Episode 285: From Contracts to Copyrights: Why Every Independent Artist Needs an Entertainment Attorney

About the Guest(s): Bri and Alexis are two dynamic entertainment attorneys from Schwartz and Schreiber based in Miami. Combining their genuine passion for music with extensive legal expertise, they have carved a niche in advocating for artists, independent or otherwise, in the entertainment industry. Bri has a rich history working within the music and entertainment sectors, having been associated with entities like Ultra Music Festival and Viacom. Alexis, originally a singer-songwriter who discovered her acumen in legal frameworks, found her calling in entertainment law. With backgrounds in music business and law, they've dedicated their careers to fostering growth and ensuring legal protection for a new generation of talent. In this insightful episode, Rick Barker, host of the show, invites Bri and Alexis for a conversation that pulses with their expertise in entertainment law and unbridled enthusiasm for music. Boasting a unique blend of legal and musical acumen, these two attorneys provide a rare perspective on the intricacies of the music industry. They elaborate on the importance of legal counsel for emerging artists and navigate the murky waters surrounding the latest hot topic—Artificial Intelligence (AI) in music creation. As music industry landscapes evolve, so do the tools and approaches artists employ. Bri and Alexis delve into how AI is revolutionizing the industry, breaking down its applications into voice generation, melody creation, and lyric writing. They share valuable advice on how artists can use AI prudently to protect their intellectual property and constructively utilize these advancements. Furthermore, they stress the significance of understanding the intention behind employing AI, whether for generating buzz, crafting demos, or full-scale production. Legal counsel should be one of the first assets artists secure to ensure their intellectual property and business interests are protected. Artists and parents of young talent should understand the inherent legal nuances before signing any contracts, especially involving minors. AI in music can be segmented into three key uses: generated voices, creation of melodies, and construction of lyrics, all requiring distinct legal considerations. Human creativity plays a pivotal role in establishing copyright, especially when AI is used. Artists must infuse their inputs to claim ownership. Legal professionals in the music industry are not only protective safeguards but can also add significant value through strategic deal negotiations. "Before you sign anything, it doesn't matter what it is at this stage. Before you put your signature on anything, you need to have someone who's an entertainment attorney look at it." - Rick Barker "There's a lot of restrictions as far as what decisions are able to be made... Definitely making sure to have someone reviewing those deals... is really, really important." - Alexis "As counterintuitive as it may seem, because of the expense or the intimidation factor, the attorney should be the first person on the team." - Alexis "We really want to ensure that the client feels comfortable with us. So the advice to artists would be, make sure that you vibe with the attorney that they understand your vision." - Bri "Technology is your friend. And when you have the right team that can help you exploit this cool thing that you didn't have to spend the billions to come up with, that you don't have to maintain on a day-to-day basis, make sure that the energy and the effort that you're putting into your craft is protected..." - Rick Barker Reach out to Bri and Alexis via email at [email protected] Connect with them on social media, specifically Instagram: @schwarzschreiber Immerse yourself in the full episode to gain a deeper understanding of the musical and Episode Summary:Key Takeaways:Notable Quotes:Resources: