What do you REALLY have to offer?

One of the basic tenets of starting a business is determining your USP (unique selling proposition). What makes you different? Why should a customer/client choose you rather than the competition? What value do you offer?

Most artists’ think: “why do I have to worry about this? Doesn’t everyone know how great I am? Can’t they just tell? “I don’t want to worry or even think about marketing/selling myself. I’d rather just do what I do.” And on and on.

It seems as though we’ve been conditioned to think that self-promotion is something that an artist can’t/shouldn’t do. We have been lead to believe we are a pawn in someone else’s game.

Why?

All of the industry’s middlemen (those who profit from and who’s jobs are dependent on the artist) need to justify their existence. And, while it is fair to say that many of the people in these roles (managers, labels, public relations, marketing etc.) are effective and earn their living: why do artists feel the need and pressure to give away control of their careers…and life?

I believe that self-promotion or selling of one’s self is a fact of life and need not be abhorrent or make you feel uncomfortable. All that is required is a shift in your point of view. If you think about it: aren’t you just telling a story? And, wouldn’t you like to ensure that your story is told accurately?

Branding is often a misused word. The goal of branding is to manage expectations and create a connection between the user and the brand. My view is that it is the power of the story you are telling that is the connective tissue between you and your clients/customers/fans.

(For a more about learning how to tell your story consistently: click here)

If your goal is to earn a living being a creative then you first have to own the fact that you are indeed a service provider. Your ability to create is your service (your unique selling proposition). If you don’t believe it then why should anyone else? If you stumble when talking about yourself perhaps your service, role, value is not well defined?

If your first reaction is discount the above then it is entirely possible that you will advance no further than you currently are. Ultimately it is all up to you. No one else is responsible.

The cold hard truth is: most people don’t care.

Think of it like dancing. 

The reason people don't dance is because they think that everyone will be watching them when in fact: everyone is preoccupied with themselves! If you want to get ahead in your career and life get over it. Get out on the dance floor. Like anything else: the more you practice the better you will become.

Take the time to learn how to tell your story effectively and the world will begin to react to you differently…because you will judged/valued by what you present rather than hoping/expecting others to “magically” discover how cool you really are.

As one of the most successful brands in history says: "Just Do It".

The Curse of Indecision

Do you struggle with making a decisions? Do you drift off into “what if...?” Do you worry about being wrong? About being perfect?

Seems to me that it is all too easy to base decisions on our perception of reality. This makes our decisions susceptible to a variety of influences that can distort the decision making process. When we are faced with making a choice under these circumstances our biases and beliefs can distort the quality of the decisions we make...sometimes with disastrous results...sometimes with more pleasant outcomes. Some times your choices may be well thought out and have no effect on the outcome at all! Choices work or they don’t. Moving forward is about not stopping...not letting fear prevent progress.

When you approach a fork in the road you are forced to make a decision. Right or left. stop or go back. Obviously your choice will send you down a path, each with a different potential outcome.

But how can you decide which road to take?

Clarity of purpose

The best we can do in this situation is to remind ourselves of the purpose we wish to achieve and make our choices accordingly. Without knowing where you want to go and having the commitment to stay the course, chances of success become exactly that: chance. Or in other words: your probability of success becomes random at best. Not good odds at all.

However, once you have made the decision to go in a specific direction, then, and only then can you figure out how to get there and have any chance at success.

Take an architect for example:

An architect is trained to take ideas (for buildings) and make them real. They aren’t in the business of fantasy or “what if”. They apply their craft to execute their ideas using the tools and skills in their personal arsenal.

I’m sure you’re wondering what this has to do with making music? Well, the short answer is: EVERYTHING. 

Writing music is a constant decision making process. The choices are endless. 

So, where to begin? 

You won’t get anywhere if you don’t start walking. 

Commit to your purpose and get going. Move past the fork in the road and see where you end up. Soon enough you’ll find out if you have made a good choice or not. Don’t be afraid of falling off the horse or being ridiculed. Just get back on the horse...and carry on. Just like mastering an instrument or skill, the more you practice the better you’ll become.

Music is art...not open heart surgery. Remember, no one will die if you use one reverb over another. This instrument or that. There is no right answer...it is entirely subjective. And, you can’t control whether or not anyone else will like your work so why worry? 

Being comfortable with the decision making process is the path to releasing your artistic voice. 

