How Emmy-Nominated Composer Roger Suen Crafted the Score for Bring Them Home

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📸 Instagram: Follow Roger Suen @elcapproductions

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Learn more at Roger Suen's website: https://elcapproductions.com/

ABOUT THIS EPISODE:

How do you create a documentary score that feels authentic, cinematic, and culturally meaningful?

In this special AAPI Month episode of Sync Riffs, Charles sits down with Emmy-nominated composer Roger Suen to discuss the creative process behind scoring the documentary Bring Them Home.

Roger shares how he collaborated with Indigenous musicians, blended Native American musical traditions with hip-hop, jazz, and contemporary orchestral influences, and developed a score that supports both the sweeping landscapes and deeply personal stories at the heart of the film.

Whether you're a composer, filmmaker, music producer, or aspiring sync artist, this conversation offers valuable insights into documentary scoring, cultural representation in music, collaboration, and the evolving role of composers in modern storytelling.

🎙 In This Episode:

• Roger Suen's approach to documentary film scoring

• Researching and collaborating with Indigenous musicians

• Combining Native American traditions with modern genres

• Creating cinematic impact during low-budget filmmaking

• Building atmosphere through percussion, texture, and sound design

• Balancing epic visuals with intimate emotional moments

• Working across independent films and major studio projects

• Mentorship and opportunities for emerging Asian American composers

• The future of storytelling through music

⏱ Chapters

00:00 – Introduction to Roger Suen and Bring Them Home

01:17 – Learning from Indigenous musicians

01:47 – Blending Native American, hip-hop, jazz, and orchestral influences

02:34 – Creating powerful sounds for documentary storytelling

04:42 – Using percussion and traditional melodies to build emotion

05:42 – Balancing grand visuals with intimate human stories

07:21 – Cultural identity and representation in film scoring

🎧 Listen to more Sync Riffs conversations with music supervisors, composers, producers, and sync licensing professionals.

🎙️ SyncRiffs is a weekly podcast where we discuss sync placements in multimedia (TV/Film/Advertising, etc.), the music industry, pop culture, and everything in between, including exclusive interviews with musical artists, composers, agents, and music supervisors. We riff on sync strategies, music monetization, and the state of the music industry. Subscribe to the channel for future episodes!

Podcast produced by Blue Buddha Entertainment

This content is for educational purposes. We encourage others to conduct proper research, and if needed, consult an attorney for any legal advice regarding music licensing. (c) (p) 2026

#RogerSuen #DocumentaryScore #FilmComposer #FilmScoring #BringThemHome #AAPIHeritageMonth #ComposerLife #MusicForFilm #SyncLicensing #FilmMusic #DocumentaryFilmmaking #MusicSupervisor #PodcastInterview #FilmComposerPodcast #AsianAmericanArtists

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First Step For Sync? Get Your Music Meta-Data Done Right! - Grab your FREE guide on how to do this here: https://mailchi.mp/839e030188ce/9mc45541ff

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CONTACT US:

📨 Email: bluebuddha909@gmail.com

🔵 Blue Buddha Website: https://bluebuddhaentertainment.com/

📸 Instagram: @‌bluebuddhaent @‌syncriffs

📸 Instagram: @iwill2020

https://www.instagram.com/iwill2020/

ABOUT THIS EPISODE:

In this episode of Sync Riffs, Charles sits down with music industry veteran Isaac Williams to break down exactly how he built a career with 500+ sync placements across TV, commercials, and global artists.

From his early days in Chicago to working with K-pop artists, Isaac shares the real strategies behind landing placements, building a niche, and staying ahead in a rapidly changing music industry.

If you're an independent artist, producer, or songwriter trying to break into sync licensing, this episode is packed with practical insights you can apply right away.

