composers who create original music. If you are a recording artist looking to license existing songs, this may not be the right fit.
• Relatively young company: Founded in 2014, Burnett has about 12 years of operating history. This is less established than legacy publishers with decades of catalog accumulation.

Related Resources

• Sync Licensing Companies Directory
• Sync License Glossary Term
• Visit Burnett Music for inquiries