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Home , Billy Mann, Cassidy (rapper), Dave Sitek, Diane Warren, DJ Cassidy, Doug Davis (businessman)

AN ATTORNEYS SPECIAL BARNES & THORNBURG LLP ith more than 700 attorneys and other legal professionals, Barnes & Thornburg LLP is one of the largest law firms in the country. The firm serves clients worldwide from offices in , California, , Delaware, Indiana, Michigan, Minneapolis, New York, , Raleigh, Salt Lake City, Texas and Washington, D.C.

and Benton James (along with He continues to work with and James’ new label, long-term clients Karlov leads a diverse team Icons & Giants) in areas and Why Don’t We, industry of entertainment attorneys including tours, merchandising, organizations from the Recording who offer clients seasoned branding, recordings, publishing Academy to the experience and creative and licensing. In 2020, Karlov Association and Big Machine Wsolutions across diverse plat- finalized catalog sales for The Records, and a number of execu- forms in a rapidly evolving Killers and Imagine Dragons. tives in-cluding Sony Nashville’s music industry. He also continues to represent Randy Goodman and UMG Karlov handles music, The Grateful Dead’s catalog in Nashville’s Mike Dungan, Warner sports, advertising and publishing deals and agreements, Music Nashville’s John Esposito, entertainment deals for the as well as doing music work for and principals industry’s top live events, companies like MGM Studios Monte and Avery Lipman. artists and organizations. and Beachbody. He recently represented the NFL in its partnership deals JOEL KATZ with Jay-Z and Roc Nation, SENIOR COUNSEL including the 2021 Super ATLANTA OFFICE Bowl halftime show featur- Joel Katz recently joined Barnes ing and the & Thornburg from Greenberg 2020 Super Bowl halftime Traurig, where he was the JASON KARLOV show headlined by Shakira founder of the firm’s Entertain- CHAIR, ENTERTAINMENT, and . ment and Media Practice. Katz MEDIA AND SPORTS He continues to handle has played a profound role in PRACTICE GROUP CHAIR the legal work for longtime shaping the entertainment CENTURY CITY OFFICE clients , John industry through his work for The founder of B&T’s Enter- Fogerty, , music-biz legends, producers, tainment, Media and Sports , Rufus record companies, concert pro- Practice Group, Chair Jason Wainwright, moters and corporate elite.

32 HITS May 10, 2021 Katz has been a featured and representing artists in mer- speaker at prominent biz events chandising disputes. Outside and has a history of giving back of litigation, Seth routinely to the industry—he endowed counsels clients on various issues and established one of the larg- relating to the Copyright Act, est commercial music programs including fair use, ephemeral use, in the U.S. at the University of digital sampling and the Digital campus at Kennesaw Millennium Copyright Act. State University. AMANDA TABER STEPHEN WEIZENECKER ASSOCIATE PARTNER CENTURY CITY OFFICE ATLANTA OFFICE Amanda brings her deep knowl- Steve Weizenecker Seth Gold Steve Weizenecker has devoted edge of the music industry and a his career to developing and decade’s worth of experience to utilizing production incentives each client. Her practice encom- across entertainment, including passes all things music, including film, television, music and video publishing, recording, intellectu- games. Steve was the drafts- al-property rights, merchandising, man behind the Georgia Music touring, personal appearances, Investment Act, which provided live events, contract negotiation, the first tax credit in the state endorsements and licensing, as for scoring, musical recording well as content-creation, produc- and touring. He continues to tion and talent agreements. advocate for further expansion Amanda is the lead associ- of production incentives for the ate on music industry mat- music industry, including a pro- ters. With Karlov, she helped posed bill that would allow the manage the music publishing film-tax credit to apply to films catalog sales for The Killers Amanda Taber Lauren Hancock that license compositions created and Imagine Dragons, assisted in Georgia. Steve serves on the with matters for the NFL’s board member of the advocacy board of Georgia Music Accord, partnership with Jay-Z and Roc powerhouse group which has the license to create Nation, the 2020 and 2021 of North America (SONA) a Grammy Museum in Atlanta. Super Bowl Halftime shows and and has collaborated with He also serves as Vice Chair of works on diverse matters for the Music Artists Collation. the Governor’s Advisory Com- artists and music executives T Lauren also fought for artists in mittee on Film, Television, Bone Burnett, Michael Bolton, federal COVID-19 relief pack- Music and Interactive Entertain- Rufus Wainwright, Billy Mann ages, assisting with the passage ment. Among his clients are mas- and Benton James. She also of provisions for Mixed Earner sive studios like NBCUniversal represented multiple fitness Unemployment Compensation and ViacomCBS, estates includ- companies in obtaining neces- and SBA’s Shuttered Venue ing the Estate of , Jr. sary rights and licenses to use Operating Grants. and entertainment trade asso- music on their platforms. ciations like the Entertainment WILL CRAVER Software Association and Georgia LAUREN HANCOCK ATTORNEY Will Craver Music Partners. ATTORNEY CENTURY CITY OFFICE ATLANTA AND WASHINGTON, Will Craver’s practice ranges degree, Will spent nearly seven SETH GOLD D.C., OFFICES from handling corporate years in the biz, working in the PARTNER Since joining Barnes & Thorn- matters to live events, as areas of talent booking, concert CENTURY CITY OFFICE burg, former Capitol Hill staffer well as reviewing and draft- promotion and artist manage- Seth Gold focuses his music Lauren Hancock has worked ing and producer ment. He consulted with land practice on litigation and dispute with both the Government agreements, recording deals, developers seeking to build resolution. In his 25-plus-year Affairs and Entertainment teams side-artist and featured- concert venues in determining career, he’s represented clients in to focus her practice on promot- artist agreements, merchandise venue design, obtained strategic a wide variety of litigation where ing artist issues. During her time agreements and assignment partners (venue-management music and the law intersect. This as a counsel in the U.S. Senate, of copyrights. He also advises companies and concert-promo- includes representing authors and she worked on passage of the entertainment clients on music tion companies), and assisted in publishers of musical works in MMA in 2018, and has done licensing, corporate buyouts finding and securing potential copyright-infringement actions, considerable work on rulemaking and other transactions, includ- naming rights sponsors. Will representing a famous rock band for the implementation of the ing the drafting of diverse truly speaks his music clients’ in a lawsuit alleging the band’s new Music Licensing Collective entity formation documents. language, as he has been play- music and lyrics incited violence created under the act. Lauren is a Before pursuing his law ing guitar for the last 20 years. n

HITS May 10, 2021 33 AN ATTORNEYS SPECIAL BOYARSKI FRITZ LLP elebrating its 10th anniversary this year, Boyarski Fritz LLP is a leading entertainment and media firm founded by two longtime multi-industry veterans, Jason Boyarski and David Fritz. With a sophisticated and unique publishing agreement for rock practice, the firm applies its expertise to business transactions across icon Joan Jett and the represen- areas including music, digital rights, social media, film, television, fashion, tation of Create Music Group branding, trademarks and corporate transactions. With offices in New York as well as a in various transactions, includ- C ing its new record deals with newly opened office in Beverly Hills, the firm boasts a client roster that includes Grammy and . winners, Fortune 500 companies, Rock & Roll Hall of Famers, chart-topping Boyarski’s roster also includes producers and songwriters, Emmy winners and award-winning technology companies. Paul Oakenfold, Aluna George and the Estate of Antonio Carlos Jobim, as well as such Jason Boyarski vault music, live events and companies as BMG, Disney visual-rights projects. Music, NEON16, Musixmatch, oyarski, a Co-Founding Widely regarded as one of Jingle Punks and AudioUp. B Partner of the firm, has the industry’s leading experts earned industry-wide recogni- in music publishing, Boyarski David Fritz tion as a top entertainment represents some of the biggest lawyer and has been cited as songwriter/producers, includ- o-founding Partner Fritz has an industry expert by legacy ing hitmaker Louis Bell (Post C a varied entertainment and publications like The New Malone, Halsey), ASCAP’s media practice that includes his York Times, Time and The Hol- recent two-time songwriter of longstanding representation of lywood Reporter. Well-rooted the year; Latin music’s #1 pro- Marc Anthony and counseling in deal-making, Boyarski’s ducer, (J. Balvin, Bad his Magnus Media family of practice is a product of his Bunny, Gomez); chart- companies—which includes a diverse background, including topper Frank Dukes (Camilla booking agency, sports agency, his past post as the SVP/GM Cabello, The Weeknd); Ayo television and film-production of Warner Chappell. (’s “WAP”); and song- Boyarski has served as writers Xplicit (’s lead entertainment counsel “Anyone”) and Melanie for the Estate since Fontana (BTS, ). the late icon’s death in 2016, Catalog sales have been a which included his handling major part of Boyarski’s prac- of a 35- deal with Sony tice in recent years, including Music; a full-catalog publish- the sale of Louis Bell’s catalog ing-administration deal with to UMPG, the sale of the UMPG; a performance-rights Estate’s deal with Irving Azoff’s publishing and recorded-music Jason Boyarski; GMR; an agreement with catalog to and Far right: David Fritz Warner Music to distribute the sale of Nico & Vinz’s previously unreleased vault catalog to Warner, along ; an array of deals that with several other yet-to-be- brought Prince’s music cata- completed transactions. Other log to TikTok, Peloton and recent major transactions SiriusXM; and many yet- include negotiating Electric to-be-announced projects, Feel Music’s European joint including new unreleased venture with UMPG, a new

