2 Minutes With ... Chris Lavarias, Head of TV & Film at Musicbed

Music licensing veteran Chris Lavarias has returned to Musicbed as the company’s first head of TV & film. Chris works collaboratively with music supervisors and trailer houses to meet their needs and expand the company’s relationships within the industry. He previously worked at Musicbed from 2018-21.

Over his decade in the biz, Chris served at Score a Score, Dangerbird Records and Hidden Track Music, where he pitched and secured placements for artists such as Major Lazer, Flume, Virtual Self and more. Additionally, he secured notable early placements for breakout indie acts including CHVRCHES, HAIM, St. Lucia, Vance Joy, The Temper Trap and Gotye, as well as for labels across the world.

We spent two minutes with Chris to learn more about his background, creative inspirations and some recent work he’s admired.

Chris, tell us…

Where you grew up, and where you live now.

I’m a proud native of Los Angeles, in the Silver Lake neighborhood. I currently reside in the Lone Star State, specifically Dallas.

Your earliest musical memory.

My earliest musical memory was listening to whatever was playing in the car. In my opinion, the car has always been the best place to listen to music. We were raised on Earth, Wind & Fire, Spyro Gyra and Michael Jackson.

Your favorite bands/musicians today.

Raye, Caroline Polacheck and d4vd are on heavy rotation on my Spotify. I’m really excited for new Jessie Ware and Arlo Parks later this year.

One of your favorite projects you’ve ever worked on, and why. 

A favorite project that I got to be part of was Lemaitre, a Norwegian electronic duo who I discovered on a blog (back in the blog days) and signed during my previous role at Hidden Track Music. We were able to land an early Apple use, but one spot that helped propel the group was this Google Pixel ad—it’ll always hold a special place in my heart.

A recent project you’re proud of, and why.

I’ve had the great pleasure of helping place tracks from Zuma and YAS in the FreeForm show, Good Trouble.

One thing about how the music world is evolving that you’re excited about.

The thing that excites me is the ability for artists to be able to share/create/own their art on their own terms, without the need of a record label or such gatekeepers. I’ve always been a fan of empowering the artists to keep the rights to their art and share it on their own terms.

A book, movie, TV show or podcast you recently found inspiring.

I’m big on the SongExploder podcast, hosted by Hrishikesh Hirway. I’ll always be fascinated by the story behind how and why a song is created by the artist themselves.

An artist you admire outside the world of music.

I’ve been a big fan of Petecia L Fawnhawk’s work. She shot the single cover for RÜFÜS DU SOL’s, Treat You Better and Solace.

Your favorite fictional character.

Atticus Finch.

Someone worth following on social media.

For the big golf junkie in me, @Brianoar. He’s a golf course photographer who shoots stunning courses/holes around the world.

Your main strength as a marketer/creative.

Always asking questions, being curious. Always wanting to learn more.

Your biggest weakness.

Being too curious.

Something people would find surprising about you.

Unapologetically a huge 90’s pop music aficionado.

One thing that always makes you happy.

Being around family and friends.

One thing that always makes you sad.

Not being around family and friends.

What you’d be doing if you weren’t in the music business.

I’d be working in healthcare as a nurse.