Music Contract Assistance Program
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In 2010, Simpsons will be trialing an assistance program for musicians, performers, producers and managers who are on a tight budget and who need a little further help with common music industry agreements (like those listed below).
For over 25 years, our lawyers have provided expert legal advice on music industry contracts. Since Shane Simpson founded the firm in the 1980s, we have supported the Australian music industry and musicians, performers, producers and managers in understanding and negotiating music industry agreements.
We have provided that support not only through our commercial legal practice, but also through pro bono legal advice (including through the Arts Law Centre of Australia) and through Shane Simpson’s Music Business, the Australian music industry bible. Music Business provides insight into the legal and commercial issues in the music industry. Many use the book as a starting point for a better understanding of music copyright and music industry contracts.
Over the years we have found that some people require more case-specific assistance than Music Business itself can provide, but they cannot afford (or do not need) the full services of a law firm for every step of their matter or query.
How does it work?
- send your contract by email to Chris Chow at cchow@simpsons.com.au with your full name and address;
- if you qualify for the program (there are limited spaces), we’ll confirm and send you our details for a deposit of a reduced fixed fee of $455 + $45 GST ($500 incl); and
- once the deposit is received, Chris will review your agreement, call or meet with you to discuss the terms of the agreement with you and answer your questions on the contract or other music industry issues, spending up to 2 hours in all.
Our advice will enable you to better understand the contract, assess the pros and cons and major risks, the commercial terms compared with industry norms and make informed decisions about the contract. If you need further assistance, such as negotiating the contract, Chris can discuss this with you.
Contracts likely to qualify under this Music Contract Assistance Program include:
Management Contracts
Booking Agency Agreements
Short Form Recording Contracts
Live Performance Agreements
Short Form Publishing Agreements
Remix Agreements
Master Licence Agreements
Publishing Administration Agreements
Co-writer Agreements
Merchandise Agreements
Performer Releases (Session Clearances)
Composer Agreements
Synch (Synchronisation) Licences
Sample Licences
Producer Agreements
Distribution Agreements.