34 HITS May 10, 2021 company and management com- including WME, Roc Nation (now Lionsgate). Menkes is a pany. Recent deals have included and , as well Board Member of Women in Anthony’s renegotiation with as owning his own live-events Film & Video, is dedicated to Publishing (with business before attending law pro legal work through a companion joint venture for school at USC’s prestigious MDVLA and WALA and Magnus) and a first-look deal with Gould School of Law. But most volunteers for several other Viacom International. Fritz also importantly, Dahan’s knowledge charitable organizations. co-counsels many big-name cli- of the industry, coupled with his ents with Boyarski, including Joan passion for music, enables him Evan Zinaman Jett, Future Moguls and Home- to keep his finger on the pulse of made Projects. the L.A. music scene. Dahan’s n entertainment and This past year, Fritz has roster of music clients include A corporate transactional Clockwise form top left: Avi advised clients including musical multi-platinum songwriter/ Associate in the firm’s Bev- Dahan, Lauren Menkes, Evan artists Lil Tecca and his produc- producer Johnny Goldstein erly Hills office, Zinaman has Zinaman, Marshall Amores, tion company, Galactic Records (SMP/APG) and DJ/producer many foundational years of Catherine Sullivan (which included a worldwide duo DVBBS (Ultra), as well entertainment and corporate endorsement deal with Puma as recording artists Dempsey deal-making experience at the new-media industries, but with as well as wildly competitive Hope (RCA/SMP), Nez (Sony), highest levels. His attention to a primary focus on assisting the record and publishing deals with Sebastian Javier (Elektra/WCM) and transactional expe- firm’s music clients, including Republic and UMPG, respec- and Slush Puppy (Disruptor). rience are a valuable asset for recording artists, songwriters, pro- tively); artists , He also co-counsels several the firm’s successful entertain- ducers, record labels and publish- Xie (Casablanca/Republic), clients with Boyarski, including ment clients, who enter into ers. Amores previously worked at Afro Bros and XIX (Masked/ TikTok sensation JVKE, record- many complex transactions several other music-oriented law ); music- ing artist Felly and producer including equity investments, firms, both as an Associate and technology platforms Cinematic David Pramik. joint ventures and sophisti- as a law clerk, where he honed Music Group and Vydia; the cated operating agreements. his negotiation and client-facing talent incubator TalentX in its Lauren Menkes Zinaman is a genuine music skills by handling a wide array of joint ventures with Sony Music fan and is quickly becoming a matters for music-industry clients, Publishing, Elektra and Warner transactional entertainment valuable resource to the firm’s including producer, side-artist, Records (which spawned Jxdn A attorney with over 30 years leading music clients. He’s recording, influencer and manage- and Nessa Barrett, respectively); of experience, Menkes serves as also one of the firm’s film and ment agreements. music producers such as Rob the firm’s Of Counsel. Her cur- television specialists, having Cavallo (Green Day) and Keith rent roster of clients includes previously served as Senior Catherine Sullivan Varon; and the live production authors, screenwriters, speakers, Attorney at the entertainment of Enter the Dragon, slated for journalists, directors, producers, firm Abrams Garfinkel Mar- ullivan is the firm’s Office launch at Paris Las Vegas. actors/reality talent, models, busi- golis Bergson, LLP, where he S Manager/Administrative In addition to his vibrant ness executives, graphic design- specialized in transactions and Assistant and the engine that music practice, Fritz represents res- ers, literary agents and more. negotiations in film, television keeps its day-to-day affairs run- taurants, software developers and Menkes also assists Boyarski on and corporate matters includ- ning. Sullivan’s responsibilities high-net-worth individuals. He’s film and television matters for ing financing, development, cover a wide array of the firm’s also the co-founder of Creative the Prince Estate. She also works production, distribution and administrative needs, including Intell, Inc., a legal tech/ed tech on major television, streaming, corporate structuring. client relations, overseeing the business-affairs solution for the feature and podcast transactions. firm’s accounting and accounts entertainment business. Before entering private practice, Marshall Amores receivables and general office Menkes spent two decades in support. If you don’t want to Avi Dahan L.A. as an in-house legal and mores is an Associate in get on Sullivan’s bad side, she business-affairs executive for A the firm’s New York office, strongly recommends paying ounsel in the firm’s Beverly companies including UTA, with a focus on contract draft- your bills on time. Sullivan has C Hills office, Dahan brings Comedy Central, PorchLight ing, negotiation, intellectual- been an important part of the important entertainment experi- Entertainment, Walt Disney property issues and licensing growth of the firm over the last ence, having worked in diverse Television, Twentieth Century for entertainment clients in decade due to her dedication areas of the music business Fox Film Corp. and Vidmark the music, film, television and and attention to detail. n

HITS May 10, 2021 35 AN ATTORNEYS SPECIAL T H E DAVIS FIRM

ounded by Doug Davis in 2004, client , throughout the ground- The Davis Firm is one of the breaking rise of Verzuz, the music-event music business’ top destina- broadcast he founded with Timbaland during tions for representation. The the pandemic in 2020. A year later, Verzuz firm’s clients range from artists, inked a deal with Triller to broadcast the songwriters and producers to series, while continuing its partnership with high-profile biz executives and Facebook’s Instagram. The series became a properties. TDF’s roster includes Mike WiLL cultural phenomenon—flexing its unique abil- Made-ItF, Barry Manilow, DJ Snake, Kandi ity to unite generations of Black music, while Burruss, , , Savan taking over multiple social-media platforms Kotecha, , Bishop Briggs, DJ Cassidy, LL and impacting catalog sales and streams. Cool J, Jimmy Jam & Terry Lewis, Dionne Among the other deals and projects Davis Warwick and Columbia Chairman/CEO Ron and his firm have been involved in during the Perry, Warner Chappell’s Ryan Press and past year are major catalog acquisitions includ- Sire’s Rani Hancock, among others. ing Hipgnosis’ deal with Manilow; LL Cool The Davis Firm also represented longtime J’s platform expansion at Siri- usXM; the series deal for DJ Cassidy’s ground- breaking BET specials Pass the Mic; and HBO’s music documentary Fandango at the Wall, which was co-produced by Doug and his frequent collaborator Kabir Sehgal. Davis was also honored by the UJA with its Music Visionary Award, one of the most prestigious music busi- ness awards an executive can receive.

he longtime Executive Pro- ducer of ’ annual Pre-Grammy Gala, Doug helped pivot the 2021 cere- mony into two virtual pro- ductions. Part one, which benefited MusiCares, in- cluded special guests , AliciaT Keys, , , Barry Gibb and , while the lineup for the second gala (5/15), to benefit the Grammy Museum, will feature , , Oprah, , H.E.R. and DaBaby, among others. Davis is also a Grammy-winning producer, earning earned a trophy in 2021 for his work on Doug Davis Four Questions by Arturo O’Farrill and The Kim Youngberg

36 HITS May 10, 2021 Davis and other members of the BMAC meet on with Stacey Abrams.

Maryna Prykhodko Susan Oh Tarick Chihi

Afro Latin Orchestra featuring Dr. Cornell West, which won Best Latin Jazz Album. DOUG DAVIS FOUNDER, PRINCIPAL

n March of 2021, it was announced that veteran attorney Kim Youngberg, whom KIM YOUNGBERG PARTNER Davis refers to as “the best lawyer I have ever practiced with,” joined The Davis Firm as Partner, while also being anointed BRI’ANA THOMAS ASSOCIATE ATTORNEY Chief Legal Officer for Davis’ DJDTP, a premier custom music house that creates songs for Disney, , , WWE andI more. Youngberg’s move to TDF marks a full- MARYNA PRYKHODKO EXECUTIVE ASSISTANT circle moment for her—she began her career in entertainment as the first associate at Davis Shapiro. Youngberg brings experience as SVP, Biz & Legal at SUSAN OH LEGAL ASSISTANT Wind-up Entertainment and as General Counsel of cinema-advertising giant Screenvision Media to the firm. GRACE DAVIDSON LEGAL ASSISTANT Davis is also an executive member of the Black Music Action Coalition (BMAC), which was formed in 2020 to combat systemic TARICK CHIHI BILLING COORDINATOR racism within the music business. n

HITS May 10, 2021 37 AN ATTORNEYS SPECIAL

First, we want to thank our colleagues in our firm for their perseverance and hard work during what was a very difficult year. You have all shown incredible dedication to the well-being of our clients and you helped them get through a challenging time.

Second, congratulations to all the great lawyers profiled in this issue.

Even in dark times, people need and want the spiritual lift they get from listening to music. We are proud to be part of the business that keeps that music flowing.

