Pusher Music

Pusher Music is a music supervision and sync licensing company founded in 2009, headquartered in Los Angeles, with a team distributed across 10 countries. The company specializes in sync licensing, bespoke composition, and global rights negotiation for film, TV, and advertising. Co-founder Jason Alexander oversees music for projects including Dave (FX), Pennyworth (Warner Bros.), and The Last Dance (ESPN/Netflix). Pusher's music has featured in hundreds of entertainment marketing campaigns for Disney, FOX, Warner Brothers, Netflix, HBO, Apple, and A24. The company also operates a Berlin office with Creative Director Jacob Wiltshire managing A&R, sync licensing, and label/publishing partnerships. Best suited for established artists and composers seeking representation for high-profile trailer and advertising placements.

How Pusher Music Works

Pusher Music operates as an integrated music supervision company. The team handles music clearance, rights negotiation, bespoke composition, and label/publishing services.

The process works as follows:

1. Sync licensing: Pusher specializes in music clearance across all media. The team handles rights negotiation, business affairs, and contract management for film, TV, ads, and games.
2. Bespoke composition: Pusher creates custom music for projects where licensed tracks will not work. The company's composer roster produces original scores and sound design.
3. Label and publishing services: Pusher operates its own label and publishing arm. The company represents artists like Run The Jewels, Noisia, John Murphy, Zack Hemsey, DJ Shadow, and Ursine Vulpine.
4. Curated catalog: Pusher maintains a curated, sync-ready catalog through its BLOCK platform. All music in the catalog is hand-selected and license-friendly, though clients still need to clear and pay for usage.
5. Global rights management: Pusher unifies fractional rights ownership into a seamless creative rights management ecosystem. The company partners with platforms including TikTok, Kobalt Music, Netflix, PIAS, Believe Music, Hipgnosis Songs, and Sun Records.
6. Studio operations: Pusher operates Rampisham Studios (The Ramp), a recording facility outside London for orchestral and electronic recording sessions.
7. Competitive positioning: Pusher sits alongside Brand X Music, Ghostwriter Music, and Atom Music Audio in the trailer and high-impact advertising ecosystem. It is not a volume-driven subscription platform or a massive broadcast catalog infrastructure.

Submission / Application Details

Pusher Music represents artists and composers through direct industry relationships. The company does not run an open submission portal.

• How to apply: Contact Pusher through their website at pushermusic.com. You must demonstrate why your music fits their roster.
• Required materials: A portfolio of high-quality, production-ready tracks. For trailer work, show experience with hybrid orchestral, sound design, and dynamic control. Stems and mix flexibility are expected.
• What they look for: Cinematic identity, bold genre work, hybrid orchestral, high-energy electronic, and trailer-ready material. Intermediate-level tracks will not survive in this ecosystem.
• No application fee: Pusher does not charge a submission fee.
• Relationship-driven: Opportunities are less automated and more relationship-driven. Response time, revision speed, and professional conduct directly affect repeat work.
• Not for micro-licenses: Pusher is built for high-impact placements (trailers, brand campaigns, film marketing). It is not built for background YouTube use or bulk catalog monetization.

Real-World Example

A trailer house needs custom music for a blockbuster film trailer. Pusher assigns a composer from its roster to create a bespoke track. The composer produces a 2-minute hybrid orchestral piece with sound design elements at Pusher's studio. The trailer runs in theaters and online for 4 months. The fee for a custom trailer composition for a major studio film typically ranges from $10,000 to $30,000. Pusher handles the contract, publishing, and delivery.

In another scenario, a supervisor wants to license a Run The Jewels track for an HBO series. Pusher, as the artist's representative, clears the rights and negotiates the fee. A TV series use of an established artist track typically ranges from $5,000 to $20,000 per episode.

Why It Matters for Independent Artists

Pusher Music represents a high-end sync model. The company works with major studios, networks, and brands, placing music in top-tier campaigns.

Consider these points:

• Major client access: Pusher's client list includes Disney, Netflix, HBO, Apple, and A24. If your music is represented by Pusher, it gets pitched for A-level campaigns.
• Trailer music specialization: Pusher has deep experience in trailer music. This is a specialized niche with higher fees than general TV placements.
• Artist roster quality: Pusher represents Run The Jewels, DJ Shadow, and Zack Hemsey. Your music must compete at this level to be accepted.
• Global team: With team members across 10 countries, Pusher can service international productions. This expands your potential placement market.
• Studio access: Pusher's Rampisham Studios gives composers access to professional recording facilities for orchestral and electronic work.

Drawbacks / Things to Consider

• High barrier to entry: Pusher represents established artists and composers. The company does not accept unsolicited submissions from unknown artists. You need industry connections and a proven track record.
• No open submission portal: Pusher does not run a public submission form. You must contact them directly and demonstrate why your music fits their roster.
• Competitive roster: Your music competes against tracks from Run The Jewels, DJ Shadow, and other established names. Getting attention requires exceptional quality.
• Corporate partnerships: Pusher's platform partnerships with TikTok, Kobalt, and Hipgnosis mean the company operates at a corporate level. Individual artists may receive less personal attention.
• Limited public information: Pusher does not disclose its fee structure, roster size, or specific deal terms publicly. All negotiations happen directly.

Related Resources

• Sync Licensing Companies Directory
• Sync License Glossary Term
• How to Get Your First Sync License: Complete Guide
• How to License Music for Commercials and Ads
• Music Supervision Career Guide: How to Break In
• Use our Sync Licensing Fee Calculator to estimate fair pricing
• Visit Pusher Music for inquiries