This is about your journey and no one else’s. Work with purpose. Be conscious of your choices. Be willing to make mistakes. If you can’t make it past the fork in the road...you’ll never know what you are capable of nor will anyone else.

Vital Collaborations Pt. 4 Create value

(This is an excerpt from a speech I gave at the VizualNow Event July 27th).

Create Value

Great artists spend their lives developing their craft. It is a personal, internal pursuit....an intrinsic pursuit of expertise and competency. 

But what if your expertise is not the real value you bring to a collaborative environment?

Preparing for this talk I did an informal poll of music supervisors and filmmakers. 

To a one they said: Productive working relationships are of equal if not greater value to them than talent or expertise. ... of equal if not greater value than talent or expertise.

At a certain point....expertise is a commodity. There may be tens, hundreds if not thousands of people vying for the same opportunity...with similar expertise. What will make you stand out?

Perhaps... the greatest value you can offer in a collaboration is your ability to work well with others and enhance the performance of those around you?

Making media is a team sport ....you can’t do it alone. 

The great ones are happy to be team player - if the team wins ....they win. 

They leave their ego at the door, roll up their sleeves and just get on with it.

CLOSING

Am I saying that successful collaborations always run smoothly, without problems? Of course not. Strong willed people have strong opinions. There will be disagreements. It’s to be expected....especially in stressful situations.

Am I saying that to be an effective collaborator you should sublimate your opinion, tiptoe through the politics and speak when spoken to? Not at all. You are there because you will add value...because you DO have expertise that is needed.

What I am saying is this:

Those who realize that their self-worth is not dependent upon the words of others...

recognize the value of positive working relationships,  how they enhance the quality of communication...

and vigilantly strive to add value, not only for yourself, but for everyone involved ...

three things will happen:

1- Most likely you will have a positive collaborative experience which will enhance your reputation.

2- You will differentiate yourself from your competition- there is only one of you. 

And finally-

3- you will create a pathway and process that will lead you to a successful, sustainable career.

Thank you.

Writing music is like a muscle- #success = working it.

When we start out it is very difficult to figure out how to begin work on a piece. If you are lucky there will be a burst of inspiration. Quite often that is followed by a blank stare. What do I do next? Where do I go? How will I ever finish? It is common and very easy to slip into a depression at this point to where you stop work and never finish.. We all go through this...everyone.

How does one combat this? The key is learning how to approach the process and to learn how you behave when you are actively in the process. The better you understand yourself and your process, the better chance you have of being effective.

Once you decide on an idea....commit to it. This is crucial. Defining your goals in real terms (I am going to be finished tomorrow) will help you create the structure needed to get to the end. I'm reminded of an Igor Stravinsky quote: "the more restrictions I place on myself, the freer I become". At first glance this may seem counter-intuitive. In fact, it is just the opposite. Without definition it is impossible for your listener to understand what you are doing, let alone you. If you look at a great painting, the intent of the artist will be clear. The mystery will come from your interpretation....what you think of the work. Great art provokes a response. Music is no different. Limiting the scope of what you are attempting will train your mind to focus. And, the creative mind will look for ways to take these few symbols or characters and make something new.

Now it is time to go to work. Sitting at the desk is mental exercise...not unlike going to the gym and working out. Instead of lifting weights you will be in a constant problem solving state.

As you work on a piece you will get distracted, stop and start, come back to it another day. You will find no limit to number of distractions you will potentially face. Take a minute and jot your goal down on a piece of paper or index card. Defining your goals, committing to an idea will give you an object to refer to as time passes...reminding you of where you are going.

I'm also a HUGE fan of the idea of getting to the end.  It is impossible to evaluate a work without having something complete to judge. One of the huge advantages of MIDI is that enables you to switch gears and become an audience instead of a participant. Listening to what you've done with a critical ear...judging your work not from your ego (aren't I cool?) but from an objective and analytical point of view (how does this help me achieve my goal?) is the key to growth. MIDI can also be like a bottomless cup of coffee...that allows you to chase your tail indefinitely. I you clearly define your purpose at the start you can limit the time spent pursuing endless permutations.

Whenever I start a project I work my way through the following list:

Commit to an idea

Limit my possibilities

Define my goals

Set a specific amount of time to devote

Step back and judge my work objectively and edit as necessary

Creating a process (or workflow) that you are comfortable with and training yourself to think in these terms will move you forward as an artist...if you do the work. That much I can guarantee.