Steve, Peter and Richard

38 HITS May 10, 2021 AN ATTORNEYS SPECIAL

Davis Shapiro Lewit & Grabel, LLP

HITS May 10, 2021 39 AN ATTORNEYS SPECIAL GANG, TYRE, RAMER, BROWN PASSMAN &

fter graduating from Harvard Law School in L-r: Don Passman, Gene 1970, Don Passman entered the workforce as Salomon and Ethan Schiffres a lawyer at a tax firm, which offered him the opportunity to build an entertainment division. Instead, Passman was inundated with a steady stream of securities, mergers and acquisitions work, so he headed to entertainment firm Gang, Tyre in Angeles, where he’d previously done a summer internship, leading to a standing job offer. He’s been working at GT ever since. Under mentor Payson Wolff, who’d clerked for Supreme Court Chief Justice Earl Warren before going on to represent Bob Hope, Capitol Records and Warner Bros. Records, Passman learned the ins and outs of entertainment law from one of the best to ever draft a contract. Passman made his bones at Gang, Tyre during the Mo Ostin era at WBR, which made extensive use of the GT music

40 A HITS May 10, 2021 Top: Passman with (l-r) Dave Matthews, Larry Vallon, Bruce Resnikoff, Rob Light and Irving Azoff Bottom: With Jon Platt

department as an outside resource for counsel the roster of topline execs they advise includes when the Bunny’s legal team was overloaded. one global music-group chairman, four major- Outside of the industry’s power circle, Passman label heads and a major pubco’s co-chair. is known for writing what has long been consid- Salomon also serves as Chair of the Board ered the music-business bible, All You Need to of the Southern California Committee for the Know About the Music Business, originally pub- Olympic Games. Prior to joining Gang, Tyre in lished in 1991 and now in its tenth, most compre- December 2000, he spent 13 years at Mitchell hensive edition. Along with being an impeccable Silberberg & Knupp as partner and head of its attorney for some of the biggest players in the biz, music practice. Passman is a dedicated father of four as well as an Schiffres, a fellow Harvard Law grad (2010), avid poker shark and accomplished guitar player. was previously an associate at O’Melveny & He has also penned several mystery novels. Myers’ Century City offices. He graduated from Duke in 2005 with a degree in public-policy ene Salomon and Ethan Schiffres lead studies, after which he worked in sales for Sony Passman’s team, with A-list clients BMG and in marketing/A&R for Red Light Gincluding , and Management in New York. Schiffres is involved P!nk, all of whom landed megadeals with major in the City of Hope’s music-business and enter- labels in recent years. Our spies inform us that tainment-industry initiatives. n

HITS May 10, 2021 41 AN ATTORNEYS SPECIAL Granderson Des Rochers, LLP

cutting-edge deals for his client. These include performance agreements for the popular online game Fortnite and the Pepsi Super Bowl Half- time Show, an endorsement agreement with McDonald’s and a talent agreement in con- nection with Balvin’s documentary, The Boy From Medellín. Granderson also represented A$AP Rocky in his endorsement agreement with Gucci for its “Life of a Rock Star” cam- paign, which launched in the fall of 2020, as well as A$AP Worldwide’s partnership with PacSun, which will include special collabora- tive drops throughout its term. Other signifi- cant deals include J. Cole’s endorsement and collaboration agreement with Puma, / songwriter H.E.R.’s endorsement agreement with Tommy Hilfiger, NE-YO’s partnership with the streaming and social media app LÜM (which is expected to revolutionize interaction between artists and their fans), ’s YSL Records joint-venture agreement and renegotiation with (which includes such artists as Gunna and Lil Keed) and Young Thug’s contract negotiation with Atlantic. Granderson also represents hip-hop powerhouse Quality Control Music, one of the hottest record labels in the business, whose DAMIEN GRANDERSON star-studded roster includes , , FOUNDING PARTNER City Girls, Lil Yachty and Lakeyah.

s a founding partner of pre- mier entertainment boutique GUY BLAKE GDR, Damien Granderson is FOUNDING at the forefront of the music AND MANAGING industry for his dynamic and PARTNER strategic approach to advis- ing clients for long-term idely considered to be one entrepreneurial success. Over of the preeminent attorneys the past year, he represented acclaimed reg- in the music industry, Guy gaeton artist J Balvin in an unprecedented Blake is the Chair of the joint-venture recording agreement with firm’s Music Publishing aUMG, restructuring his recording agree- Practice. Blake has handled ment as a JV, in addition to numerous other numerous matters for GDR

42 w HITS May 10, 2021 CLIENTS INCLUDED:

J BALVIN

A$AP ROCKY

J. COLE

AN ATTORNEYS SPECIAL H.E.R.

clients such as J. Cole, Young Thug, J Balvin, NE-YO Jr., , Quality Control Music, Timbaland, Beluga Heights YOUNG THUG Records, H.E.R., Hayley Williams (Paramore) and Primary Wave. Prior to launching GDR, QUALITY CONTROL MUSIC he served as a Partner at Davis, Shapiro, Lewit, Grabel, Leven, Granderson & Blake and as Senior Vice President, Legal & Business Affairs, HARVEY MASON, JR. at . COLIN MORRISSEY PARTNER BERNIE TAUPIN

rior to moving to to become one of the founding partners of GDR, TIMBALAND Morrissey got his start in the music busi- ness at while BELUGA HEIGHTS RECORDS attending Fordham Law, followed by nearly 10 Pyears at Davis Shapiro’s New York office. He now HAYLEY WILLIAMS (PARAMORE) works with some of the most dynamic recording artists in the industry, including A$AP Rocky, Young Thug, J. Cole, , Lil Dicky and PRIMARY WAVE H.E.R., while also advising his own roster, which includes superstar Lil Baby, newcomer SoFaygo, SESSIONS rapper/model/skateboarder Sage Elsesser, Gata from FX’s Dave, label and management company WAVE SinceThe80s and rapper MadeinTYO. Morrissey also devotes much of his time to mentoring GDR’s associates, training the firm’s next genera- BLACKBEAR tion of young lawyers. LIL DICKY

ELIZABETH MOODY JAMIE SLADE CHAIR OF NEW MEDIA PARTNER PRACTICE AND SENIOR PARTNER s the head of GDR’s fashion, branding and lifestyle practice, L.A.-based Slade oody, who joined the private prac- oversees all phases of talent brand tice after a storied in-house career, development for the firm’s high-profile serves as the Chair of the firm’s music clients. She recently represented A$AP New Media Practice and represents ARocky in his cutting-edge endorsement agree- a number of live streaming platforms, fitness ment with Gucci for its “Life of a Rock Star” Mcompanies including Hydrow and Liteboxer, campaign and in his collaboration agreement and social-media companies such as Triller. Her with fashion designer Marine Serre for their first recent activities include artist deals for Sessions, collection. She also repped J Balvin in recent the concert-livestreaming platform launched deals with McDonald’s, Air Jordan, Fortnite by Pandora co-founder and former CEO Tim and spiritual-wellness leader Deepak Chopra. Westergren; and for Wave—the L.A.-based In addition to overseeing fashion and branding, virtual-concerts company that helps artists like Slade (who is of Nicaraguan descent) has been The Weeknd and perform live as integral in forming GDR’s Latin practice, which avatar versions of themselves in imaginative she launched alongside a firm colleague in an digital landscapes—in a strategic partnership effort to provide Latinx artists with the best rep- with Tencent Music Entertainment (TME). resentation in the industry. n

HITS May 10, 2021 43 AN ATTORNEYS SPECIAL GREENBERG TRAURIG mong the first law firms in the country to create a branded media practice, Greenberg Traurig has emerged as a predominant global player in the digital space, featuring the largest worldwide practice in entertainment and media. The firm’s music industry lawyers work regularly with partners in Amsterdam, Atlanta, Austin, Berlin, Denver, Las Vegas, London, Los Angeles, Miami, New York, San Francisco, Silicon Valley, Washington, D.C. and other locations to advise clients on both the talent and industry sides in the music, digital media, film, television, sports, e-sports, internet, virtual reality, literary, theatrical and branded-entertainment industries.

