Each day as technology advances in music production and the music industry, more and more control is being given to the artists themselves. As a musician and attorney myself, this is a welcomed and exciting trend. We are living in rapidly changing and important times, including changes in how, where, and when we listen to music, and changes to the “business” of music itself.
As Alan Elliott says, “A record label used to be able to look at a tree and say, ‘That would make a great table.’ Now all they can do is take a finished table and sell it to Wal-Mart.” Major Record Labels don’ t take risks anymore, per se. Today, more and more control is in the hands of the artist.
To help guide and protect the interests of musicians, ELMI LAW provides entertainment law and music business consulting services. In providing entertainment law and related services, principle Sammy Elmi, combines his personal experience and passion for music and the music industry, with sharp and effective legal skills. ELMI LAW represents artists and companies in the music industry, and gives clients an edge in achieving their own personal musical successes. With experience in representing multi-million dollar corporations in a range of civil litigation matters, ELMI LAW takes pride in representing developing artists and smaller entertainment companies involved in the music business.
ELMI LAW understands that just as changes have occurred in music production and the music business, the role of an entertainment lawyer in the music industry is changing. A good entertainment lawyer today is not as much “shopping” demos and trying to get big magical record deals, as we are guiding the client in an ever changing industry, making sure the client understands the various contracts involved, and isn’t getting burned.
ELMI LAW can assist musicians in the drafting and negotiation of contracts with third parties, such as booking agents, venues, distributors, record and publishing companies, managers, booking agents and producers. ELMI LAW can also assist in preparing copyright or trademark registrations, and advise on issues as diverse as goal setting, to things to consider when choosing a manager or record company or recording studio, to career direction.
If you know of musicians who would like a free consultation or have questions about any issue relating to music and/or the music industry, or their music career and development, contact ELMI LAW– A developing entertainment law practice from an experienced musician and attorney is currently at your service.
Please send recorded music to the ELMI LAW office at: 600 Townsend Street, Suite 120e, San Francisco, CA 94103; or contact ELMI LAW to arrange for a digital file transfer using Dropbox.