Score a Score, founded by Jordan Passman fifteen years ago, has evolved from a digital marketplace for indie composers into a full-service music agency. It serves prominent clients such as Apple, AT&T, and Netflix by providing original music for advertising, film trailers, and brand campaigns. The company specializes in custom scoring, music supervision, sonic branding, and curated playlists, drawing from its vast network of over 400 global composers. Its unique strength lies in quickly matching the right talent to client needs through exceptional customer service.
Passman’s initial vision was to simplify the process of connecting filmmakers with composers. Transitioning from promoting an online platform to leveraging his ability to match talent with opportunities marked a pivotal moment in the business's growth. By focusing on advertising and expanding into trailers, mood-based playlists, and sonic branding, Score a Score has achieved significant success. Despite industry changes due to AI and content fragmentation, Passman remains optimistic about enhancing workflow through technology while maintaining the emotional essence of human creativity.
Building a Music Agency Empire
Jordan Passman's venture began as a solution to help underrepresented musicians find work. What started as a modest idea transformed into a thriving enterprise serving major brands. His approach shifted from promoting an online platform to emphasizing personal connections and expertise, enabling rapid expansion into various sectors of the music industry.
In its early days, Passman navigated challenges by reaching out directly to potential clients within advertising agencies, trailer houses, and production companies. He perfected his pitch through countless voicemail messages, eventually finding traction in the advertising world. This sector aligned perfectly with Score a Score's offerings—high volume, competitive pricing, and quick turnaround times. As the business grew, it ventured into film trailers, achieving notable successes like the Clio-recognized trailer for Sing Sing. Additionally, when TikTok launched its commercial music library, one quarter of its tracks originated from Score a Score’s catalog, underscoring the company's influence and reach.
Adapting to Industry Evolution
As technological advancements reshape the creative landscape, Score a Score continues to innovate without compromising on quality or authenticity. Passman embraces AI as a tool to support composers rather than replace them, ensuring that the emotional core of music creation remains intact.
The rise of AI presents both opportunities and challenges for the music industry. While some may fear automation replacing human talent, Passman views it as a means to enhance workflows and empower artists. By focusing on areas like sonic branding, which he deems crucial in today's audio-centric world, Score a Score aims to make this service accessible to all companies. Although the proliferation of content has fragmented the market, reducing large-scale studio projects and potentially limiting music supervision roles, Passman remains undeterred. He believes there is an artistry inherent in their work that cannot be replicated by machines, emphasizing the raw, emotional connection at the heart of what they do. Through strategic adaptation and unwavering commitment to quality, Score a Score ensures its continued relevance and success in an ever-changing industry.