A counseling. Over the past 27 of entertainment catalogs; and years, Rosenbloum has devel- production agreements on behalf oped an unparalleled legal of music, TV, and film companies. practice, counseling more Cooper’s clients include Katy than 200 businesses, including Perry, Jerry Seinfeld, Sheryl Fortune 500 companies and Crow, Yo-Yo Ma, John Williams, prominent start-ups on their Mark Mancina, , Mel global digital media strate- Brooks, Mike Love, the estates gies. Recently, Rosenbloum of John Denver, Glen Campbell, has become one of the lead- Etta James, and ing attorneys representing , motion-picture companies in connection with producer Mace Neufeld, and film the launch of non-fungible- writer David Seidler. token (NFT) offerings in the BOBBY ROSENBLOUM entertainment and sports LAWRENCE A. KANUSHER SHAREHOLDER, ATLANTA industries, based on his deep SHAREHOLDER, NEW YORK AND knowledge of content licens- ATLANTA Rosenbloum was named ing, technology and rights Chairman of GT’s Global management. Kanusher represents clients in Entertainment & Media complex entertainment, media, Practice in January 2020. JAY L. COOPER IP and technology transactions Widely considered one of SHAREHOLDER, LOS ANGELES related to the acquisition and the primary architects of the exploitation of recorded-music modern digital music busi- The founder of GT’s Los and musical-work rights. He ness, Rosenbloum has over- Angeles Entertainment has more than 30 years of seen and advised on deals Practice, Cooper focuses his music-industry experience, Clockwise from top left: Bobby that have generated more practice on music industry, including a variety of in-house Rosenbloum, Jay L. Cooper; bottom than $3 billion of value for film, TV, digital and IP issues. business-affairs, business- row: Lawrence A. Kanusher the global music biz over the Cooper handles IP matters development and legal-affairs past year alone. His practice including recording and pub- roles at major labels, focusing focuses on the negotiation of lishing agreements for artists on digital business, technology, complex content agreements and composers; actor, director, entertainment and IP. Prior to with record companies, music producer and writer agree- joining GT, Kanusher served publishers, PROs, movie ments in film/TV; executive as SVP of Business and Legal studios and TV networks, employment agreements; Affairs for the Global Digital while also providing strategic complex acquisitions and sales Business Group at Sony Music.

44 HITS May 10, 2021 Top row: Jonathan Koby, Steve Plinio, Jess L. Rosen; middle row: Paul D. Schindler, Charmaine D. Smith; bottom row: Jeffrey M. Smith

CHARMAINE D. SMITH SHAREHOLDER, ATLANTA

Smith, who has been practic- ing IP law for more than two decades, has dedicated herself GT’s Atlanta Entertainment to working in the digital space & Media Practice. For three with a focus on music-rights decades, he has guided pre- licensing for the last 14 years. eminent songwriters, producers, She specializes in assisting recording artists, actors, writers clients with navigating the and executives in critical career digital-music-licensing land- decisions. Rosen has successfully scape, creating and finetuning represented numerous high-pro- her clients’ business models file clients in significant matters and licensing proposals and since the pandemic began. As obtaining the necessary rights a professional musician, Rosen by taking advantage of avail- graduating, Plinio was a litigator has a unique perspective and able statutory licensing or specializing in entertainment understanding of issues faced by through negotiating direct before eventually, with some talent today. His clients include deals with the various music- luck, becoming a music lawyer Kenney Chesney, FGL, , content licensors. Smith has at the Manatt firm representing , Steve Martin, considerable knowledge and many high-profile clients. Armed , Reba and understanding of music-pub- with a degree in mathematics . lishing-rights licensing in the and computer science, Plinio was U.S. and abroad. also an early proponent of the PAUL D. SCHINDLER convergence of music and digital SHAREHOLDER, NEW YORK JEFFREY M. SMITH technology. That led to various SHAREHOLDER, ATLANTA executive positions with digital- Schindler, the Senior Chair of JONATHAN KOBY music ventures. But he missed GT’s New York Entertainment & Residing at the firm’s Atlanta SHAREHOLDER, ATLANTA representing artists and returned Media Practice, brings together a office, Smith represents high- to the music-lawyer fold. At range of music and entertainment profile entertainers, companies Koby focuses his practice on the Greenberg Traurig, Plinio has a interests to complete prestigious and athletes in deals involving representation of talent in a broad diverse practice, representing art- endorsement and merchandising cosmetics, sports equipment, range of transactional matters ists across various genres includ- deals, as well as joint-venture and casinos, themed restaurants, throughout entertainment. While ing Katy Perry, The Neigh- touring agreements. In addition, hotels, computer games, attending law school, he got his bourhood, Winnetka Bowling he handles a variety of licensing, recordings and music publish- start in the biz managing the League, Chris Lake, GTA, publishing and record deals for ing. Clients he’s served include careers of several major-label artists Johan Lenox, Postmodern Juke- numerous award-winning, multi- , Jimmy Buffett, before beginning his legal career box, Tommy Trash, Matthew platinum artists, producers, and Def Leppard, Eldridge Indus- at Davis Shapiro Lewit & Hayes. Koma and Dave Barnes, as well labels. Over the years, Schindler tries, Future, Alan Jackson, Koby represents three-time Gram- as such producers/composers as has served as counsel to Paris Jimmy Jam & Terry Lewis, my winners Dan + Shay, indie pop Frank E, Terry Date, Jason Hill, Jackson, The Nederlander Orga- Magic Johnson, Margaritaville sensation , Internet Money, Rob Kirwan and Scott Stevens. nization, Y Entertainment/AGI Enterprises, Bret Michaels, Taz Taylor and The Governor’s agency, Palace Entertainment/ the Raine Group, Matt and Ball Music Festival, among others. JESS L. ROSEN Pistons, Jermaine Dupri, Dean Serletic, Kelly Slater, SHAREHOLDER, ATLANTA Gary Clark Jr., Marc Anthony, George Strait, Justin Timber- STEVE PLINIO Live Nation, Harman Inter- lake, Virgin Gaming and the SHAREHOLDER, LOS ANGELES One of the country’s top enter- national, Aman Resorts, Rap- estates of Isaac Hayes, Michael tainment attorneys, serving as A-Lot Records, , Jackson and Bob Marley. In Plinio got his start in music as trusted legal counsel to many Jennifer Lopez, the New York addition, he is the sole trustee a drummer, but not a good one, of the music industry’s biggest Yankees, , Uptown of the Margaritaville Alcohol so he went to law school. After names, Rosen is Co-Chair of Records and Black Coffee. Beverage Trust. n

HITS May 10, 2021 45 AN ATTORNEYS SPECIAL

The music-law firm founded by Allen Grubman in 1974 now encom- passes every sector of the entertainment industry, as the renowned attorney’s practice evolved into Grubman, Shire, Meiselas & Sacks, the largest entertainment-law firm in the U.S. Department heads Kenny Meiselas, Larry Shire and Eric Sacks lead the firm’s divisions, which represent unparalleled talent, major TV/film and media entities as well as executives and rights holders at the highest levels of their professions.

he firm represents corporations and media companies such as Sony, Universal Music T Group, Warner Music Group, iHeart Media, Live Nation, MSG, Facebook, Discovery, IMAX and . It also represents A-list artists Bruce Springsteen, , U2, Paul Simon, , The Weeknd, , , , Tony Bennett, and Robert DeNiro. Moreover, the firm’s clients include media executives such as Bob Iger, Jim Dolan, Sir Lucian Grainge (in an advisory capaci- ty), Michael Rapino, Rob Stringer and Jon Platt. In addition, David Geffen, Dan Houser, , Martha Stewart, Vera Wang and Calvin Klein are among the entrepreneurs represented by Grubman.

verseeing the firm’s music department, Kenny Meiselas represents modern-day O icons across hip-hop and contemporary pop. The music department’s roster of classic artists includes Bruce Springsteen, Madonna, AC/ DC, Sting, Elton John, Bette Midler, Lionel Nav are advised by Meiselas and his team, Richie and Barbra Streisand, who are repped by as are (Estate), Mike Top: Allen Grubman, Kenny Grubman. Next-generation superstars Lady Gaga, Tyson, and many high-level executives in the Meiselas; above: Meiselas with The Weeknd, Sean “Diddy” Combs, , entertainment industry. Lady Gaga , Andre 3000, as well as hip-hop Meiselas also counsels rising stars , giants , , , Swae Lee and, , , Madison Beer, Ali Gatie

46 HITS May 10, 2021 Wit da Hoodie, model Winnie Harlow and actress/singer Isabela Moner, and Grace Kim oversees the critically acclaimed . Veteran legal eagles who work side by side with Meiselas and Grubman on super- star clients include Joe Brenner, Sonya Guardo, Don Friedman, Joseph Penachio, Pamela Gurley, and Ted Harris. Brenner oversees Spotify (with Grubman), Group Nine, Genius and other new-media ventures, as well as , Sting and U2 (with Grubman and David Toraya). Stuart Prager heads the music- publishing department, while Michael Goldsmith leads touring. Young lawyers including Diana Kovacs, Evan Levane, Ilana Shapiro, Kate Moore, Brooke Schachner and Mica Rollock round out the music team.

