What a Lawyer does and does not do!

Through out history Attorneys have been some of the most powerful gatekeepers of the entertainment industry. At one point I think we had the power to control the destiny of many of the superstars that have transcended race and gender issues with their music. Our role as advocates for emerging and superstar artists have been vital in the stability of the industry. Having a lawyer who is well-versed in the area of entertainment law has made or broke some of the careers of many artists who strive to establish a career in this industry, but whom unfortunately due to the nature of the beast have been raped by the same industry. Our part that we have played in the history of the entertainment industry has been etched in history as much as John Lennon's first hit song.

Artist depend on us to protect their legal interests, especially when it comes to scrupulous music executives that would love nothing more than to take advantage of a starving artist. Our part in their careers is as important as any of the other team members that they may have on board (e.g., Managers, Producers, etc). We are the first line of defense that artists have against those who would even attempt to take advantage of our clients, who only dream of becoming the next superstar.

The ones who need the most protection is the artist who is just beginning his or her career. They are starving literally to make it to the top. They're hustling and practically begging the record labels and gatekeepers of the industry to let them in because they know once they're in, it could mean a multi-million dollar deal, fame and possibly their family being set financially for many generations.

The problem with a starving artist is that they are almost seen as being desperate individuals. The industry looks at them as the paupers of the village as they sit on their high thrones picking and choosing who the next superstar will be. We see this happen every year with the hit show, "American Idol". There's never a shortage of starving artists.

This mentality has got to change. If it doesn't, the emerging artist (need to rid ourselves of the term "starving") will suffer. Those artist who actually have true talent will suffer, because they will be passed over for the artist who the executives think have the perfect "it"!

Also what has to go is emerging artist thinking that their lawyer is the one who will actually make their career. Times have changed and our role as entertainment attorneys have changed. Yes, we still make the deals happen and make sure the paperwork is straight so that everyone gets paid. Yes, we still are the go between when there are conflicts and disputes between artists and their labels, managers, producers, families, etc. Yes, we are still the ones on the front line going to war when we feel that others are trying to take advantage of our clients.

However, what happened to being on your grind and making your career happen? What happened to the days when artists would build a buzz, that is, get out on the road and hit the pavement, building a following? What happened to the artist who would hustle just as much as a drug dealer would? It seems nowadays, emerging artists just want to go into a studio, record a song (which may or may not be a hit) and then run to the nearest law office expecting the Attorney to make a miracle happen!

It just doesn't work like that people. If you think it does, you're in the wrong industry. This business of music and entertainment is still grounded in fundamentals or what I'll call, "PAYING YOUR DUES!" As an emerging artist you still got to get out here and hit the pavement. You have to be willing to be out late performing at hole in the wall spots. You have to be out perfecting your craft and in the studio molding that hit song. You have to be persistent and diligent in your business as you pursue a career in this industry. You can't just think you can be lazy and count on another person to make your career happen. Countless times artists have come to my office wanting me to "shop" their demo! That's when I ask, "Where's the buzz? Where's the fan base? Is the song getting enough spins on the radio? How many units have you sold on your own? Etc. Etc." Questions that an Artist who is about their business could answer.

Emerging artists have to learn how to be self sufficient before they are co-dependent (notice I didn't say DEpendent) on the labels or anyone else for that matter, including their attorney. We can only do so much with a package unless it's properly put together. Bring me more than just your demo and the minute fans that you may have drawn to ONE show. Bring me more than just a few spins on a radio station that rarely anyone listens to. Bring me something that will make the executives salvate over it, like lions to a steak! Stop wasting your money thinking that we as attorneys are going to make it happen for you! You got to lay the ground work and foundation. Without it, your empire will fall!

Don't get me wrong, I'm there to help those who need advice. I'll gladly teach you how to fish because there is not enough fish given out by the industry to allow everyone to survive! It's up to you to create the opportunities so that they will come knocking at your door instead of you having to go BEG at theirs.

Good luck and god speed!!