We sat down with Jeremy Da, founder of Acrylic.LA, to learn about an innovative sync licensing platform.
Acrylic uses data to inform the music choices brands make for their digital content and ads.
Research shows that niche, hyperlocal music performs better than typical production library music in creative campaigns.
Retail stores, sports teams, and local businesses all use Acrylic to license music from local artists to tap into specific local audiences and trends—a win-win for brands and artists.
Now, artists can collect sync revenue passively by maintaining an engaged audience, however small.
🟠 Key Takeaways
- Acrylic connects brands with local artists for more authentic marketing.
- Data-driven matching ensures the right music reaches the right audience.
- Sync licensing pays better than streaming and boosts exposure.
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🟢 What is Acrylic.LA?
JD: Acrylic.LA directly connects music creators with brands, filmmakers, and content creators, without middlemen or fees. Our straightforward platform lets anyone license music quickly.
We look at audience data to find perfect matches between artists and brands.
When brands reach the right listeners, artists make money and grow their reach.
It's like using stats in baseball - we find hidden opportunities that work for everyone.
By focusing on specific local artist communities instead of generic background music, we help brands connect better with audiences while giving independent artists reliable income.
Acrylic began as a record label for instrumental artists and producers.
🔵 What makes an artist stand out to you?
JD: We focus on matching artist data with brand needs. Our platform looks at measurable audience metrics to pair musicians with companies.
Take our work with a major European football club - they license music from up-and-coming artists in a way that reminds people of classic Apple ads.
This creates real exposure for the musicians.
We analyze data from both new and established artists to find hidden gems.
Whether it's a rock band or experimental group, we look at engagement numbers to connect artists with brands that want to reach their specific fan communities.
🔴 How important is social media?
JD: Social media is important but just one piece of the puzzle.
We use it to discover artists and analyze engagement data - not just follower counts, but real metrics like interactions and demographics. This helps match artists with brands effectively.
Fan activity like comments, shares, and user-generated content provides insights that help brands target the right audiences.
By analyzing engagement patterns and location data, we connect brands with artists whose music will drive results.
The key isn't social media platforms themselves, but what their data reveals about audience behavior.
Keep Reading: TikTok Music Marketing 101
🟡 How do you balance originality vs. marketability?
JD: Originality and marketability complement each other strategically. Original music resonates authentically, while marketability ensures it reaches the right audience.
- We match brands with authentic, niche music that aligns with their audience
- We connect artists whose fans overlap with brand target markets
- We preserve artistic integrity by finding the right opportunities
Success comes from finding the right niche audience, not broad appeal. Each brand's needs are different, whether that means original indie tracks or commercial hits.
As digital content grows, Acrylic provides an efficient platform for artists to monetize through sync licensing while giving brands easy access.
🟣 What’s the biggest demo submission mistake?
JD: We accept submissions from all musicians, songwriters, labels and publishers, with no exclusivity requirements.
Once music is in our database, we analyze audience data to match artists with brands. This helps create effective campaigns by targeting engaged local fanbases - delivering better ROI than generic production music.
When we find a match, we reach out to license the music. Artists often earn more than from streaming, plus gain valuable exposure from brand campaigns.
Keep Reading: Record Labels Accepting Submissions in L.A.
⚫ What trends should musicians watch?
JD: The music industry is experiencing its biggest shift since digital distribution, with major labels consolidating power through acquisitions like Virgin/Universal buying Downtown Music.
As globalization faces pushback, local communities are becoming more important, especially among younger audiences.
- Streaming challenges will drive new business models
- Independent curators gain influence
- Artists seek innovative monetization through data-driven platforms
Artists can now build sync licensing profiles alongside streaming, allowing fans to both listen to and license their music through Acrylic.
⚪ How does live performance impact decisions?
JD: Live performance data is a crucial metric, showing an artist's real-world engagement and community building.
We analyze both live and digital metrics to gauge true audience reach, helping brands connect with active fan communities through music licensing.
📈 Can you share a success story?
JD: Our first client was a major European football club who immediately saw our value.
- Videos with local music from Acrylic were in the top 5% most commented videos
- Generated 2,000+ new organic followers
Connect: Connect with Acrylic on LinkedIn.
🧠 Advice for artists feeling stuck?
JD: The music industry is evolving beyond the traditional playbook of singles and playlist promotion. For adaptable artists, this means more opportunities than ever before.
- 💰 Diversify Revenue Streams: Look beyond streaming to licensing, partnerships, and fan-driven monetization.
- 📊 Leverage Your Data: Use audience insights to guide your strategy and find the right opportunities.
- 🔥 Expand Your Reach: Your music has value for businesses, brands, and content creators - not just streaming platforms.
- 🚀 Take Initiative: Success comes to artists who actively pursue new opportunities and think outside traditional models.
LA has always been a city of reinvention. For artists willing to adapt, the opportunities are endless.
☕ What’s your favorite LA coffee shop?
I love coffee and cookies, so here are my plugs for both:
- Coffee: Cognoscenti
- Cookies: Fleurs et Sel
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