You need to have permission in order to put someone’s music into a TV show, film, video game, app, etc. This process of requesting and negotiating a fee and receiving permission is called “music clearance.”
After one has received clearance, the process of issuing contracts and payment is called “licensing.”
To put a recording underneath picture (to “synchronize”) requires two types of rights clearances, the “sync rights” and the “master recording rights.” “Sync Rights” are for the actual words and music used (the “composition.”) “Master Recording Rights” are for the specific recording of that composition (the “master.”)
Example - If your film wants to use Bring me the Horizon in a scene. You would need two clearances: the “sync rights” for the composition, owned by the publisher (or sometimes the band acting as their own publisher) and the “master rights” for the recording, owned by the Record label.
Nicholas Mishko is the owner and founder of Ommco Licensing & Publishing. He is also the President and founder of 10 and 8 Management Agency. Prior to establishing 10 and 8 Management and Ommco Licensing & Publishing, Mishko started his music business career in 2008. His very first real taste of the music industry was an internship at Rock Ridge Music. He did marketing for bands such as Chris Volz, Psychostick, Reel Big Fish and Sister Hazel. That internship sealed his desire to work in the music industry. After Rock Ridge Music, Mishko went on to be hired at the legendary ABKCO Music and Records, Inc. in New York City. This is where he would spend the next four years learning the ins and outs of songwriter and artist royalties. It was truly an experience in what one would call “old school music business.” ABKCO Music and Records, Inc. is one of the largest Record Labels/Music Publishers in the world. Their catalog consists of many renowned artists such as The Rolling Stones and the iconic Sam Cooke. After years of royalties, spreadsheets and learning every which way you can license a Rolling Stones song for television, Mishko wanted to deal more directly with artists. He wanted to nurture and grow artists; he wanted to manage. Mishko already had the knowledge of record contracts, royalties and licensing so he felt confident that he could do it. His first client, Butch Parnell, still works with him today. Mishko’s roster slowly began to grow and after a few months, he left ABKCO to venture out on his own. In 2012, Mishko officially launched 10 and 8 Management and hasn’t looked back since. He went from one client and a laptop to a couple dozen clients, offices and a full team in nine years. Mishko and his team have had many bands chart on Billboard, various sponsor partnerships, performances at Vans Warped Tour, Sturgis Bike week, Inkcarceration and The NAMM Show. He’s negotiated numerous publishing and record deals in his career. He was also featured in Bobby Owinsky’s book: The Music Business Advice Book: 150 Immediately Useful Tips from the Pros.
The year 2025 will mark Mishko’s 17th year in the music business, but he still follows the advice given to him on his first day, “. . . if you’re the easiest to work with and you can deliver results, you’re going to get picked every time.”
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All written correspondence can be sent to:
Ommco Licensing & Publishing, LLC.
P.O. Box 666
Madison, OH
44057
Internship Opportunities:
Ommco Licensing & Publishing offers internships for current undergraduate students with an interest in the music industry from around the world. Internships are available in the Fall, Spring, and Summer semesters. Applicants should have an interest in learning more about the music industry through the hands on experience. To apply, please fill out our contact form.