Does The Lawfirm Shop Artists To Record Companies?

Does the Lawfirm Shop Recordings Artists to Record Companies?

Your inquiry about the music business is one that many aspiring artists and songwriters e-mail me about. Though most major labels or publishers will tell you to get an entertainment attorney to shop an artist or songwriter, they do not make it very clear. Record labels or publishing companies do not sign new artists or songwriters from just a demo recording unless that artist or songwriter has some experience and have developed their talents over time. For a rock band, this could mean several years of writing, recording demo or independent recordings, performing live in clubs and perfecting a sound and look. For individual pop, country or hip-hop artists, development means vocal and dance lessons, writing songs or working with songwriters, working with producers to perfect a sound and recording and performing live. For songwriters it could mean having your songs recorded by local artists, used in small independent films or local radio or television advertisements. Developing artists and songwriters will either do this themselves or they will find and work with a manager/producer to help them with these things.

Because there are so many aspects to an artist's development in the music business, it is impossible to answer most questions with a a short answer. We have attempted to cover many of the questions posed by developing artists in our book titled Music Business Made Simple: Guide To Becoming A Recording Artist, which can be found at our web site MusicContracts.com. We have provided several chapters on the web site that may be helpful. Other chapters can be read with the purchase and download of the e-book. The book can also be purchased in paperback from Amazon.com. Though we do represent clients in the entertainment industry, we do not shop deals. We usually become involved after a client has acquired some interest on his or her own. If you do acquire some interest and have not found an attorney to represent you then please keep us in mind. We would be happy to assist you in your legal needs.

Be cautious of anyone, including attorneys that shop artists for a fee. Its not that they are not trustworthy, it's that they may not be successful doing it. You should research the person who is representing their ability to get an artist signed, to find out other artists or songwriters the person is claiming to have signed and if in fact they are reputable. It's not unreasonable that someone who is reputable would want to cover their expenses and quite possibly have his or her time compensated. But make sure they have a track record. Otherwise you are wasting your time and money. You are doing the right things though by contacting attorneys such as me and doing your research.

If at any time you receive some interest from a label or other third party, then we would be more than happy to work with you in advising you during your initial discussions and maneuvering your way through the deal.