Here is a great article talking about, what I see, as a kind of needless surrendering of rights (and money) musicians can easily allow in navigating today’s digital distribution and marketing landscape. For example:

After 10 years of practice, and especially in the past 2 years practicing under Elmi Law (our 2 year Business Opening Anniversary is coming up at the end of this month), my experience has afforded this observation: Perhaps the most important consideration Clients should make when choosing and working with a  lawyer is, communication – the speed, reliability, and substance of commuications between attorney and client.

First, clients want to know that they are being heard. Often times, clients have a strong desire to communicate certain facts and theories they feel are important to the success of their case or issue. Second, how the client’s concerns or hopes actually relate to the practical and theoretical aspects of the law is up to the lawyer to evaluate, and more importantly, communicate to the client.

A good lawyer has an ability to explain the technical and complex aspects of the law in readily understandable terms the client can understand, and allows the client to make an informed decision, when necessary. A good lawyer is the connection between the legal world and the client’s world, so to speak.

Clients should also choose a lawyer that responds relatively quickly to client communications – usually within 24 hours. The number one complaint of clients with regard to their lawyers is failure to return phone calls, e-mails, answer questions, or provide updates. Communication – consider this important factor the next time you are choosing or working with a lawyer regarding your matter.

Raising funding revenue for your startup or small businesses from the people around you, the people you know – your friends, family, or colleagues – it is a way of doing things that has been around for a long time (legalized in U.K. years ago, in fact), but never allowed in the United States, largely in an effort to protect “small time” investors from fraudulent activities, as well maintaining acceptable levels of health and safety.

CROWDFUNDING

However, in today’s world these concerns have diminished, and the protectionist model is applied so broadly that is has become inapplicable in some situations. Today, the benefits of crowdfunding (including sustainable living models) are becoming an overwhelming tide in Washington D.C. and with the Obama administration.

You can find out more about HR 2930 at this Sustainable Economies Law Center in Oakland, California is also a great source of information and service on this topic.

Musicians are encouraged to review this surey from the Future of Music Coalition regarding Artist Revenue Streams and the ways in which US based musicians and composers are currently generating income from songs, recordings, or performances.

The results hope to provide a snapshot of the complex nature of being a musician in the 21st century, and help understand the financial realities for policy makers and consumers with regard to such things as copyrights, licensing, and royalties for musicians and composers.

According to on-line music distributor, TuneCore, music artists on their site made $179 a year (on average) -  consistent with last year which was at $174. TuneCore’s numbers are based on 600,000 TuneCore accounts through April 2011.