s Head of the firm’s Motion Picture, Television, Theatre, A Publishing and New Media practice, Larry Shire brings over 30 years of entertainment law experience. He joined Grubman Shire Meiselas & Sacks, Larry Shire P.C., in 1991 to help lead the firm’s growth David Jacobs with Lil Nas X and expansion from the music business into all other areas of the transactional and Carly Rae Jepsen, along with newcomers entertainment and sports business. Shire Fousheé, Audrey Nuna, Shenseea, and represents a wide range of clients, including songwriting and production talents Timbaland, LeBron James, Live Nation, Robert Ester Dean, Belly and Victoria Monet. DeNiro, Elton John, Bruce Springsteen, Throughout the last 18 months, as The iHeartMedia, MSG, Facebook and more, Weeknd exploded to stadium-sized levels, while advising music superstars and Meiselas advised Abel Tesfaye through deals on major endorsement deals with the NFL and Pepsi’s Super Halftime with Nike and Jordan. Show, the expansion of his film/TV footprint from acting (Uncut Gems) to writing, creat- ounding out the firm’s power trio ing and producing and media’s next frontier of named Partners is Eric Sacks, of auctioning NFT artwork and music, which R who, as Head of the Corporate raised over $2 million. Department, specializes in corporate trans- Lady Gaga’s brand expansion, advised by actional and executive compensation mat- Meiselas, includes her cosmetics line, Haus ters. Sacks advises a wide range of public and Eric Sacks Laboratories (in partnership with Amazon), and private clients in media and entertainment endorsements with Valentino, Dom Pérignon with respect to corporate transactions, includ- and Tudor. Her acting career has also excelled ing companies such as IMAX, IAC, Live to a new level following her Oscar-nominated Nation, iHeartMedia, Discovery and Spring- role in A Star Is Born, as Gaga is currently filming Hill Entertainment. He has also represented Ridley Scott’s House of Gucci, in which she has individual artists, athletes and others in media a starring role. in numerous transactions, including LeBron James, , Madonna, Graydon Carter, eading the millennial contingent of The Weeknd, Martha Stewart, and Mike music lawyers at the firm is David Tyson. Furthermore, Eric represents many of L Jacobs. He represents emerging artists the top media and sports executives with respect and tomorrow’s superstars, many of whom were to their employment arrangements, a clientele subjects of huge bidding wars, including Kali including Bob Iger, Jimmy Iovine, Jim Dolan, Uchis, Jessie Reyez, Lil Nas X and Surf Mesa as Josh Sapan, Richard Gelfond, Michael Levine, well as many producers including Take A Day- Howie Nuchow, Leon Rose, Erika Nardini, trip. Attorney Matt Kamen represents A Boogie Rob Stringer, Jon Platt and Michael Rapino. n

HITS May 10, 2021 47 AN ATTORNEYS SPECIAL Hertz Lichtenstein Young & Polk LLP

For more than 20 years, Hertz Lichtenstein Young & Polk LLP has been at the forefront of the entertainment industry, helping to form, protect and grow businesses for talent, creators and innovators. The firm represents a diverse array of superstar musicians, actors, creators and entrepreneurs in all areas of music, film, television and digital content, as well as some of the world’s best-known media and technology companies. With the solid foundation of a top-tier legal practice, the firm’s attorneys focus on innovative deal making, business strategy and adding value beyond the traditional model.

ince joining the firm in 2019, GRANT ARNOW From to will.i.am, Annie has quickly developed a practice represent- Liebovitz to , David ing emerging recording artists and producers, Blaine to Dentsu, and Kara Swisher to including Lexi Jayde, Lady Blackbird, and Simon Sinek, KEN HERTZ’s iconic and Vintage Trouble. A former major-label record- eclectic client roster includes some of the ing artist himself, Grant previously worked world’s most innovative talent, thought at the elite litigation firm Munger Tolles & leaders, entrepreneurs, agencies and brands Olson, where he successfully defended The in the media, technology, fashion, sports Walt Disney Company, , Kristen and entertainment industries—including S Anderson Lopez, and Idina Hasbro, Intel, UBS and Logitech. Prior Menzel in a copyright-infringement action to joining the firm, Ken was Global Head concerning the song “” from the of Music, Business and Legal Affairs for animated feature film Frozen Grant Arnow . Hertz is a Hailing from London and now a partner at frequent speaker and commentator on the the firm, ED BUGGÉ specializes in represent- subjects of entertainment, marketing and ing leading companies and talent in music, convergence, has been quoted in The New media and the wider entertainment sectors. York Times, Los Angeles Times and Wall He has counseled start-ups and industry dis- Street Journal, featured on CNBC’s monthly ruptors that have achieved multi-billion-dollar newsmagazine Business Nation and is the valuations. From gaming “unicorn” Improbable host of TEDxHollywood. to Spotify, Ed has provided key strategic and SETH LICHTENSTEIN has been practicing business-affairs advice and has guided the sale entertainment law for over 35 years. In 1996, of numerous prominent record labels, creator following stints in San Francisco and at three tools and technology businesses, including firms in L.A., Seth became partners with Ken the likes of Ministry of Sound (sold to Sony Hertz and forged what would become Hertz Music) and Platoon (sold to Apple). Ed Buggé Lichtenstein Young & Polk LLP. Seth has Recently made a partner, CARI DAVINE represented some of the most well-known specializes in the television, film and new- musicians and performers in the world and media industries, representing a diverse roster has negotiated a wide range of agreements of clients. Her practice ranges from supporting at the highest level, including recording, Space Hero’s mission to send the first civilian touring, endorsements, sponsorships and to space to advising powerhouse entities like casino residencies. He also has significant Bloomberg Media and representing A-list tal- experience in music publishing, representing ent such as Keke Palmer. Cari fell into a second both major and independent publishers, and legal career in entertainment as an intern at in fashion, where he has helped firm clients The Weinstein Company and quickly worked develop and operate a wide range of fashion her way into senior in-house business affairs and licensing initiatives. Seth previously positions at several prominent entertainment served as a law clerk at the U.S. Court of companies and studios in Canada and the U.S. Cari Davine Appeals for the Fourth Circuit.

48 HITS May 10, 2021 Hertz Lichtenstein Young & Polk LLP Ken Hertz Seth Lichtenstein Marquis “Quest” Malloy Carron Mitchell

native of South Los Angeles, counsel positions at Def Jam, Interscope and MARQUIS “QUEST” MALLOY UMG. Prior to joining the firm, she was the head focuses his practice on strategy of music and content, business and legal affairs and entertainment transactions, for ’s West Brands. Her exposure to while representing leading cre- the historical and evolving aspects of the pop- ative talent, such as Grammy- music business gives her tremendous insight, nominated artist D Smoke and writer/producer understanding and proficiency in strategic legal Jeanine Daniels. He is responsible for advising and business support and she has an invaluable Aa roster of clients across music, television, film, insider’s perspective of and relationships in the Graham H. Purdy commercial endorsements, brand influencing music business and related industries. and live events. Prior to joining the firm in 2014, OSWALDO Now a Partner at the firm, CARRON MITCHELL ROSSI worked for nearly 10 years at EMI Music, focuses on the diverse legal needs of entertainment the last four years as VP of Business Affairs, where professionals. She has extensive experience repre- he negotiated, structured, drafted and advised on senting recordings artists, producers, songwriters, contracts and strategy for EMI’s frontline recorded- content creators, entrepreneurs, professional athletes music labels. Since joining the firm, Rossi has and executives. Carron’s clients represent a diverse focused on sophisticated entertainment transac- roster of both legacy and developing talent, in- tions for a diversified client roster that includes top cluding such artists as Ari Lennox, Freddie Gibbs, recording artists, composers, digital influencers, Cuco, Brent Faiyaz and . music and media companies and executive talent. JON POLK began his career as a trial attorney at Rossi is fluent in oral and written Spanish and—as the New York law firm Weil, Gotshal & Manges. one of the firm’s partners—represents award- Lisa Rogell He has held senior management positions at three winning Spanish-language entertainment clients major labels for over 15 years, including Head of including Nicky Jam, Juan Luis Guerra, Paloma Business Affairs, West Coast for Sony Music, West Mami, Danny Ocean, MAG, Sky Rompiendo and Coast GM/SVP Office of the President for Epic the Estate of Jenni Rivera. Records, and as EVP/COO of Capitol Records. A graduate of NYU Law School, JAMIE YOUNG In all that time, he has never allowed HITS to started out in Business & Legal Affairs at Sony run his photograph. Polk has an entrepreneurial Music, transitioning to private practice as a partner history that includes founding a high-end music- at a prominent L.A. entertainment-law firm, before merchandising company and managing and landing at Hertz Lichtenstein Young & Polk. consulting independent artists. He currently has a Because of her experience inside a major record broad range of clients in thought leadership, music, company, Jamie brings a unique skill set to the TV, book publishing, speaking, consulting and in representation of talent and record labels. Jamie is other related fields. particularly proud of her work representing Stevie Oswaldo Rossi GRAHAM H. PURDY specializes in the televi- Nicks and the recent landmark sale of her iconic sion, film, podcast, and new-media industries, music-publishing catalog to Primary Wave. Rep- with a broad variety of clients from onscreen resenting in her successive ground- talent like Frankie Grande to production entities breaking deals at Caesars Palace, Jamie is widely including Dexton Deboree’s Falkon Content and credited with redefining the modern Las Vegas Lauren Shippen’s Atypical Artists. He also works residency arrangement. Other current clients with influencers, experts, and thought leaders include AJR, , DJ Shadow, Fleetwood like Dr. Michael Breus, Brad Grossman, and the Mac, , and Tom Estate of Sir Ken Robinson. Graham has devel- Morello. She represented the Estate of Tom oped a specialty representing entrepreneurs and Petty in the recent disputes and mediation, help- start-up ventures—advising, structuring, developing, ing to settle the matters and establish a team and and launching new businesses. operating structure enabling the Estate to move LISA ROGELL has held long-term in-house forward and conduct business. n Jamie Young

HITS May 10, 2021 49 AN ATTORNEYS SPECIAL , Holmes, Paterno Soriano &

ing, Holmes, Paterno & Soriano, LLP remains a leader among the Far left: Howard King; country’s music-law left: Laurie Soriano firms, having had one of its busiest years ever, despite the suspension ON WHY SHE GOT INTO THE MUSIC of the live touring busi- BUSINESS: “Latinas account for less ness. The firm’s music than 2% of American lawyers. I’m a first- K lawyers over the past generation Mexican-Guatemalan Latina year helped get clients through the pan- partner at a major entertainment law demic, handling innumerable catalog sale firm, and I want to make sure that other and acquisition agreements, negotiating smart Latinas don’t get left behind.” recording and publishing deals for existing and new firm clients, and supporting clients TOP 2020 PROJECTS: Renegotiated in launching innovative livestream projects Glori Trevi and Raymix’s recording agree- ments with Universal Music Latin Enter- tainment. Negotiated a new publishing deal for Jesse & Joy with Warner Chappell. Various endorsement and livestream agree- ments for .

