Music

There are as many ways to earn money in the music industry as there are keys on a grand piano.

As consumers access music in increasingly diverse ways, the industry has become significantly more complex. Everything from lyric licensing to concert tours, sheet music to film scores, streamed recordings to mobile phone ringtones.

We counsel critically-acclaimed and groundbreaking musicians from all genres – from classical to rock/pop to hip-hop.  We advise composers, songwriters, producers, bands, concert artists, conductors, and their estates in all aspects of the music industry – live performances; music publishing; recording; music licensing; and digital distribution.

We have experience working with each of the domestic performing rights organizations; mechanical licensing agencies; independent and major music publishers; streaming services; and industry-leading record labels.

We work with each client to identify goals, musically and professionally, and then create a legal safety net in which those goals and dreams can flourish.  

Some of the documents that we review and prepare include:

• songwriter agreements

• co-publishing agreements

• distribution agreements

• publishing administration agreements

• band partnership agreements

• personal appearance/talent contracts

• sponsorship/endorsement agreements

• record label deals and merchandising terms

We also guide businesses, as well as musicians and their estates through the labyrinth of:

• synch licensing

• mechanical licensing

• domestic and foreign performance rights

• digital interactive and non-interactive streaming

• video game/digital use licensing

• custom arrangement and adaptation licenses