Today we’d like to introduce you to Nicolle Johnson.
Alright, so thank you so much for sharing your story and insight with our readers. To kick things off, can you tell us a bit about how you got started?
As a Californian native, I was always intrigued with the creative aspects of the Film and Television industry. I wasn’t quite sure where I would fit in, but I knew I loved music, performing arts, working on sets and watching the creation of films from start to finish. I attended California State University Northridge, earning a Bachelor’s Degree in Communication, Cinema and Television. After college, I signed up with an entertainment temp agency which allowed me to temp at many entertainment companies around Los Angeles. My first experience within the music industry was at Universal Music Publishing Group in Los Angeles. I worked in various departments within the company taking on many roles and learning all I can. I landed a permanent position within the Film and TV Music Clearance department. I learned everything I could about film and TV music licensing and all the ins and outs of the music industry itself. After nine years, I moved to Warner Chappell as Manager, Sync Licensing, negotiating and licensing music clearance for high-profile writers and artists under the Warner catalog. With more than 13 years of experience working with two of the largest music publishers, I decided to take my experience that I had gained and open up my own music consulting office NJ Music Clearance.
There are many factors that contributed to where I am today. I was given my first music clearance consultant opportunity when I signed with one of the largest music clearance companies, DMG. I was entrusted to handle some pretty notable clients and was able to learn a great deal directly from the 30 years veteran herself. Secondly, building a reliable network and excellent relationships with peers helped me grow an engaging platform and a substantial list of credits. My extensive background includes projects with Viacom, TV One, Netflix, HBO, Google, Ralph Lauren, Sony Pictures, Cash App, BET and various digital media including podcasts.
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
The journey to owning my own Music Clearance company didn’t come without its challenges. For many years I worked for two of the largest labels and so when I decided to branch off as an independent music consultant, I wasn’t sure how to prepare for the transition. Although I had the experience and expertise to be an independent music clearance consultant, I needed to figure out a way to rebrand my name and convey my new endeavor to the entertainment industry. I worked hard and diligently to prove myself, learning as much as I could, and I remained humble throughout the process. During my acceleration to where I am now, I learned to assert myself as an intelligent woman who earned her place in the industry.
Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your business?
As a music clearance consultant, I clear and license music for television, film and digital media. Anytime you hear a song play on television, film, podcasts or in any public place a company like mine has to negotiate and clear the rights for use of that particular song.
Whenever someone asks me what my profession is and I tell them, it’s very interesting to hear that most are not familiar with music clearance. The majority of individuals I speak to are not aware that you need approval from the owner to use their music. I always enjoy explaining the process whenever given the opportunity. Copyright infringement and piracy has increasingly grown over the years and can cost someone thousands to millions of dollars if music isn’t licensed properly. This is why I feel it’s so important to not only thoroughly do my job but to explain and educate my clients on the music clearance process as well.
As the owner of NJ Music Clearance, what sets me apart is that I am personally available for client consults and highly knowledgeable about the music industry. I have worked as a music clearance consultant for many years and have become a part of an amazing network of music industry gurus. I have the connections, the expertise and understand the ins and outs of this field and know what it takes to get to the finish line.
I am most proud of being recommended and working with high-profile directors and networks, including Ava DuVernay, Netflix, Time, Viacom, and HBO to name a few.
If I can leave the world with anything, it’s the legacy I’ve created as a business owner. As the owner of NJ Music Clearance, I pride myself in being reliable, direct, and honest. Building quality relationships with music industry experts and potential and existing clients.
Have you learned any interesting or important lessons due to the Covid-19 Crisis?
Covid-19 was devastating for a lot of businesses small and large. When the world shut down during the pandemic, a lot of us weren’t prepared for what was to come. As professionals, we had to adjust to working from home while creating a positive work-life balance. If you were a parent, you now took on the role as a teacher while your kids held class via zoom. We all had to learn to become more self-sufficient and practice self-care. My health along with the health of my family became top priority during the pandemic and thereafter. Another important lesson I learned was patience. I learned to cherish each day and to take a step back and really appreciate the moments. I realized we are not alone during our struggles, we are all going through this experience together and what you learn from the experience is what matters. I joined a network of music professionals who found ways to support each other during the crisis, their support along with family and friends is what helped propel us through the harder times.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.njmusicclearance.com
- Instagram: Njmusic_LLC
- Other: https://www.imdb.com/name/nm5216273/?ref_=fn_al_nm_2
Image Credits
Netflix HBO Paramount Luminary TVOne
