Written by Alicia White – Platt for THE ARTISTS FORUM MAGAZINE
Edited by Amos White V for THE ARTISTS FORUM, INC
Photo: Lester Cohen – Courtesy of ASCAP
REVIEWER RATING:
5 out of 5 stars
DON PASSMAN LECTURE AT ASCAP EXPO 2009
What’s the Future for Songwriters and Publishers
HOLLYWOOD, CA (April 27, 2009) This year’s ASCAP “I Create Music” Expo was a networking experience for artists like no other. Not only were there live demonstrations to inform artists of the latest tools available, but also, lectures which were facilitated by industry powerhouses. These powerhouses, through vast working knowledge and expertise, gave a bird’s eye view of the overall climate and current trends within the music industry.
On Saturday morning – April 25th in the Grand Ballroom of the Renaissance Hollywood Hotel, one such lecture came from Don Passman, Esq., – a leading entertainment attorney practicing in Los Angeles. Mr. Passman has specialized in music law for over twenty years, and is the author of the best seller, All You Need to Know About the Music Business.
In his opening remark, Passman stated: “Technology has profoundly affected the music industry because of its massive disruption on music’s internal creation and progression from the beginning of time.” It was the perfect entrée into his expo presentation entitled: What’s the Future for Songwriters and Publishers.
Topics discussed included the expansion and accessibility of music as a result of innovative computer technology products* and the financial ramifications associated with the IT trend (*ie: music sales and generated revenue). Additionally, he gave a brief tutorial on commonly used terminology such as ringtones, webisodes, video streaming, downloads, and the like.
Next, he gave sobering statistics on profit formulas and royalty compensation laws in current legislation, specifically relating to compulsory license and performance rights. Lastly, Mr. Passman, addressed current copyright laws and gave solutions to common problems that result from copyright issues.
My impressions are this: Mr. Passman has a wealth of knowledge that should be tapped into by every aspiring artist. His keen insight can help make the difference between a highly successful and profitable career in music or none at all. In a cut-throat industry such as this, sound advice and good decisions are paramount! So, if you can’t make it to a live seminar, be sure to read his book for more information.
For more information about the ASCAP Expo schedule of events, visit: donpassman.com
For more information about the ASCAP Expo schedule of events, visit: honeypot.com
For more information about the ASCAP Expo, visit: ascapexperience.com