ON HOW THE MUSIC INDUSTRY HAS CHANGED OVER THE PAST YEAR: “The and in marketing NFTs (non-fungible types of deals that I am doing with record tokens). KHPS’s senior partners are litiga- labels now are shifting toward artists retain- tor par excellence Howard King, Laurie ing ownership of their masters. There are Soriano (who reps such artists as Frank more buyers now in the market, and more Ocean, , , , artists are focusing on growing their fanbas- Dominic Fike and Kim Petras) and the es on their own with their teams in order irrepressible Peter Paterno (whose clients to increase their bargaining power. include , Dr. Dre and Sia). JOE CARLONE MARJORIE GARCIA FUN TIMES AS A YOUNG MUSIC n July 2020, the firm announced that LAWYER: “I grew up a massive Van it was elevating Garcia to partner. Halen fan. One of my first big jobs at Marjorie joins a group of young KHPS the firm was working on a tour deal for partners with vibrant, growing the band in 2012. I got to speak with Iclienteles, building on the firm’s long- Ed and Al. They yelled at me—not sure if standing client base. it was because they didn’t like what I was

50 HITS May 10, 2021 Left: Marjorie Garcia

career as a professional drummer. Not long after graduating, I came to the realization that while I loved performing, I didn’t have the necessary goods to succeed as a professional and that I was much better suited to help and guide those who do have real talent. In retrospect, I should have considered my neighbors’ periodic calls to the police, complaining about the noise when I played the drums growing up, as an important sign.”

SUSAN HILDERLEY Joe Carlone

ON HER ROLE AS A MUSIC LAWYER: “Lately, my practice involves a lot of helping clients sell their catalogs and then create new IP assets so that they can sell those in a few years. My role is equal parts strategic thinker, -solver, and unlicensed therapist.”

DOING RIGHT BY RONSTADT: “We represent- ed Linda Ronstadt in the sale of her recorded- music assets to Irving Azoff’s Iconic Artists saying or because they couldn’t hear. Either Group. Linda is indeed an iconic artist, as well way, I didn’t care. It was awesome.” as a really special human being, and everyone on both sides of the transaction felt a responsi- TOP 2020 PROJECTS: “I sold an interest in a bility to do right by her and her legacy.” Michael Rexford successful apparel business to a major strategic partner and negotiated the writing, producing ON WHERE THE MUSIC BUSINESS STANDS IN and music deals for RZA in connection with 2021: “The industry, like so many others, was of his Hulu series, Wu-Tang: An American Saga, course forced to change and adapt in this past along with his directing deal for Cut Throat year. But I think in a couple years we’ll be talk- City, which went on to become the #1 movie ing about music festivals a lot more than NFTs.” on Netflix. I also successfully negotiated the resolution of several major partnership disputes JACQUELINE SABEC and a business reorganization.” INTERESTING RECENT PROJECTS: Negotiated MICHAEL REXFORD numerous deals for hit songwriter and producer Jason “Poo Bear” Boyd; handled NFT drops n February 2021, the firm added new for NFT consulting client MTAPHR. Worked partner Michael Rexford, originally a with B Real’s team on the expansion of his Dr. lawyer at UMPG and most recently a Greenthumb cannabis brand. Susan Hilderley partner with Manatt Phelps & Phillips. below: Jacqueline Sabec I ON MUSIC INDUSTRY CHANGES OVER THE ON IMPORTANT CHANGES IN THE WORLD PAST YEAR: “The collapse of the live industry AND MUSIC INDUSTRY: “The combina- affected not only artists but also the first in and last tion of the pandemic and the profound social out at venues: road crews, security guards, venue reckonings during the past year has created an workers, sound engineers. We still need to collec- ongoing uneasy tension in the music industry, tively find ways to support these people who have as it has in the rest of society, that I’m con- given so much to our industry. We have also seen vinced will ultimately result in important long- POC shatter glass ceilings in our industry, breaking term personal and professional health and well- through to ownership and senior executive posi- ness. While the pandemic has had a devastat- tions that were long overdue.” ing effect on the industry, the resulting creative efforts that many in the industry have taken to ON MEETING PETER stay active, stay connected, generate income PATERNO: “I met Peter at a dinner party at the and develop new aspects of their careers, seem Saddle Ranch restaurant on Sunset Blvd. I asked sure to transform the industry in ways that I him if he was working on anything interesting. expect will be revealed as the pandemic fades.” He said he was suing Napster. I gave him a high five. He offered me a job on the spot. Twenty- ON ENTERING THE MUSIC BUSINESS: “I one years later, he’s still fiercely protecting art- went to to pursue a ists, and I’ve never seen him miss a beat.” n

HITS May 10, 2021 AN ATTORNEYS SPECIAL LaPolt Law, P.C.

here aren’t many people who have the power and charisma to close deals in the entertainment industry, initiate change on Capitol Hill and advocate for equal rights for women and BIPOC. Dina LaPolt, Esq., founder of LaPolt Law—the only music-industry law firm founded and run by a sole female attorney—walks the walk. LaPolt is a champion of fair practices across tthe biz. She has not only spearheaded ambi- tious, disruptive campaigns for songwriters and out-of-work music contractors, she’s delivered. The change agent helped shepherd the inclu- sion of music-related workers affected by the pandemic into federal COVID-relief packages including the Cares Act and Heroes Act. In 2018 Dina’s advocacy—which includes co-founding Songwriters of North America (SONA)—cumulated in the passage of the Music Modernization Act (MMA), repre-

Front row (left to right): Sarah Scott, Lindsay Arrington, Dina LaPolt, Jessie Winkler; middle row (left to right): Dale Melidosian, Mariah Comer, Kristin Wenning, Cameron Berkowitz; top: Dominic Chaklos

senting the first meaningful copyright reform in decades, and led to the Mechanical Licensing Collective scoring a major victory in royalty pay- ments, totaling $424m from DSPs in 2021. Last year, Dina, a well-known advocate for antiracist initiatives—which she spoke about in her 2016 TEDx Talk—was invited to be on the Executive Leadership Council of the newly formed Black Music Action Coalition. LaPolt Law represents entertainment superstars of music and social media, top industry executives and prominent influencers in fashion and beauty. The firm employs 10 full-time attorneys who work together overseeing one of the industry’s most diverse client rosters.

