Terrorbird

Terrorbird is a sync licensing and publishing company based in Brooklyn, New York, founded in 2006, with offices in Los Angeles, Chicago, and London. The company represents independent record labels and artists for licensing in TV, film, ads, trailers, video games, web content, and podcasts. Terrorbird focuses on left-of-center voices and independent music. Best suited for independent labels and artists whose music sits outside mainstream production library conventions.

How Terrorbird Works

Terrorbird operates as a full-service sync licensing agency. The company represents record labels and independent artists, pitching their music to music supervisors and creative directors across all media.

The process works as follows:

1. Representation: Terrorbird signs labels and artists to representation agreements. The company pitches both catalog tracks and new releases with equal attention.
2. Active pitching: The licensing team (based across NYC, LA, Chicago, and London) pitches music directly to music supervisors, ad agencies, trailer houses, and production companies.
3. Negotiation and clearance: Terrorbird handles licensing negotiations, rights clearance, and contracting on behalf of its clients.
4. Custom music: Through Terrorbird Originals, the company creates custom music for ad campaigns where a licensed track from a record will not work. The composer roster is curated for skill in writing music for picture.
5. Artist-friendly rates: Terrorbird Originals maintains what the company describes as the most artist-friendly rates in the custom music space.

Real-World Example

An independent electronic label with 200 releases wants to generate sync revenue but lacks internal licensing staff. They sign with Terrorbird for representation. Terrorbird pitches tracks from the label's catalog to music supervisors working on a streaming series. A supervisor selects a track for a scene. Terrorbird negotiates a $3,000 sync fee for a 30-second use in one episode, with the label and artist splitting the revenue after Terrorbird's commission. The artist also earns performance royalties through their PRO when the episode airs on broadcast television.

Why It Matters for Independent Artists

Terrorbird gives independent labels and artists access to professional sync pitching without needing to build an in-house licensing team. The company's four-office presence across major media markets means your music reaches supervisors in NYC, LA, Chicago, and London.

Consider these points:

• Left-of-center focus: Terrorbird specializes in independent and alternative music. If your music fits mainstream pop or generic production library styles, other agencies may be a better fit.
• Label representation: Terrorbird works with both individual artists and full label catalogs. Having a label relationship can strengthen your pitch.
• Custom music opportunities: Through Terrorbird Originals, composers can earn income from custom ad work in addition to catalog placements.
• Global reach: With offices in four cities across three countries, Terrorbird covers major English-language media markets.

Drawbacks / Things to Consider

• No open submission portal: Terrorbird does not run a public submission form. You must contact them directly and demonstrate why your music fits their roster.
• Selective roster: The company curates its roster carefully. Not all artists who reach out will be accepted for representation.
• Commission-based model: Terrorbird takes a percentage of all sync fees. Confirm the exact split before signing any representation agreement.
• Label-focused: Terrorbird primarily represents record labels and artists with established catalogs. Artists with only a few releases may struggle to get attention.
• No guaranteed placements: Representation does not guarantee sync placements. Terrorbird pitches actively, but placements depend on supervisor demand and project needs.

Related Resources

• Sync Licensing Companies Directory
• Sync License Glossary Term
• Visit Terrorbird for licensing inquiries