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The Legal Beat: Streaming Companies Appeal Songwriters Royalty Increase
With physical album sales down, digital streaming income has become increasingly important for songwriters who have complained bitterly (and with good reason) that they were not getting their fair share. ... -
What's the Difference Between a Major Label and Independent Label Deal?
Clients often ask me if they should pursue a major label recording contract or an independent deal. The answer, of course, is it depends on many factors. There are certain ... -
Understanding Music Producer Agreements
Often a major label will enter into a contract with a production company (“Company”) for the services of a recording artist. The company will then engage music producers directly. Here ... -
A Close Look at Taylor Swift's New Deal With UMG
On Nov. 19, 2018, Taylor Swift announced she had entered into a new recording contract with Universal Music Group (“UMG”). The new deal provides that UMG will be her exclusive ... -
The Legal Beat: Chapman Sues Minaj for Copyright Infringement
During October of 2018 singer-songwriter Tracy Chapman sued rapper Nick Minaj for copyright infringement regarding the 1988 Chapman song “Baby Can I Hold You” (“Song”). Chapman alleges Minaj stole the ... -
The Legal Beat: What You Should Know About the Music Modernization Act
On Oct. 11, 2018 the Orrin G. Hatch-Bob Goodlatte Music Modernization Act (“MMA”) was signed into law. The MMA updates federal law having to do with copyright issues for music ... -
Your Management Agreement: The 5 Most Important Provisions
This article will discuss the five most important provisions in a recording artist’s personal management agreement (“Agreement”). The Term The “term” of the agreement refers to how long the agreement ... -
What You Need to Know Before You Retain A Music Attorney
I once had a potential client come to me complaining about a music attorney she had hired. She said the attorney did not respond quickly to her calls, was sometimes ... -
Legal Beat: How Can I Get Out of My Contract?
I am sometimes approached by a new client who wants to terminate a contract. For instance, it could be a personal management contract, or a recording or publishing contract. This ... -
The Legal Beat: Co-Publishing Agreements
Part One: The Term Minimum Release Requirement and Options A very common type of music publishing agreement that music publishers offer songwriters is the co-publishing agreement. This article will discuss ...
