In this episode, we welcome Steven Scharf, an industry icon with over 50 years of experience in record labels, publishing, and sync. Steven shares firsthand stories of working with artists like Tamiko Jones and James Taylor. He provides insights into his time at Muscle Shoals Studios, reminiscing about pivotal moments like encountering early recordings of The Rolling Stones and fostering emerging talent like Lynyrd Skynyrd. His anecdotes provide historical context and insight into the music industry's evolution, highlighting the importance of seizing opportunities and staying true to one's passion for music.

Reflecting on Steven's journey, it's clear that his experiences navigating through the changing landscapes of music distribution and consumption offer valuable insights into the industry. His emphasis on building relationships and finding advocates for music underscores the importance of networking and persistence. Despite the challenges of today's saturated market, success can still be achieved with dedication and quality work.

Guest Bio:

Over his five-decades-long career in the music industry, Steven Scharf has worked in nearly every aspect of the business. In 1991, after nearly 20 years as an independent record producer and head of A&R at Private Stock Records, he launched his own management and consulting firm, Steven Scharf Entertainment (SSE), in a joint venture with legendary music publisher Freddy Bienstock and later, with Caroline Bienstock at Carlin America, ultimately rising to Sr. V.P. Creative. 

In addition to signing songwriters, purchasing and working catalogs, and placing thousands of songs in film, tv, and commercials for Carlin, Steve has managed many highly successful record producers and film composers, as well as licensing indie music to all platforms. In 2019, Steve expanded his company, SSE, to include consulting to the publishing industry with Jamie Records of Philadelphia. Steve is also a founding member of the Music Managers Forum. 

About the Hosts:

We’re Sonnet Simmons and John Clinebell, 2 indie artists who have found success and creative fulfillment through licensing our music for ads, TV shows and films. 

We were once so disheartened and discouraged that our music wasn’t being noticed or valued through traditional methods. So we both started on a journey to find another way. For us, that “third door” was sync! And what we discovered is a lot better than we could have ever even imagined…[Find out more here]

Resources From This Episode:

• ⁠2Indie Website⁠⁠ - Visit our website for more resources and information on how to get YOUR music signed


• Music Licensing Basecamp⁠ - Want to join our exclusive online sync community, with weekly LIVE networking and coaching calls?


• ⁠@2indieofficial⁠ - Follow us on Instagram


• Sync It! Music Licensing Community⁠ - Follow us on Facebook


• ⁠⁠Steven’s Website⁠⁠ - Learn more about our guest and their work