🌍 Topics Covered:

Sync licensing strategy & real-world case studies

Building artist brands

Behind-the-scenes of major commercial placements

International markets: Korea, Japan, and beyond

Industry trends shaping sync in 2026

⏱️ Chapters:

00:00 – Intro

00:11 – Isaac’s journey (Chicago → LA)

02:27 – Discovering sync licensing

05:04 – Finding your niche in sync

10:10 – 500+ placements: how it happened

13:12 – AI in music production

16:44 – TikTok & artist growth

19:52 – Track endings & technical tips

21:28 – Industry trends for 2026

27:48 – Conferences & networking

33:12 – Peloton sync story

37:26 – Final advice

🚀 Who This Is For:

Independent artists & producers

Songwriters interested in sync licensing

Musicians building a catalog for TV/film

Anyone trying to understand the future of music + AI

🎙️ SyncRiffs is a weekly podcast where we discuss sync placements in multimedia (TV/Film/Advertising, etc.), the music industry, pop culture, and everything in between, including exclusive interviews with musical artists, composers, agents, and music supervisors. We riff on sync strategies, music monetization, and the state of the music industry. Subscribe to the channel for future episodes!

Music: "Flying Tigers" from Magic Tiger

Podcast produced by Charles Levan, Blue Buddha Entertainment

This content is for educational purposes. We encourage others to conduct proper research, and if needed, consult an attorney for any legal advice regarding music licensing. (c) (p) 2026

Support the show

New to Sync?

🎧 Sign up for our Sync Like A Pro Academy:
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🔊 Join, create, and connect with our indie music community here:
/ bluebuddhaentertainmentsynccohorts

CONTACT US:
🔵 Blue Buddha Website: https://bluebuddhaentertainment.com/
📸 Instagram: @‌bluebuddhaent @‌syncriffs

ABOUT THIS EPISODE:

Music licensing, sync agents, and pitching to supervisors explained. In this episode, Charles Levan shares real-world sync strategy, AI insights, and how independent artists can get their music placed.

If you're an independent artist or composer looking to get your music placed, this episode gives you practical, no-fluff guidance on how the sync world actually works and how to position your music for success.

Topics covered:
• Pros and cons of working with sync agents
• How to pitch effectively to music supervisors
• Transparency and communication in sync deals
• AI in music creation and licensing
• Exclusive vs non-exclusive sync agreements
• Building real relationships with supervisors
• Music clearance and legal considerations

⏱️ CHAPTERS

00:00 Charles
00:06 Introduction to Sync + Viewer Questions
02:35 Sync Agents vs Direct Pitching
04:11 AI in Music Creation
05:25 Exclusivity in Sync Deals
08:40 Music Clearance & Rights

Support the show

From Turkey to Hollywood Sync: How Murat Evgin Landed a Major TV Placement

First Step For Sync? Get Your Music Meta-Data Done Right! - Grab your FREE guide on how to do this here: https://mailchi.mp/839e030188ce/9mc45541ff

🎧 Sign up for our Sync Like A Pro Academy:

https://charles-levan-s-school.teachable.com/p/sync-like-a-pro-academy-pre-recorded-1

🔊 Join, create, and connect with our indie music community here:

https://www.patreon.com/BlueBuddhaEntertainmentSyncCohorts

CONTACT US:

📨 Email: bluebuddha909@gmail.com

🔵 Blue Buddha Website: https://bluebuddhaentertainment.com/

📸 Instagram: @‌bluebuddhaent @‌syncriffs

📸 Instagram: @evginmurat

🎬 YouTube: @muratevgin

👉 Watch more here: https://www.youtube.com/@MuratEvgin

What does it really take to break into sync licensing—from across the world?

In this episode, Charles Levan sits down with Murat Evgin, a Turkish composer and songwriter who has built an impressive career scoring television in Turkey and has successfully crossed into the US sync market with a placement in Pluribus.

Murat shares his journey from creating soundtracks for Turkish TV series to working with top music supervisors in the United States. Along the way, he opens up about the importance of staying true to your cultural identity, building real relationships in the industry, and creating music that stands out on a global level.

This conversation is both inspiring and practical for producers, composers, and artists who want to break into sync licensing—no matter where they’re based.

