Let’s face it: ‘metaverse’ has become an annoying buzzword over the last few years (although the term originated in 1992 in the science fiction novel Snow Crash). When most of us hear the word ‘metaverse’, one or more of the following might come to mind: (1) it refers to something that “is coming” (or probably […]
Introduction Two or more songwriters sit down… armed with guitars and a notepad… intending to change the world with a great song (or at least make some money). Whether songwriters co-write with their co-writer(s) in a living room, spontaneously in the studio, during a song camp, or via Zoom, it is critical that they consider […]
Being presented with a contract in the music industry, whether a big deal or small, can be both exciting and anxiety inducing. There are many different types of deals you might see throughout your career in the music business, such as management, recording, distribution, publishing, etc. These contracts can be long, complex, and filled with annoyingly dense legalese. However, when presented with a music contract, take a deep breath, and start by asking yourself the following 5 questions, which will help you assess the contract at the early stages (although not a replacement to having a music lawyer review in detail!).
Subject to granting an assignment of copyright/license to a music publisher or record label, the author of the musical work (i.e. songwriter) will generally be the owner of the musical work copyright, while the performer of the song on the record and/or producer will generally be the owner of the sound recording copyright (referred to as the “maker” under the Copyright Act).
A well drafted band agreement is critical to ensuring all band members are on the same page from the beginning and will hopefully assist in avoiding disputes altogether, or provide swift clarity in the event a dispute arises.
Whether you co-write with your co-writer(s) in your living room, spontaneously in the studio, during a song camp, or via Zoom, you need to consider all the ‘legal stuff’. Halifax entertainment lawyer Matthew Gorman breaks down some key legal points when it comes to co-writing songs.
For over a decade, universities have had free-rein to use copyright-protected work for the purposes of education, research, private study, criticism, review, news reporting, satire and/or parody, so long as their use of the work was considered “fair dealing”.