Written by Regina Ender
Whether it’s slow and dramatic or fast and exciting, nothing sets the tone of a scene in a television show quite like music. Gaining access to the best music takes someone with a specialized skill set to ensure the show has permission from record labels, publishers, songwriters, and artists to negotiate agreements and rates to use the song. This is APU alumna Lynsey Baker’s job as the Music Clearance Administrator for CBS Television Studios where she is able to combine her love of music with her business savviness to make sure the network has access to the best music available. Currently, Baker works on The Late Late Show with James Corden, the late-night talk show known for its variety of musical sketches such as Carpool Karaoke, Drop the Mic, and Crosswalk The Musical. Prior to her current show, Baker worked on several other programs on CBS, The CW, and Netflix, including Hawaii Five-0, NCIS, and MacGyver.
Baker first broke into the industry as an intern for New Line Cinema where her tasks included managing the music library and researching music and film deals. She then served as a music intern for Cartoon Network where she assisted the Director of Music and Licensing of Adult Swim and Cartoon Network, conducted research on music and shows, and helped with show pitches. After graduating from APU in 2011, she worked for Creative Artists Agency as an assistant to an international music agent where she connected with high-profile artist management teams and international concert promoters. After, Baker worked for the reality television show American Idol as the Sr. Music Clearance Coordinator, coordinating with labels and publishers to clear music for thousands of songs and gathering music materials needed from contestants, vocal coaches, and production prior to each episode’s taping.
Using her commercial music major, Baker thrives in her role because she is detail-oriented and a determined problem-solver. APU has helped her succeed in her career by instilling a strong work ethic, encouraging her to strive to be her best while prioritizing love towards others and following God’s guidance. Her favorite part of her time on campus was performing with University Choir and Orchestra.
Words of Wisdom: “Love everyone, work hard, and never lose hope in God.”