🎶 In this episode, we discuss:

• Murat’s early musical influences and career in Turkey

• Transitioning from independent artist to international composer

• How he landed a sync placement in Pluribus

• The story behind his cover of John Lennon’s “Nobody Told Me”

• Breaking into the US market and building relationships

• Why authenticity matters in music and storytelling

• Insights from the Durango Songwriters Expo and industry events

• The rise of Turkish music and global opportunities in sync

⏱️ Episode Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Murat Evgin

02:24 Turkish TV success and early career

04:50 Blending Turkish and Western music

06:13 Transition to TV and international work

08:14 Spotify success and growth

11:20 Landing a sync placement in Pluribus

15:06 Story behind “Nobody Told Me” cover

18:53 Impact of the placement

21:02 Cultural authenticity in music

22:15 Building relationships in sync

26:52 Turkish music and sync potential

45:32 Documentary and future projects

48:04 Upcoming releases

Follow us on Youtube@bluebuddhaentertainment

This content is for educational purposes. We encourage others to conduct proper research, and if needed, consult an attorney for any legal advice regarding music licensing. (c) (p) 2026

Support the show

Season 4, Episode 1: Music Supervision Explained: Paulina Márquez on The Night Manager Soundtrack

First Step For Sync? Get Your Music Meta-Data Done Right! - Grab your FREE guide on how to do this here: https://mailchi.mp/839e030188ce/9mc45541ff

🎧 Sign up for our Sync Like A Pro Academy:

https://charles-levan-s-school.teachable.com/p/sync-like-a-pro-academy-pre-recorded-1

🔊 Join, create, and connect with our indie music community here:

https://www.patreon.com/BlueBuddhaEntertainmentSyncCohorts

CONTACT US:

📨 Email: bluebuddha909@gmail.com

🔵 Blue Buddha Website: https://bluebuddhaentertainment.com/

📸 Instagram: @‌bluebuddhaent @‌syncriffs

What does a music supervisor actually do—and how does a soundtrack come to life?

In this episode, Charles Levan sits down with Paulina Márquez, a music supervisor with over 20 years of experience in film and television, to break down the art and strategy behind music supervision.

From her work on The Night Manager Season 2 to navigating complex music clearance and crafting emotionally impactful soundtracks, Paulina shares an inside look at the creative and business sides of the industry.

You’ll also hear insights on the evolving European music landscape, why networking matters more than ever, and how emerging artists—especially in Spain—are finding new global opportunities.

PAULINA MÁRQUEZ: https://www.paulinasmusic.com/

🎧 In this episode, we cover:

• What music supervisors really do in film and TV

• How spotting sessions shape the soundtrack

• Building inspiration playlists and defining a show’s sound

• The challenges of music clearance

• Collaboration with directors and showrunners

• The rise of music supervision in Europe

• Why community and networking are key

• Emerging artists and trends in Spain

• How artists can tap into global sync opportunities

⏱️ Chapters:

00:00 Introduction to Paulina Márquez

02:48 The Role of a Music Supervisor

05:49 Working on The Night Manager Season 2

08:56 Spotting Sessions and Music Integration

11:53 Creating a Unique Soundtrack

15:06 Challenges in Music Clearance

17:56 Creative Freedom and Collaboration

21:10 The Evolution of Music Supervision in Europe

23:58 The Importance of Networking and Community

27:12 Emerging Artists in Spain

29:47 Global Opportunities in Music Supervision

32:53 Conclusion and Future Prospects

Support the show

EP. 54: AI & Sync Licensing Secrets: How to Get Your Music on TV & Film

First Step For Sync? Get Your Music Meta-Data Done Right! - Grab your FREE guide on how to do this here: https://mailchi.mp/839e030188ce/9mc45541ff

🎧 Sign up for our Sync Like A Pro Academy:

https://charles-levan-s-school.teachable.com/p/sync-like-a-pro-academy-pre-recorded-1

CONTACT US:

📨 Email: bluebuddha909@gmail.com

🔵 Blue Buddha Website: https://bluebuddhaentertainment.com/

📸 Instagram: @‌bluebuddhaent @‌syncriffs

Want to get your music placed in TV shows, films, ads, and streaming platforms—even as AI shakes up the industry?

In this episode of SyncRiffs, host Charles Levan talks with sync pros Marcus Mannersen and Nathan Foreman about how to break into music licensing, use AI as a tool (without losing your creative edge), and network your way to placements.

