Music Law : How to Run Your Band's Business

by Richard Stim

If you belong to a band and love the art of your job, but sing the blues when it comes to the business, you need Music Law. Composed by musician and lawyer Richard Stim, the book explains how *book performances
*choose a name and protect its use
*copyright song lyrics
*establish legal ownership of songs
*sample legally
*sign contracts
*write a band partnership agreement
*sell CDs, tapes and other recordings
*and much more Music Law provides all the legal information and practical advice musicians need. The 3rd edition includes all sorts of new information on band insurance and liability, parodies of trademarks in songs, changes in webcasting rules, the number of permissions needed for sampling, new rules on tax deductions -- and much more! All the legal forms and agreements musicians need are included as tear-outs and on CD-ROM.

Genres: Music, Business

395 pages, Paperback

First published August 1, 1998

Reviews

[Kimberly · Rating 4 out of 5]

"Music Law" is a great book and explains, in very simple terms, the important aspects of entertainment law for bands. I also liked how the author gave template forms and an explaination of those forms. For example, there are record deal contracts, release forms, distribution agreements, etc.

[Daniel Watkins · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very informative and up to date. I'll definitely be returning to the book if my band ever makes any money.

[Jeffrey · Rating 4 out of 5]

"Your band is a business." I recommend this book to anyone who has formed a band. It is an excellent way to understand the basics of the music business, but more importantly how to avoid common conflict within bands before they happen. Who owns the music? Who owns the equipment? These do not seem that important before you make much money, but it can end friendships and break up bands without some precautions.

Like many books in the Nolo collection, it provides many legal forms that you can fill out to set up your band's business and clear up common conflicts before they happen. Highly recommended.

[Meredith · Rating 4 out of 5]

A really good read. I got going with it today, while my daughter was resting and couldn't put it down. Very informative, with lots of helpful "what if" scenarios, without being too dry and technical - just technical enough. Reassuring to know I'm on the right track, but it also enlightened me as to details I might have overlooked otherwise. A must-have for any indie-musician's bookshelf.

[Peter Bufano · Rating 4 out of 5]

It has a lot of information and forms particularly for people in bands. Like agreements between band members. But the parts I like are about publishing and copyright law. You have to read about these laws, don't guess and hope for the best.

[Travis A. Hebert Tah ]]| · Rating 5 out of 5]

SFSM

[L'Aurence Durr]

I think that this book will be THE UTMOST informative authority on MUSIC LAW until the next edition comes out.