Editor’s Note: Supporting women should not be limited to a month. So at Reel 360 News, we have decided to amplify and promote dynamic women’s voices all year long. Today, let us introduce you to BUTTER Music and Sound as their Manager of Creative Sync + A&R, Malayna Ellis.
Malayna Ellis has worked in creative sync music licensing for the duration of her career on the pitching side, first at Glassnote Records and now at BUTTER Music and Sound as their Manager of Creative Sync + A&R, overseeing a roster of over 60 artists and partnerships with 6 record labels.
In addition to her pitching role, she also assists the Music Supervision department at BUTTER and has worked on several large campaigns, including Google’s viral “Year in Search” campaign in 2021.
Let’s meet Malayna!
What’s your origin story?
Growing up, I faced a lot of adversity that shaped who I am today. My father battled cancer for many years, and I lost him when I was 18. That experience, while painful, instilled in me a deep appreciation for resilience and finding joy in creativity. Music and art became not just an escape, but a way to connect—with my emotions, with the world around me, and most importantly, with my family.
My dad and I bonded over music, as did many others in my family, and that foundation in the arts has remained a central part of my life. It taught me that creativity is both a refuge and a bridge, something that can carry you through hardship while also connecting you to others in a significant way.
How did you break into music?
I originally thought I was going to be an artist or designer. I started college as a studio art major at the University of Washington in Seattle, but after my first year, I transferred to the University of Texas at Austin. When I learned that continuing with studio art would add two extra years to my degree at UT, I started exploring other options.
A friend of mine was studying Public Relations at UT, intending to work in music PR, which immediately caught my attention. Music had always been a huge part of my life—I sang in choir from third grade through high school, and I’d always assumed that the only way to work in music was to be a performer. But seeing my friend pursue a career in the industry from a business and communications angle opened my eyes to other possibilities.
From there, I dove headfirst into internships, eager to get hands-on experience. I interned at the Health Alliance for Austin Musicians, a nonprofit that helps low-income musicians access affordable healthcare. I also interned at Margin Walker Presents, a booking company in Austin, and worked at SXSW. Eventually, I did a semester in Los Angeles and landed an internship at Glassnote Records in their creative sync department.
That was my first real introduction to sync licensing, and it completely changed my career path. After graduation, I landed a job interview with Glassnote and ended up working with them for two years before moving to Butter Music and Sound, where I work now as the Manager of Creative Sync and A&R. It’s been an incredible journey, and I haven’t looked back from the sync world since.
Who were your mentors, and how did they influence your journey?
I’ve been fortunate to have many incredible mentors, most of them women. They’ve been my bosses, colleagues, and industry peers—each of them bringing unique strengths to the table. What has always inspired me about them is how they balance ambition and creativity with a sense of ease.
They work incredibly hard, but they also make space for themselves, their families, and their passions outside of work. Seeing them thrive both professionally and personally has been a guiding light for me. It showed me that success doesn’t have to come at the cost of a fulfilling life. I try to carry that lesson with me every day, making sure I put the same level of dedication into my well-being as I do my career.
What fuels your creativity? (What keeps you pushing boundaries in your work?)
A huge part of what fuels my creativity is working directly with musicians. Knowing that the work I do helps artists get paid and gain exposure is incredibly rewarding. Sync licensing isn’t just about finding the right song for a project—it’s about helping artists sustain their careers, and I take a lot of pride in that.
Beyond that, I love the challenge of pairing music with media in a way that elevates both. Whether it’s a commercial, a film, or a TV show, the right song can completely transform a scene. It’s like solving a puzzle, and when it all clicks, it’s pure magic. That feeling—of creating something greater than the sum of its parts—keeps me inspired.
What’s the biggest myth about women in your field?
Women can’t be successful executives and also have a family. There’s this outdated idea that you have to choose between career success and personal fulfillment, but I’ve seen firsthand that it’s possible to have both.
Many of the women I admire in this industry are leading teams, making major creative and business decisions, and still prioritizing their families and personal lives. I think it’s important to dismantle that myth so that younger women entering the industry don’t feel like they have to make unnecessary sacrifices.
Name a creative risk you took that paid off.
I recently took a creative risk by submitting a mix to the popular online radio station, NTS Radio. As a long-time fan of the platform, I initially felt apprehensive about my submission due to some self-doubt. However, NTS Radio enthusiastically accepted my mix and aired it on their station. I was deeply honored by this opportunity, and I have since been able to secure another mix placement on the station as well.
What’s your take on the rise of AI?
I have mixed feelings about AI. I see its potential as a tool that can streamline workflows and even help with brainstorming creative ideas. But I also worry about the long-term consequences, especially when it comes to the environment. AI requires massive amounts of energy to operate, and with climate change already at a critical point, we need to be mindful of its impact.
That being said, I don’t think AI is going anywhere, so instead of resisting it entirely, I think the focus should be on making it more sustainable. If we can find ways to integrate AI responsibly, it has the potential to be a helpful asset rather than a threat.
What’s a piece of advice from another woman you carry with you?
“We’re not saving lives.”
It’s a reminder that while we take our work seriously and strive to do our best, at the end of the day, it’s important to maintain perspective. I love what I do, but I also try not to let stress take over or forget to enjoy life outside of work.
How do you balance ambition with self-care?
It’s something I’ve had to learn over time, but I’ve gotten better at it. One of the biggest shifts for me was having mentors who modeled that balance—seeing them prioritize their mental health while still excelling in their careers permitted me to do the same.
I make sure to carve out time for things that keep me grounded: going for long walks or working out in the morning, attending therapy once a week, and setting aside time on weekends for creative hobbies that have nothing to do with work.
I also prioritize staying connected with friends and family, because those relationships keep me centered. Having those routines in place helps me stay energized and sharp, rather than burning out.
You’re writing a memoir. What’s the title?
Frame of Sound. It reflects the way I’ve shaped my life through music— how certain songs, scores, and sonic moments have framed my experiences, emotions, and memories. Just as a film score can define a scene, music has underscored the pivotal moments of my life, shaping my understanding of love, loss, joy, and identity.
What’s your go-to karaoke song?
I Wanna Dance With Somebody by Whitney Houston. It’s a classic, and no matter what mood I’m in, it always lifts my spirits.
In 10 years, what do you hope to look back and say you changed?
I hope to look back and see that I’ve made more time for my creative passions outside of work—whether that’s writing, making art, or just being more present in the moment. I also hope I’ve helped shape the industry in some way, whether that’s by advocating for independent artists, championing new voices, or creating more opportunities for women in sync.
Malayna’s Social Media:
Instagram: @malaynaellis
LinkedIn: @malaynaellis
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