You’ll learn:

How AI is transforming music production & sync licensing

The exact steps to get your music placed in TV, films, and commercials

Networking tips to connect with music supervisors and sync agents

How to balance life, family, and a creative career

The biggest mistakes to avoid as an indie musician

If you’re a songwriter, producer, or indie artist looking to earn money and exposure through sync, this episode gives you insider tips and proven strategies to get started—and get paid.

Nathan Foreman, is a music producer for artists, television, commercials, and film. Originally from Woodbridge, Virginia, this Virginia native graduated with a Bachelor's Degree in Recording Arts from Full Sail University in 2014. Some of his most notable music placements include Fortnite, Real Housewives of Potomac NBA, League of Legends, Rhythm + Flow, J.I. The Prince (a finalist on Rap Game), and many more. After creating an organic and driven community, he decided to start his own sync agency in 2023 called Supr Selectiv. Supr Selectiv is a sync agency that celebrates diversity and authenticity in TV, film, and Ads. We’ve built a home for distinctive, artist-driven music, uniting creative minds from around the world.

Marcus Manderson (@dafingaz) is a versatile composer, educator, and creative networker based in Northern Virginia, specializing in trailer music, sync licensing, and music education. Known for his genre-blending sound and rapid creative process, Marcus has composed for tours, Disney attractions, Netflix trailers, and major networks. A passionate speaker and educator, he champions diversity in music and inspires the next generation through workshops and panels at NAMM, SXSW, and beyond.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to the State of the Music Industry

02:10 Navigating AI in Music Creation

04:50 The Impact of AI on Copyright and Ownership

07:31 Personal Experiences in Sync Licensing

10:14 The Role of Sample Packs in Music Production

13:07 Building a Community in the Music Industry

15:50 Balancing Creativity and Administration

18:27 Reflections on the Evolution of Music Distribution

22:29 Balancing Work and Music Production

24:23 Navigating Opportunities in Sync Licensing

26:00 Understanding Music Structure for Sync

34:31 Advice for Aspiring Sync Music Creators

👉 Like, subscribe, and drop a comment with your favorite takeaway!

Support the show

EP:53 - Film Music in Flux: Royalties, AI & the Streaming Shakeup

First Step For Sync? Get Your Music Meta-Data Done Right! - Grab your FREE guide on how to do this here: https://mailchi.mp/839e030188ce/9mc45541ff

🎧 Sign up for our Sync Like A Pro Academy:

https://charles-levan-s-school.teachable.com/p/sync-like-a-pro-academy-pre-recorded-1

🔊 Join, create, and connect with our indie music community here:

https://www.patreon.com/BlueBuddhaEntertainmentSyncCohorts

CONTACT US:

📨 Email: bluebuddha909@gmail.com

🔵 Blue Buddha Website: https://bluebuddhaentertainment.com/

📸 Instagram: @‌bluebuddhaent @‌syncriffs

Is streaming saving film—or sabotaging musicians?

In this eye-opening episode of Sync Riffs, host Charles Levan sits down with composer, producer, and UCLA film scoring professor Brian Ralston for a candid conversation about the new realities of the entertainment industry. From shrinking royalty checks to the rise of AI, they unpack how the post-COVID landscape, globalized production, and tech innovation are changing everything for composers, filmmakers, and music professionals.

🎵 Brian pulls back the curtain on:

The real math behind streaming residuals

How AI is reshaping creativity—and the copyright chaos it's leaving behind

Why education + entrepreneurship are now essential for success in sync & scoring

What aspiring composers need to know about work-for-hire, licensing, and protecting their work

Whether you're a film buff, sync artist, or just trying to understand the business behind the music, this conversation is packed with insights, stories, and takeaways that could reshape your career.

🎧 Hit play, subscribe, and don’t forget to drop your thoughts in the comments!

