Cookman Music

Cookman Music is the music publishing and licensing division of Cookman International, a Los Angeles-based company founded by Tomas Cookman in 2005. The company specializes in Latin alternative music for film, TV, advertising, and video games. Its placements include Breaking Bad, Big Love, Broad City, and ad campaigns for McDonald's and Chrysler. Best suited for Latin alternative artists seeking sync representation in the US market.

How Cookman Music Works

Cookman Music operates as part of Cookman International, a multi-faceted company that includes artist management, publishing, a record label (Nacional Records), and the Latin Alternative Music Conference (LAMC). The publishing division handles sync licensing for the company's roster.

The process works as follows:

1. Roster representation: Cookman Music represents artists signed to Cookman International and Nacional Records. The company manages publishing, licensing, and sync placement for its roster.
2. Sync pitching: The company pitches Latin alternative tracks to music supervisors, ad agencies, and production companies. Cookman's deep connections in the Latin music scene give it access to supervisors seeking authentic Latin sounds.
3. License negotiation: Cookman handles sync fee negotiation, rights clearance, and contracting for placements.
4. Cross-division synergy: Artists benefit from Cookman's combined label, management, and publishing operations. A single deal can cover recording, management, and sync representation.
5. Catalog development: Cookman continually signs new Latin alternative artists, expanding its catalog across genres like Latin rock, hip-hop, electronic, cumbia, and reggaeton.

Real-World Example

A music supervisor needs a Latin electronic track for a scene in a TV drama. Cookman pitches a track from Ana Tijoux, a Chilean rapper on the Nacional Records roster. The supervisor licenses the track for a 30-second use in one episode. The sync fee for an indie Latin alternative track in a cable TV drama typically ranges from $1,500 to $5,000. Cookman clears both master and publishing if it controls both, simplifying the process for the supervisor.

Why It Matters for Independent Artists

Cookman Music occupies a specific niche that few other sync companies serve well. Latin alternative music is underrepresented in mainstream production music libraries. Cookman fills that gap.

Consider these points:

• Latin alternative specialization: If you make Latin rock, Latin hip-hop, cumbia, or reggaeton, Cookman understands your genre and has the right industry contacts.
• US market access: Cookman is based in Los Angeles and understands how to pitch Latin music to US supervisors. This is different from pitching in Latin American markets.
• Full-service model: Cookman offers label, management, and publishing under one roof. This can streamline your career if you want a single partner for multiple services.
• LAMC connection: Cookman founded the Latin Alternative Music Conference. This gives the company and its artists access to a major industry networking event.

Drawbacks / Things to Consider

• Genre-specific: Cookman focuses on Latin alternative music. If you do not make Latin music, this company is not for you.
• Full-service commitment: Cookman's model involves deeper commitments than a simple sync deal. You may be signing with a management and label partner, not just a publishing company.
• Reservoir acquisition: Reservoir Media acquired the Nacional Records catalog. This may affect how Cookman's catalog is administered going forward. Verify current ownership before pursuing a deal.
• Limited team size: Cookman International has approximately 11 employees across all divisions. The sync team is small compared to major publishers.
• No open submission portal: Cookman does not run a public submission form. You must contact them directly or meet through industry events like LAMC.

Related Resources

• Sync Licensing Companies Directory
• Sync License Glossary Term
• Visit Nacional Records for inquiries