I have a legal question about the music business?
When getting hired as a studio musician for a possible up and coming performer is it important to seek out legal representation? Why or why not?
I think it is! If you want your name on the CD ie: Joe blow appears courtesy of joe blow music inc.
What do you think?
2007-03-26 18:59:37 · 3 answers · asked by DRNoraSarasin 3 in Entertainment & Music ➔ Music
Lawyers are really expensive. Unless you're in negotiations with a publisher or record label, don't waste your money. It is however important to become part of a union. As an instrumentalist, you should join the American Federation of Musicians. They will make sure you get the credits in the liner, that you'll get union rates, which are much higher than you could get by yourself, insurance, and other gigs as well. Also, most professional musicians are in a union and can't legally work with non-union musicians so if you don't join, your options will be limited. Overall, its just the smart thing to do.
In response to the latest answer... if you're part of the union, they'll give you a heads up for people that don't pay... there is a published "black list" for people part of the union. You'll waste too much time and money get legal representation for every session especially when most professional musicians do multiple sessions each week or even each day.
2007-03-26 19:37:12 · answer #1 · answered by mattb2005 2 · 1⤊ 0⤋
YES!, get legal representation!, The music industry is littered with casualties of all kinds from George Michael signing his contract in a rainsoaked carpark in Watford in England to Bob Marley and arguments that continue until today after his death about who owns what of his estate.
Even i have played on recorded track sessions with the promise from some producer of " i guarantee we will sort the fee out later" do you think i saw a penny, NO.
Get some good advice or pay the consequences forever more.
2007-03-27 12:45:24 · answer #2 · answered by musicianfindcouk 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
hmm well i agree with you onetime i was on a cd and they didnt even list me as a soloist... i was so mad... i had the biggest solo on the entire cd...so my answer yes!! i really hope this helps u
2007-03-27 02:06:51 · answer #3 · answered by I LOVE POTC3!!! 3 · 1⤊ 0⤋