Like any muscle, the more you exercise it, the easier it becomes.

Monday Musings: Am I Good Enough?

Am I good enough? 

Whenever I hear this phrase I want to ask: “by what standard?”

The value of a person’s achievement can be rated in many ways...most often it is winners and losers with the glow of winning being the motivation for endless hours of hard work while the losers feel the shame and disappointment of defeat. 

Regardless whether you win or lose the race there will be another day, another challenge to face. And doesn’t this notion ignore the fact that the value of working towards a goal is what you learn about yourself along the way rather than the destination you are trying to reach? 

Am I good enough? 

What? To earn my praise? To earn my validation for your efforts? 

Being dependent upon the opinions of others forces us to take the safe and narrow path of least resistance and restricts us from attempting the truly risky for fear of being rejected. Who better to please but ourselves? Who better to judge our individual progress than ourselves?

All too often our artistic heroes  attract us by their sheer force of will and presence. And why is that? 

They don’t seem to care what others think about them. They just go their own way seemingly without regard to consequence or rejection. We find them irresistible and mysterious. Some call this charisma. I think of it as strength of character.

Are they (our artistic heroes) good enough?

Depends on who you ask. If you ask them they’d probably say rarely if at all. Despite their self-doubt and anxiety they push on...to feed the master of their passion-their inner voice.

Most every great artist I have known will find inspiration not from the mind but from the soul. It is the connection to the inner voice that distinguishes the exceptional from the ordinary. 

They know the difference between mind and body. They have cultivated a relationship with their creative energy (one friend even gave it a name: “Shirley”). They have learned how to embrace their connection on command. They answer to their inner voice...not the adulation or admiration of others.

Finding your voice is not easy. But, the irony is that it is with you every minute of every day. We just find it hard to listen and accept.

Am I good enough? 

The only person who can answer that question is you. Are you listening?

“The only real failure in life is not to be true to the best one knows.”

Buddha

Top Ten Myths about being A Film Composer #3...The jobs will just come to me!

Who  sells your services?

Your manager? Your agent? Your publisher? Your friends? Sales happen organically...I'm a musician....not a salesperson.

Let me ask you a couple questions: Do you want to be paid for your services? Do you want to make a living by making music? Do you want to be respected for the work you do? Do you believe that you are worth the money you are asking for?

Like it or not if you want to make money at making music you will be much better off if you accept that you are running a business. And, like playing an instrument, the more you practice,  the better you will become.

Here is a dirty little secret:

You have to value yourself before anyone will value you.

What is your elevator pitch?

One of the hardest things for the creative individual to do is to succinctly describe and express who they are and what they want. If I were to ask you: "who are you? what do you want? "how can I help you?" can you answer in 25 words or less?

My attention is the most valuable resource I have. I don't like to waste it. Neither does a potential boss. When you find yourself in a networking situation have your elevator pitch rehearsed and ready to go. It's a sign of respect and competence. It will give you confidence too.

Much like a first date it will be apparent in a couple of minutes whether or not there is any possibility of a good fit. The thing to remember is that timing is everything. Nothing may happen at first...but- if you are successful at making a connection you leave the door open for something in the future. And, you never know, a chance encounter may be the beginning of a lifelong relationship. Be Prepared. Be respectful. Interpersonal skills are a must. I'm sure you know people who seem to effortlessly schmooze with anyone. Let me tell you- it is a skill that can be learned. I've found that listening, paying attention, being attentive are great skills to nurture. Remember: it's not about you. It's about the relationship.

"People work with people they know....who they feel they can have a relationship with.

There are the rare instances when someone will hire you because they "have" to have what you do....but that is the exception. And, even if they did hire you....they still have to get along with you.

How do I improve my networking skills?

Think of it this way- you would never dream of performing in public without practicing first? This holds true with networking too.

• Practice your elevator pitch.
• Ask questions....about them! Most everyone likes to talk about themselves.
• Pay attention- make eye contact, have a firm handsake. Pay them a compliment.
• Focus on how you can help them....not how they can help you.
• Be authentic.

...it's all about making the connection.

How does this get me a job?

Nothing ventured, nothing gained. There a lot of people out there. If you stay within those people you know your opportunities will be limited. And, you just never know where potential opportunities will come from.

Besides- you may not want to work with just anybody.

A successful creative collaboration requires intimacy and trust. It is next to impossible to share those amazing moments of discovery and invention without it.