52 HITS May 10, 2021 SARAH SCOTT , and jxdn, and manages the firm’s social-media-influencer division, the roster of arah Scott is the managing attorney at LaPolt which includes Stassiebaby, Alissa Violet and Law, P.C., overseeing all other attorneys at the Josh Richards. He’s been engulfed in the world Sfirm and leading the legal and business-affairs team of NFTs and is working to maximize clients’ of firm clients ranging from Cardi B and Britney opportunities arising from blockchain technology. Spears to electronic duo extraordinaire . She’s also helping build the businesses of the firm’s DOMINIC CHAKLOS fashion and beauty influencers including Jen Atkin and Lacy Redway, and overseeing any royalty or IP oCal native Chaklos works directly and in catalog sales. Before moving to talent representa- stride with the many artists, producers and tion, Sarah spent 11 years leading business affairs at Sother biz figures who encompass his practice, a major label, which gives her a unique perspective including everything from navigating the new and how she negotiates on behalf of artists and sector in VR to negotiating A-list Las Vegas other creatives. residencies. Recently, he’s been busy in the thriv- Sarah Scott ing landscape of catalog sales and purchases. LINDSAY ARRINGTON Outside of the office, you can find Dominic at an electronic music festival or in the mountains rrington, who specializes in matters relat- snowboarding. ing to electronic music, endorsements and Aindependent labels, is passionate about helping KRISTIN WENNING the firm’s clients navigate new and cutting-edge opportunities, including NFTs and blockchain ocusing on satisfying the expansive needs of music distribution, music-related software and entertainment professionals, including the game development and startup streaming services. Ffirm’s creative clients and executive clients, Lindsay has been a featured speaker at Midem Wenning negotiates and drafts agreements in all and Amsterdam Dance Event and co-edited the areas of music—asset purchases, catalog acquisi- International Association of Entertainment tions, branding, merchandising, recording, tour- Lawyer’s (IAEL) book. ing, executive employment and IP and grand rights licensing for live musical stage perfor- JESSIE WINKLER mances. She also has extensive experience in the Mariah Comer music-publishing field and worked closely with inkler focuses on music business-related Dina, SONA and the other industry groups in the matters, film and television and is at final passing of the Music Modernization Act. Wthe forefront of new-media negotiations in areas including in the NFT space on behalf of DALE MELIDOSIAN deadmau5, an NFT innovator. Her approach is a holistic one in that she puts a premium on ith more than 20 years of prior experience assisting clients with brand management and artist as an in-house attorney for various music- development in addition to IP protection. Jessie Wpublishing companies and a major film studio, is also involved in advocacy efforts on behalf of Dale represents many of the firm’s hip-hop artists, creators and women in the music industry. producers, songwriters and influencers. Her prac- tice covers all aspects of her clients’ entertainment CAMERON BERKOWITZ careers, including the negotiation of label and joint- venture deals, music publishing, performing-rights harlotte native Cameron’s practice focuses and neighboring-rights agreements, branding and on artists, producers and influencers. He also endorsement deals, book deals and acting agree- Lindsay Arrington Cworks closely with Dina and SONA to educate ments for film and TV. songwriters and advocate for various measures protecting the rights of creators, including pro- MARIAH COMER posing reforms to the U.S. Copyright Office. Cameron’s office listening ranges from hip-hop first-generation college student of Black and R&B to bluegrass and jam bands. and Mexican descent who was named after Athe iconic Mariah Carey, Comer was destined TOM DEAN to work in music; her primary focus is the firm’s urban and Black-music division. Mariah’s work fter spending his college years as a sound encompasses a wide range of transactional engineer, college-radio promoter and stage- entertainment and matters relating to music Ahand, Dean found his passion in the law and and brand endorsements. In her spare time, the contracts. Now, he works directly with some SoCal native mentors other first-gen college and of today’s hottest artists, including , law school students of color like herself. n

HITS May 10, 2021 53 AN ATTORNEYS SPECIAL

his is truly an extra- category in the 2021 edition of Chair, Debbie White, and Ken “ ordinary moment U.S. News – Best Lawyers’ Best Kraus, Channing Johnson, in the history of the Law Firms rankings. This is the Scott Zolke, Barry Slotnick music industry,” notes fifth year the firm has earned and Rebel Steiner,” notes JohnT Frankenheimer, Chair of the title since the ranking’s Frankenheimer. “And with Loeb & Loeb’s Music Industry inception in 2012. the range of legal, business and practice. “Music is ubiquitous in In addition to the 18 trans- practical knowledge and expe- our culture, art and social inter- actional attorneys at the core rience from the rest of Loeb action, and the current recogni- of Loeb’s Music practice, a full behind us, we truly excel at tion of the value of music-based complement of lawyers from keeping pace with our clients’ intellectual property finally across the firm, including from growth and ambitions, whether reflects that impact. We believe the Corporate, Litigation, Intel- they are emerging talent, new we are uniquely positioned to lectual Property, Brand Pro- companies or established cli- serve our clients and the industry tection, Tax, Advertising & ents with sophisticated expan- as a whole in this moment.” Media, Technology and Trusts sion plans.” Loeb’s Music practice has & Estates groups regularly col- Loeb is particularly proud consistently been recognized laborate to service client needs. of the continued growth and as the premier music-industry “We are fortunate to have a success of the firm’s Nashville practice, once again earning the diverse and experienced group office. Twenty-five years after title of Law Firm of the Year in of partners at the core of this first opening the office in Music the Entertainment Law – Music practice, including our Vice City, the firm brought in Derek Crownover and his team. Under the local leadership of Crownover, Tiffany Dunn and Denise Stevens, and with Loeb’s collaborative national approach, Loeb’s Nashville group has exceeded all expecta- tions, building a juggernaut for the representation of creative talent, established and emerg- ing companies and a wide array of financial participants. In addition, as White notes, “It is particularly gratifying that we continue to develop great young lawyers like Danny Silverman, Farah Usmani and Nathan Drake, who we know will con- tinue to build on our tradition of superlative client service to John Frankenheimer Debbie White the industry.”

54 HITS May 10, 2021 artists, our festival representa- tions (Superfly Events, Country Thunder and more) or the broad spectrum of experiential platforms—including sports— created or curated by our cli- ents,” says Frankenheimer.

oeb’s lawyers are also longtime counsel to labels, publishers, execu- tives, and a variety of ationally, Loeb repre- lishers’ Association, Citibank, have amassed more than Linnovative companies and sents, among many other the Estate of B.B. King, 19 400 #1 records in the country financial institutions, includ- clients, BTS, Diana Entertainment (American Idol) genre alone over the past 20 ing Warner Chappell, Warner Ross, , and the T.J. Martell Foundation years. Clients include Ashley Music Group, HYBE (formerly NSam Hunt, The Who, The in legal and business matters Gorley, , Craig Big Hit Entertainment Co., Revivalists, Gabby Barrett, involving corporate governance, Wiseman, Dallas Davidson, Ltd.), , , Morgan employment, legacy planning, Zach Crowell, Jeremy Stover, Big Loud Records, Big Loud Wallen, Luke Combs, Kane brand protection, trademarks, Chris Tomlin, , Shirt, Big Loud Mountain, Brown, Vince Gill, Amy Grant, copyrights, rights of publicity, Josh Thompson, Jesse Frasure, Creative Nation, Primary Wave, Duran Duran, , records and publishing, as well as Natalie Hemby, Jonathan Fuji Music Group, Tape Room, Jordan Davis, Midland, Loretta in industrywide policy and advo- Singleton, Gordie Sampson, peermusic, Play It Again, Red Lynn and Melanie Martinez. cacy efforts. Chris DeStefano, David Creative Group, 50 Egg Music, Loeb lawyers continue to The firm’s roster of songwriter, Garcia, Rodney Clawson, Spirit Music, Reservoir Music, represent key legacy artists, producer and publisher clients is Hardy, Morgan Wallen, Jessi Twelve6 Entertainment and brands and nonprofits through equally impressive. Loeb’s clients Alexander, Jon Randall and MV2 Entertainment. For their work with the John R. Cash regularly dominate the Country Vince Gill. decades, the firm has also been a Revocable Trust, the Estate airplay charts and include mul- Loeb represents high-profile trusted advisor and resource for of , Jr., Olivia tiple ASCAP and BMI Writers songwriters across other genres a wide array of financial institu- Newton-John, the Grand Ole of the Year, Grammy, CMA as well, from 12-time Academy tions in the investment com- Opry, the Academy of Country Triple Play and ACM Award Award nominee munity including private-equity Music, the National Music Pub- winners. Together, these writers and multi-genre innovator and venture-capital firms, banks Ross Golan to Philly Sound and mutual funds, high-net- pioneers Gamble and Huff. worth individuals and pension Of course, the focus of funds as they enter or expand 2020 was very different for their interests in the broad-based Loeb’s music industry clients music industry. —and for the firm’s lawyers— “We are proud of the fact as the industry faced massive that we have built a unique plat- disruptions as a result of the form from which our team can COVID-19 global pandemic. effectively represent and counsel Loeb’s long-standing experi- the creative community as well ence and relationships, as as the financial community, can well as its cultural emphasis work on intricate recording or on innovation and resilience, publishing deals for our creative were key to the firm’s ability to clients and on the acquisition lead clients through the crisis. or sale of IP catalogs of literally “After almost 18 months any size, or can assist companies of addressing reorganizational in going public, whether by a and restructuring issues, we traditional IPO, SPAC or other are excited about the return of means,” says Frankenheimer. live entertainment, whether it “We are excited by what we Derek Crownover Tiffany Dunn is for our many active touring believe the future will bring.” n

