Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Jerry Ware. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.

Jerry, thanks for taking the time to share your stories with us today Being a business owner can be really hard sometimes. It’s rewarding, but most business owners we’ve spoken sometimes think about what it would have been like to have had a regular job instead. Have you ever wondered that yourself? Maybe you can talk to us about a time when you felt this way?

Being a business owner is a mix of highs and lows, but I’ve found the experience incredibly fulfilling. Running Skylight Music Records and working in the sync world—where music gets placed in TV shows, movies, and ads—keeps me on my toes every day. It’s not easy, but the opportunities to help artists get their music out there, while also navigating the business side of things, is so rewarding.

There have definitely been times when I’ve thought about what it would be like to have a regular job, especially on tough days. I remember one night, right after a huge project fell through, where the weight of managing everything—content, artists, business decisions—felt overwhelming. I was sitting at my desk, going over the next steps for the label, and I thought, “Wouldn’t it be nice to just clock out and not have to worry about the next meeting or deal?” The thought was fleeting but real.

But then I took a step back and reminded myself why I started this journey. The freedom to create, to help small artists break into the music industry, and to navigate the fast-paced world of sync music is something I couldn’t give up easily. So instead of longing for a regular job, I refocused on the mission, even when things felt chaotic. I took a deep breath, set new goals, and reminded myself that the hard work pays off—whether it’s getting a song placed in a show or helping an artist reach their dreams. It’s all part of the bigger picture.

In the end, the challenges and rewards of being a business owner are what drive me. The opportunity to shape my own path in a space as dynamic as the music industry, especially with sync licensing, is one I’m grateful for.

Awesome – so before we get into the rest of our questions, can you briefly introduce yourself to our readers.

For those who don’t know me, I’m Jerry Ware, the founder of Skylight Music Records, where we focus on helping talented artists get their music into the right hands, especially in the sync world—where music is placed in TV shows, movies, commercials, and more. My journey into this space started a few years ago, and I’ve been lucky enough to learn from some incredible people along the way, particularly my good friend and mentor, Dave.

Dave had a wealth of experience in the music industry, especially in sync licensing, and he was one of the first people to really open my eyes to the possibilities of where music could go. I learned so much from him, not just about the technical aspects of the industry, but also about building relationships and maintaining connections. One of the big milestones for me was working with him on a Christmas arrangement of “We Three Kings,” which ended up getting radio play in the UK. That project helped me expand my network and connect with some great partners who have since been key to growing Skylight Music Records.

I’ve always been passionate about using music as a way to bring people together, and through my work in sync licensing, I’ve been able to help artists share their craft with a wider audience—whether it’s through TV shows, commercials, or films. It’s been a rewarding journey, and I’m excited to keep pushing forward and creating opportunities for others in the music world.

We’d love to hear the story of how you built up your social media audience?

Building my audience on social media has been a journey that evolved over time, especially with the power of Instagram Shorts. A lot of my growth came from sharing short, engaging content that resonates with my followers, whether it’s behind-the-scenes glimpses of my work in the sync music world or my experiences in the entertainment industry. I’ve had the privilege of working on some amazing projects, like the We Three Kings Christmas arrangement that got radio play in the UK, which I was able to share with my followers. These experiences, along with my passion for music, really helped me connect with my audience.

As for advice for those just starting out, consistency is key. Posting regularly and being authentic with your audience helps you build trust and engagement. Don’t be afraid to share your journey, even the tough parts. People connect with the real you. And lastly, leverage short-form video content—whether it’s Instagram Shorts or TikTok—because those formats really help you stand out and capture attention quickly. Just keep creating and stay true to what you’re passionate about!

What else should we know about how you took your side hustle and scaled it up into what it is today?

Yes, my side hustle did turn into my full-time career. Before diving into the music and entertainment industry, I was actually a dean at a high school, handling educational responsibilities for students. I loved working with young people and helping them reach their potential, but deep down, I knew I had a passion for music and the creative process.

It all started as a side hustle when I began collaborating with a few artists and working on music placements for TV and film. I got my start by focusing on small projects, but as I built relationships in the sync world and through my own network, things started to grow. One of the key milestones was when I worked on a Christmas arrangement of “We Three Kings” with my good friend and mentor, Dave. It ended up getting radio play in the UK, which was a huge turning point and really boosted my credibility in the music space.

As I continued to grow my audience on Instagram, particularly through Instagram Shorts, I started to gain more visibility. This helped me connect with potential partners, artists, and brands, and eventually, I realized that this could be my full-time career. Scaling up meant focusing on building Skylight Music Records, expanding my online presence, and diving deep into the sync world. Today, I’m lucky to work with incredible talent and continue to grow my brand, all while still helping others achieve their dreams in the music industry.

For anyone just starting out, my advice would be to stay consistent, leverage your network, and don’t be afraid to take calculated risks. Social media can be a game-changer, but it takes time to build a community and make genuine connections.

Contact Info:

• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jerry1245w/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/jerry.legitje.5
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@jerrywarevevo3156