"I have the artist's disease- I want everyone to love me."

Truth be told I hear "no" more often than I hear "yes". It took me a long time to realize that my self-worth didn't depend on what others thought of me. This is so important let me say it again: my self-worth doesn't depend on what others think.

This gave me the freedom to be myself and just go for it...and risk rejection. And, if someone says "no" then I just remind myself that "I must be talking to the wrong person".

Monday Musings: The most famous selfie of the famous...ever!

It was bound to happen. The Oscars and their advertisers have joined the dark side. For the first time in history an Oscar telecast incorporated a “selfie” distributed to the world over Twitter.

At first glance this may not seem significant. But, if you pull back the covers several issues come to the forefront.

Advertisers are desperate to find ways to reach an audience that doesn’t want to be bothered.

Every last one of the actors portrayed in the selfie seem desperate to be relevant and or share in a collaborative experience with billions of people. 

And, rather than elevate the craft and promote excellence the Oscars have descended from a professional class to the massive group of 2 Billion people who use social media everyday. If I were a cynical person I would say that the Wizard’s curtain has been drawn exposing that they are only people after all. Even Pharrell Williams wore ruby slippers! Greatness is no longer out of reach...it's at the end of your arm. 

Where do we go from here? 

The democratization of media creation will surely continue to erode the professional class but that is not a bad thing. Rather than have your media and movie experience controlled by the powerful few that dictate taste, you, the individual, now have the opportunity to shape the world as you see fit. And, if your message is powerful enough you will break through the noise and find your audience. No longer will artists be the pawns of those who flaunt their power and control.

Do I know where this will end up? I haven’t a clue. But this I know: art will survive as it has for thousands of years. 

At the end of the film “Monuments Men” President Roosevelt asked George Clooney’s character: “Do you think art is worth the loss of life?” To which Clooney said: Yes. I believe so. 

So the only question that need be answered: what is YOUR level of devotion?

5 steps to become a professional.

Such a simple yet powerful word: Trust.

See you at 1pm! What does that mean to you? 12:45? 12:59? 1:05? 1:15? whenever you get there?

I strive for punctuality in my life because being on time is an indicator of the amount of respect I have for the other person. If I am early then I am prepared and ready for anything that may come up. If I arrive with just minutes to spare I will waste time getting myself mentally prepared for the meeting. If I purposefully arrive late I am disrespecting the person I am meeting. In fact, being late always says: “my time is more important than yours- so I will arrive when I’m good and ready”. While perfection is not humanly possible punctuality is my goal.

It is impossible to gain someone’s trust without respect. Without respect trust is impossible. Without trust it is impossible to create and maintain a relationship. In a creative environment trusting your collaborator is essential. No magic can be made without trust. 

1. Be prepared- No one has time to waste these days. Wasting time is just that- a waste. Take the time to be prepared for whatever you may encounter. In the last week I know of a person who had an incredible opportunity who didn’t get hired because of a lack of preparation-even though they had the skills to do the job.
2. Be courteous- perhaps if you were a rock star selling multiplatinum you might be able to get away with being a jerk. Even then- it is not a guarantee. You are not that important.
3. Listen- You don’t have to be the smartest person in the room nor is it appropriate to demand everyone’s attention. Quincy Jones famously said to the cast of All-Stars assembled for the We Are The World sessions: “Leave your ego at the door”.
4. Be grateful. Projecting an image of entitlement makes your immaturity blaze like a bonfire in the eyes of a prospective employer or collaborator. Never forget that however “cool” you may be there will always be someone whose skills are better suited for the job who is available at a moment's notice.
5. Be service oriented.- Unless we are independently wealthy we will always be working for someone else. A great employee is one who is constantly on the look out for ways to serve. Going beyond the call of duty makes you stick out as being someone to pay attention to, someone who is trustworthy.  Doing the minimum amount paints you as a slacker....thus someone who may waste my time and who is not trustworthy.

A simple yet powerful concept that can be easily overlooked, learning to be professional (even you you don't "like" someone) will serve you well and differentiate you from your competition.

Monday Musings: "Being Cool - Creating Engaging Relationships"

Is being “cool” a subjective term? For some, being cool is as attractive as a flame to a moth. For others it is something to be avoided. Whatever your opinion we all think of it as a “mysterious quality” that some people have and others don’t.

