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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 ... -
The Legal Beat: Negotiating the 360 Record Deal
Many artists seeking a recording contract may be offered what is known as a 360 Deal, also referred to as a Multiple Rights Agreement. This article will discuss the components ...
