Don't sign a recording contract before reading this book! The Musician's Legal Companion, Second Edition gets to the core of the legal issues you need to know about, in clear, straightforward language. Here you'll find easy-to-comprehend explanations of the four main contracts used in the music business: recording artist, songwriter, artist management, and performance. You'll also discover how to make the relationship with your current or future attorney more fruitful and cost-effective. This new edition includes expanded coverage of topics such as the use of independent producers, 360° agreements, distribution and marketing agreements, how radio and other media fit into an artist's career, film and television agreements, digital distribution, name and likeness agreements, merchandising agreements, and much, much more. With more than 25 years in the music business as a lawyer, educator, and writer, interacting with many musicians both personally and professionally, Michael A. Aczon shares the many lessons he's learned and takes you on a journey to a better legal understanding of the entertainment industry and your music career.

Avoid the legal pratfalls musicians often fall into when navigating the rough waters of the music industry. Attorney Michael Aczon delivers common-sense understanding to his readers by explaining what to sign, what not to sign, what common music and other entertainment contract language means (in plain English) and when to seek the advice of a qualified music industry attorney. Whether you are new to the music business, or an experienced professional, The Professional Musician's Legal Companion will teach you something you don't know, confirm what you do and help you avoid legal headaches so you can concentrate on your music (business!).

This volume provides guidance on information acquisition, including copyright and contract matters.

The Enterprising Musician’s Legal Toolkit is a guide for navigating the foundational decisions to effectively launch and successfully operate a creative enterprise. Using accessible language, the book demystifies business and legal jargon and empowers entrepreneurial musicians through step-by-step instructions. Expanding upon The Enterprising Musician’s Guide to Performer Contracts, David R. Williams addresses: For-profit legal structures including sole proprietorships, partnerships, limited liability companies, and corporations Alternative business models such as nonprofit organizations and newer, hybrid structures (B Corps, L3Cs, and Social Purpose Corporations) Compliance matters How to protect your interests in artistic collaborations Music licensing income streams Copyright basics including steps for federal registration The book also contains annotated samples of commonly-used music industry contracts including independent contractor agreements, non-disclosure (confidentiality) agreements, commission agreements, releases, and more.

The Musician’s Business and Legal Guide provides vital information to help demystify the music business and the complex body of law that shapes it. This book answers such questions as how to protect name and copyright; what is and is not legal about sampling; what are the legal issues surrounding digital downloads and streaming; what are the jobs of managers, talent agents and publishers; what are common contractual relationship between independent and major labels. The new edition includes chapters not covered in depth by other books: social media law, TV talent shows, YouTube, and international copyright. As in previous editions, the book features clause-by-clause contract analyses for 360 record deals, music publishing, management, and producer agreements.

From an experienced entertainment lawyer, “a terrific handbook that outlines all the information a fledgling musician or songwriter needs to know” (Booklist). Early in their careers, most musicians find it hard to believe that their band might ever make enough money to fight over. But sooner than you think, success may arrive, and without clear terms that spell out how the band is organized and who controls what rights, your best friends and fellow musicians may become your worst enemies. Anyone who seeks to enter the complex world of the music business ought to know what to do in order to avoid derailing a high-speed ride to the top of the charts. This guide from a longtime intellectual property lawyer can help you get there—without breaking up the band.