Don’t believe it. For me being “cool” is a combination of three personality traits. And, regardless of your natural aptitudes your “coolness” can be nurtured and refined.

What makes somebody “cool”?

Having discipline, willpower and the ability to focus attention.

Like most people I instantly feel more comfortable when the person I'm talking to is in control of their emotions, unflappable and can focus their attention on me, rather than the multitude of distractions available. In this instance being able to focus your attention really means being able to listen attentively.

Why is attentive listening “cool”?

Focusing your attention while listening is when the magic happens. Focused attention opens the door to making real and lasting connections. It is only after such a connection is made that you can be truly compassionate and empathetic. As the world continues to change at such a dramatic pace our attraction to authentic relationships will become more and more important. Great value can be derived by simply by listening well. Without even realizing it your “cool” factor will increase.

Why is discipline “cool”?

We all face difficult situations. Those who maintain their self-control usually manage to navigate through rough waters while those who react emotionally will have a more difficult time. The phrase: “cool under fire” comes to mind. Don’t we all prefer to be around people who seem unflappable and exude a sense of personal strength?

Determination is defined as a “firm or fixed intention to achieve a desired end”. Why is Kobe Bryant, Michael Jackson or any other successful athlete or performer deemed “cool?” They have all used their willpower and determination to achieve their goals. We instinctively gravitate towards winners because at some level we want to share in and identify with their success.

And why is being “cool” so important?

We have reached a milestone as a culture. Almost without exception we have learned to spot a phony a mile away. We no longer will accept being sold a bill of goods.

Effectively using social media requires that you offer the reader something more than what you receive in return. What better than to offer them the chance to experience an authentic connection? Now that would really be “cool”!

Increasing your “cool” factor is not mysterious. It’s actually rather simple:

• Listen with focused attention (enabling authentic connections)
• Strive to be disciplined (staying on message)
• Never give up (pursuing your goals)

How will that change lives?

You will undoubtedly affect the lives of those around you. And, you may realize one day that you are, in fact, pretty cool!

Monday Musings: "The illusion of reality"

I believe we are constantly inundated with opportunities. The problem is most of us are not honest enough with ourselves and too preoccupied to see them. 

For example: How often do we walk by someone or something totally preoccupied with our thoughts, our cellphone etc?  Do we recognize the late night diner as the inspiration for an iconic painting?  Are we not held captive by our self-created illusion of reality?

Breaking the bonds of the world you have crafted requires the courage to let go of your “perception of the world-- not the world as it actually is. And, if you change your point of view even as little as one degree you will find that your sense of reality will be altered. Your eyes will be able to see that which was there all along! 

When I was young I was ambitious to a fault...never with the intention of winning at all costs. Rather it was a personal journey and obsession to become the best musician I could possibly be...it was all about “me”, “me”, “me” though I would never admit to it at the time. This was my safe place....one that was familiar and comfortable. 

After a while I hit a brick wall. My life and career had stalled.  I didn’t have any idea why the methods that I had employed in the past were no longer working. I couldn't identify why I wasn't continuing to make progress towards my goals. As a last resort I turned my attention inward. 

It wasn’t long after the beginning of this painful process of self-examination I realized that it was time for me to shed the artificial self-image I had carefully crafted. This simple act of deceit had caused my paralysis. Armed with new insight I slowly began to move forward.

The inspiration behind “Nightthawks” is not known but for this painting to resonate with so many for so long is obviously due to the realness of the image. Edward Hopper succeeded in capturing a moment in time. I feel safe in saying he was focused on the moment of creation without concern for his cellphone.

To reach your highest potential as an artist: shed your illusions of reality, focus on the moment and be present. The opportunities that exist in plain sight will astonish you...

Monday Musings: How do I compose on demand?

When we start out it is very difficult to figure out how to begin work on a piece. If you are lucky there will be a burst of inspiration. Quite often that is followed by a blank stare. What do I do next? Where do I go? How will I ever finish? It is common and very easy to slip into a depression at this point to where you stop work and never finish.. We all go through this...everyone.

How does one combat this? The key is learning how to approach the process and to learn how you behave in the midst of this process. The better you understand yourself and your process, the better chance you have of being effective.