Chapters

00:00 Introduction and Current State of the Industry

02:39 Streaming Models and Their Impact on Residuals

05:36 The Shift from Traditional to Streaming Revenue

08:32 The Evolution of Film Production and Distribution

11:12 Challenges in Hollywood: Strikes and Market Changes

13:58 The Rise of Micro-Budget Films and Global Production

16:46 The Role of Technology in Film Production

19:44 Tax Incentives and the Globalization of Hollywood

22:31 The Future of Movie Theaters and Audience Engagement

25:16 AI in Film and Copyright Issues

36:21 Navigating Copyright in the Age of AI

39:44 The Limitations of AI in Creative Expression

43:14 The Business of Film Music Education

55:43 Understanding Work for Hire Agreements in Film Music

👉 Like, subscribe, and drop a comment with your favorite takeaway!

#SyncRiffs #FilmMusic #MusicRoyalties #StreamingImpact #AIMusic #BrianRalston #MusicForFilm #SyncRiffs #MusicIndustryTips #CopyrightMatters #ComposersLife #HollywoodChanges #MusicInTheAgeOfAI

🎙️ SyncRiffs is a weekly podcast where we discuss sync placements in multimedia (TV/Film/Advertising, etc.), the music industry, pop culture, and everything in between, including exclusive interviews with musical artists, composers, agents, and music supervisors. Subscribe to the channel for future episodes!

Support the show

EP: 52 Breaking into Music supervision insider tips & advice

First Step For Sync? Get Your Music Meta-Data Done Right! - Grab your FREE guide on how to do this here: https://mailchi.mp/839e030188ce/9mc45541ff

ç 🎧 Sign up for our Sync Like A Pro Academy:

https://charles-levan-s-school.teachable.com/p/sync-like-a-pro-academy-pre-recorded-1

🔊 Join, create, and connect with our indie music community here:

https://www.patreon.com/BlueBuddhaEntertainmentSyncCohorts

CONTACT US:

📨 Email: bluebuddha909@gmail.com

🔵 Blue Buddha Website: https://bluebuddhaentertainment.com/

📸 Instagram: @‌bluebuddhaent @‌syncriffs

In this episode of Sync Riffs, host Charles Levan engages a panel of music supervisors and coordinators to discuss their journeys into the music supervision industry, the importance of networking, and the impact of AI on music creation. Each guest shares their unique experiences, insights, and advice for newcomers, emphasizing the value of internships, building relationships with creators, and the irreplaceable nature of human creativity in music. Their collective insights on navigating the Film-Television space where invaluable and inspiring. Thanks to our guests and we look forward to catching up soon. Namaste.

Featured in this episode

- Gabbi Coenen from Supe Troop
- Triniti Daniel-Robinson of Creative Control
- Caleb McFadden from Clearly Music
- Zach Glucksman, the Indie Music Supervisor

In the episode we had a round table chat on:
- Breaking into the Film-Television Space.
- What worked for them and what are some on-going challenges.
- Mentorships + Internships
- We also had an open dialogue about A.I and navigating it from the perspective of indie artists.
Chapters

00:00 Introduction to the Panel and Guests
02:58 Gabby's Journey into Music Supervision
05:54 Internship Experiences and Learning Opportunities 09:01 The Role of an Artist in Music Supervision
11:59 Trinity's Path to Music Coordination
14:57 Caleb's Experience and Growth in the Industry
17:59 Zach's Transition from Marketing to Music Supervision 21:00 Freelancing and Independent Projects
27:39 The Journey of a Sync Agent
31:32 Advice for Aspiring Creatives
39:08 Networking and Mentorship Opportunities
43:08 The Role of AI in Music and Film
57:45 Closing Thoughts and Future Connections

👉 Like, subscribe, and drop a comment with your favorite takeaway!

#SyncRiffs #TrailerMusic #MusicSupervision #MasterworksAlliance #KyleBiane #WendyWilliams #FilmMarketing #MusicLicensing #ComposerLife #SyncTips #StreamingEra #SyncIndustry #AuthenticMusic #MusicBusiness #musicforfilms

🎙️ SyncRiffs is a weekly podcast where we discuss sync placements in multimedia (TV/Film/Advertising, etc.), the music industry, pop culture, and everything in between, including exclusive interviews with musical artists, composers, agents, and music supervisors. Subscribe to the channel for future episodes!

Support the show