Launched in the UK in 2018, Hipgnosis Song Fund was touted as a groundbreaking opportunity for investors and musicians alike. By buying song catalogs directly from artists, Hipgnosis provided musicians with immediate cash. The Fund offered investors the opportunity own a piece of music history and receive long-term predictable income that wasn't correlated with the stock market. Although the Fund might have looked like an investment in artists and their music, in the US, many investments in artists and their music are securities. Learn how musicians can unwittingly find themselves needing to navigate the complex web of securities laws.
Read MoreCabaret cards, music royalty structures, sales quotas, and an American Federation of Musicians strike all started with good intentions but brought with them unintended consequences that transformed their industries that weren’t always positive. However, with proper planning and foresight, policy makers can foresee and prevent unintended consequences.
Read MoreCrowdfunding is a popular form of fundraising for musicians and small business because it helps build a following while also raising money. However, it’s important to know when crowdfunding becomes subject to federal securities laws and what to do about it.
Read MoreSync licensing can be a major income source for composers and songwriters. Businesses should be aware that any time they use non public domain music in their video content, they may need a sync license.
Read MoreThe US system’s use of performance rights organizations to license music is efficient and enables widespread access to music at the expense of artist control over the use of their recordings.
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