Once you decide on the original idea....commit to it. This is crucial. Defining your goals in real terms, language etc gives the structure needed to get to the end. I'm reminded of an Igor Stravinsky quote: "the more restrictions I place on myself the freer I become". At first glance this may seem counter-intuitive. In fact, it is just the opposite. Without definition it is impossible for your listener to understand what you are doing. If you look at a great painting, the intent of the artist will be clear. The mystery will come from your interpretation....what you think of the work. Great art provokes a response. Music is no different. Limiting the scope of what you are attempting will train your mind to focus. And, the creative mind will look for ways to take these few symbols or characters and make something new.

Now it is time to go to work. Sitting at the desk is mental exercise...not unlike going to the gym and working out. Instead of lifting weights you will be in a constant problem solving state.

As you work on a piece you will get distracted, stop and start, come back to it another day. You will find no limit to number of distractions you will potentially face. Take a minute and jot your goal down on a piece of paper or index card. Defining your goals, committing to an idea will give you an object to refer to as time passes...reminding you of where you are going.

I'm also a HUGE fan of the idea of getting to the end.  It is impossible to evaluate a work without having something complete to judge. One of the huge advantages of midi is that enables you to switch gears and become an audience instead of a participant. Listening to what you've done with a critical ear...judging your work not from your ego (aren't I cool?) but from an objective and analytical point of view (how does this help me achieve my goal?) is the key to growth.

Steps to take:

Commit to an idea

Limit your possibilities

Define your goals

Putting in the time

Judging your work objectively

Understanding your process and training yourself to think in these terms will move you forward as an artist...if you do the work. That much I can guarantee.

Like any muscle, the more you exercise it, the easier it becomes.

Monday Musings: What is the job of an artist?

It has been said that the job of an artist "is to lift the soul". 

What does that mean? Perhaps it is meant to vague...to let the reader fill in the blanks? 

A compelling piece of art is one that will draw you in and ask you to take a journey. And while most art attempts it...few are interesting enough to hold our attention. So....what makes the difference?

A great film (or story) presents us with a choice: do we take the journey, or not? If we engage we will most likely be led to a conclusion that we have already anticipated. It is how the journey unfolds that is important for the audience...not the destination.

Immersing ourselves in art (including stories) releases us from the day to day worries and cares of our lives. "To lift the soul" provides a momentary escape. This is important business...and takes a lot of hard, dedicated work.

Music, Film, Stories, Sculpture, Painting, Photography, Drawing...

It matters not which medium you chose. What matters is that your "art" be compelling to the point an audience will trust you with their imagination and let go. Making that connection requires you, as the artist, to be courageous. It requires you to be willing to risk, to be fearlessly honest and authentic with faith and commitment. Anything less is a waste of time (yours and your audience).

So why do we do it? For some of us it is a compulsion. For some it is an active choice. Some have no choice...art chooses them.

If making art is your journey then realize you are part of a unique group of individuals who make it their business to enhance and delight...create unimaginable beauty and emotional richness. Use your gift wisely and take great pride knowing there will always be someone who will be looking for you to lift their souls.

A picture(song) is worth a 1000 words

Lee Plaza Ballroom - Detroit

A filmmaker will use every means at their disposal in service of the story they are telling. The great filmmaker will use the script, casting, performances, set design, lighting, costumes, camera, lenses, sets, locations, props, costumes, hair and more to manipulate and create the desired experience for the viewer. Music is just another color on the director’s palette. Great photography captures a moment in time that asks us step outside ourselves and ask: Who are those people? What are they thinking? What in the world happened? Every picture has a story behind it. Adding music provides an unseen emotional context to the experience. An original dramatic score composed for a movie heightens the suspension of disbelief required by the audience but the use of music from a different medium serves an entirely different purpose. But what about using songs or existing music from a different medium?

The power of music as a story telling tool

If we were to hear “Satisfaction” by the Rolling Stones or “Light My Fire” by The Doors or any other song from the sixties we would unconsciously remember our feelings, and knowledge of the turbulent times in which these songs were written and recorded. Using existing music leverages the viewer’s personal experiences thus providing a cultural point of reference for a filmmaker. Not all filmmakers understand this but those that do tend to make better movies.

The use of this song over that song (freely substitute existing piece of music) is a conscious decision made by the director.  Blending original score with existing music is challenging but not insurmountable if you take the time to understand why those songs were chosen and how it helps the director tell the story.   You can learn a lot about your director and the project by understanding how they went about choosing a temp score or a song.  Taking your awareness to this level will not only help you write more effective music...it will make you a better composer...and more employable.