Jon Mizrachi joined Symphonic Distribution in 2018 and now serves as VP, Head of Sync for its licensing division, Bodega Sync. In this role, he leads the company's global sync operations, overseeing A&R, business development, and creative licensing. At Symphonic, Mizrachi has secured hundreds of sync placements for independent artists, including recent ads for major brands like Jeep, Apple, American Express, and Pizza Hut.
Hey, Jon! Tell us about what inspired you to work in the music industry, and how did it lead to the work you do today?
I’ve been a musician all my life, so working with artists comes naturally to me. I fell into sync licensing randomly after college, and I had absolutely no idea it was even a job until an entry-level assistant position fell into my lap. It turned out to be a great fit for someone like me. I get to use my creativity and the analytical part of my brain to solve problems. It’s a very interesting job, specifically in terms of working on briefs where the idea is to find a song that fits well with a piece of media. It’s like solving a puzzle.
Is there a success story or career milestone that you are most proud of?
Building Bodega Sync as a brand for Symphonic has been a hugely fulfilling experience and something I’m incredibly proud of. I can remember staring at a blank page trying to come up with a name for a business that would stand out in the sync space. Being a New Yorker, the idea of the venerable bodega as a corner store you go to when you need something fast and affordable seemed like the perfect fit. And because NYC bodegas were all originally owner-operated Latin family businesses, it also resonated with the origin story of Symphonic.
What's a lesson that you learned early on in the music biz?
Always treat everyone with the same level of respect, especially young people getting their start. The music industry is a young business, and before you know it, that kid asking you for advice might become your co-worker. Or your boss.
What's your favorite part of your job?
Telling an indie artist we landed them their first placement and that payment is on the way. Never gets old.
What does being independent mean to you/your label?
Everything. I’ve worked for independent companies my whole career. I’m a strong believer that music should be owned by the artists, and there’s plenty of money to be made helping them reach their audience and monetize their catalog.
Fav song at the moment? 🎶
What's something that people may not know about you?
I love to cook. I’m the guy that (still) makes homemade sourdough bread and kimchi.
Any words of advise for rising music industry professionals?
Show up everywhere. Go to shows, mixers, organize hangs, be a connector.