HITS May 10, 2021 55 AN ATTORNEYS SPECIAL MYMAN GREENSPAN FOX ROSENBERG MOBASSER YOUNGER LIGHT LLP

& ric Greenspan as his first major client. He still reps the surfer founded the music turned singer/songwriter, as well as , department of and other high-profile acts, and what had been various execs, songwriters and producers. originally created Craig Marshall, who was recently made as a film-and-TV an equity partner, started his career at Prior- CLIENT LIST: firm in 1987. His ity Records and was VP of Business Affairs first recording art- at Capitol before moving to Interscope; he RHCP ists were reggae credits his label background with providing groups Toots and the Maytals, Steel Pulse him with a useful skill set for his practice. He and Burning Spear. He was subsequently currently reps such acts as the rap collective DEAD & COMPANY engaged by , who’ve BROCKHAMPTON, rocker Elle King and been with him since the dawn of their breakout newcomer CHIKA, along with eillustrious career. (Eric insists the tube socks various songwriters and execs. QOTSA were not his idea.) Jewel—whom he first saw in a coffee shop in San Diego—Stone n the early , Greenspan grew DISTURBED Temple Pilots, Jane’s Addiction, Ice-T, tired of spending endless nights at the Tool, Primus and Bad Religion were also Whisky and decided he needed some among Greenspan’s foundational clients, younger attorneys to go to the clubs JACK JOHNSON and he considers himself extremely fortunate and check out bands. At a pivotal to have been involved with these acts since moment, he started hearing about a the infancies of their careers. Eric started sharp Harvard Law grad who was new on the ERYKAH BADU promoting The Grateful Dead while still an Iscene, an ambitious 27-year-old named Aaron undergrad at Duke, and he’s celebrating the Rosenberg. While at Harvard Law School, CHIKA 50th anniversary of the show that set him Rosenberg had interned at , on his path—promoting a concert with The and soon after becoming a practicing attorney, Beach Boys and The Dead. He currently he’d met John Legend, who would become ELLE KING reps spinoff group Dead & Company. his first client. “I realized he wasn’t going into the Whisky to see a rock band,” Eric acknowl- JUSTIN BIEBER he music department’s first edges, “but we figured out how to fit a round hire was Jeff Light—whom peg into a square hole by merging pop and Greenspan hails as “a game- hip-hop into the firm’s rock-heavy roster.” changing lawyer.” Among Along with Legend, Rosenberg’s clientele the veteran attorney’s clients includes such mainstream stars as Justin are major rock bands includ- Bieber, Ariana Grande and Jennifer Lopez. JOHN LEGEND ing Queens of the Stone Age and Disturbed. Myman Greenspan’s non-equity partners T1999 saw the arrival from a New York are Josh Karp, Robert Minzner, Tamara entertainment-law firm of another Duke Blue Milagros-Butler and the recently promoted Devil, Francois Mobasser, with Jack Johnson Audrey Benoualid.

56 HITS May 10, 2021 Top Row: Haley Golding, Eric Greenspan, Andrew hen HITS inter- Paster, Audrey Benoualid; 2nd row: Steven Arnst, he interaction among the firm’s viewed Greenspan Tamara Milagros-Butler, Andranise Baxter, Francois lawyers and support staff has and Rosenberg in Mobasser; 3rd row: Oren Agman, Jeffrey Light, necessarily been impacted since 2014—the latter for Robert Minzner, Lulu Pantin; bottom row: Craig COVID hit, but, if anything, the first time, three Marshall, Josh Karp, Aaron Rosenberg RosenbergT posited, they’re working more years after he’d been closely—and productively—than ever. promoted to part- “At this point, we try to tackle client ner—they laid out their shared philosophy. some substantial transactions. matters in teams,” he explained. “With the The conversation was peppered with verbiage “With respect to our firm and how we bigger artists, it will typically be a couple of that illuminated the firm’s collegial culture, coped,” he continued, “we’ve always been a pret- partners and an associate, possibly two; with wsuch as, “Our clients know that we have spe- ty nimble, clever and relatively technologically new and emerging talent, it’s usually one cific knowledge, and that’s what they come to sophisticated bunch. So when the pandemic hit partner and one associate.” us for”; “It’s not all about one person; every- and we all went remote, we didn’t really miss a When asked if there has been any dis- one brings something to the table. It’s a real beat. We stayed on top of client matters, and we cussion about getting back into the office team mentality”; “We look for clients with were quick to evolve with clients. at some point, Rosenberg replied, “Yes, it’s a real plan for success”; and “It goes back to “Also, because we operate our firm in a currently under discussion, and we’re hoping relationships. Part of what we do best is to be very efficient manner, we didn’t find ourselves to be back at the very least on a part-time modern-day yentas for our clients.” with excess overhead in terms of people that basis before the end of the year. Although Seven years later, these guiding principles we had to be concerned about furloughing or that may sound vague, it’s probably the most are still very much in evidence—indeed, inter- letting go. So we let go not a single assistant, accurate way of describing it. At that point, action and a laser focus on relationships with support staff or attorney, and we’re really I see us returning to some semblance of nor- clients and across the entertainment industry proud of that. And because our clients were mal interaction, but that’s possible via Zoom are what has enabled these “modern-day yen- ingenious and evolved with the pandemic, as well. So in the future, I think it would tas” not merely to get through the pandemic the work didn’t really slow down, for the most probably be a combination. unscathed but to thrive, along with their cli- part. Obviously, to the extent our clients relied “We were never a firm that had an ents, long-timers and new arrivals alike. upon live touring, that took a hit on us as in orthodox approach to face time in the office, “We’ve added clients,” Rosenberg con- any other firm, but our clients were diversified although I do think that we will get back firmed in a phone conversation that took enough that we kept the trains moving. to it,” he noted. “Because part of what’s place in April, 13 months after the Myman “Let me go one step further,” Rosenberg fun about being a member of a law firm as Greenspan team had vacated the firm’s added. “In addition to making sure that we opposed to being a solo practitioner is the offices at Wilshire and San Vincente and didn’t let go of anybody, we actually ended ability to engage with your colleagues—to begun working remotely—seamlessly, as it up hiring some new people. At the end of share various points of view. And that rab- turned out. “But our focus has always been the year, we brought in two new attorneys, binical approach to the practice of law is one more on super-serving the clients we do Oren Agman and Andranise Baxter, we took of the things that I think has kept us one of have, and those clients have entered into on one clerk and made Audrey a partner.” the top firms.” n

HITS May 10, 2021 57 AN ATTORNEYS SPECIAL Rothenberg, Mohr & Binder, LLP

Formed in 2018, Rothenberg,

Mohr & Binder, LLP brought

together three music-biz aces.

Paul Rothenberg, Jeremy Mohr

and Joshua Binder’s practice

encompasses the next genera-

tion of music talent, executives,

recording and publishing com-

panies and branding endeavors.

aul Rothenberg boasts a roster that ounding attorney Jeremy Mohr represents Above: Joshua Binder, in-cludes , , Golden R&B star , who dropped a new Jeremy Mohr, Globe winner and Academy Award album and inked a new publishing deal Paul Rothenberg Pnominee Andra Day, Trey Songz, Jazmine Fwith Pulse in 2020; Parkwood/Columbia duo Sullivan, Tory Lanez, A$AP Ferg, Alaina , who scored branding partner- Castillo, Trevor Daniel, Emotional Oranges ships with Victoria’s Secret’s Pink and Neutro- and superstar songwriters Jon Bellion (Justin gena; rapper/producer/executive , who Bieber, Halsey), (Dua Lipa), recently entered into a new label venture with () and Nick Long Empire; and rap superstar Gunna, who’s repped (MGK, ), among others. He also by Mohr alongside Binder. Mohr also represents reps execs Kevin Liles and Andrew Gertler, numerous songwriters, including Mozella, Ruth- along with David Massey’s publishing ven- Anne Cunningham and Casey Smith. ture, Work of Art. Recent deals closed by Rothenberg include Puth’s partnerships with oshua Binder’s clients include perennial Monthly and Yoop, Day’s ambassadorship hip-hop label Top Dawg Entertainment, with Hulu, Logic’s exclusive seven-figure deal home to , SZA and with Twitch, Lanez’s groundbreaking record- JScHoolboy Q, as well as , Gunna, ing agreement with Create Music Group and Southside, Flo Milli and entrepreneurial execu- major catalog sales. tives Anthony “Top Dawg” Tiffith and Moe

58 HITS May 10, 2021 KEVIN ESKOWITZ ATTORNEY

Eskowitz’s practice is built around the inter- section of entertainment and digital media. His clients include next-gen talent like rising pop star Conan Gray; Darkroom/Interscope DJ Gryffin; Mom+Pop’s Frances Forever and rapper JPEGMAFIA, who recently inked deals with Republic and Kobalt, along Tiffany R. Almy with music company GODMODE Music (Channel Tres). Shalizi. Marshmello’s ventures span from his groundbreaking label Joytime Collective (, Halsey, 2K Baby, Demi Lovato), KWAME KANDEKORE which has yet to sign an exclusive recording con- ATTORNEY tract with any music group, to his investments in Stuffed Puffs marshmallows (available in Kandekore runs point on some of the firm’s Walmart and Vons) and Triller—not to mention biggest clients, in addition to developing his being one of the most popular DJs and recording own roster of talent. Recently, he helped with artists in the world. Shalizi’s new label Pick Six, deals for Charlie Puth’s interactive performance home to Morray—the subject of a major bidding on the Yoop platform and Andra Day’s services war—announced a partnership with Interscope in connection with the soundtrack for Hulu’s to release the rising rapper’s music. The United States vs. Billie Holiday. Prior to join- ing the firm, Kwame worked as an associate for a boutique South-Florida-based entertainment- TIFFANY R. ALMY law firm specializing in the representation of PARTNER high-profile music producers.

With experience at prior firms, where she worked closely with Rick Ross, Maybach Music and LISA M. LESTER , along with Beyoncé’s Beyoncé and ATTORNEY ’s Anti album and tour campaigns, New York-based Almy joined RMB at its inception Lester’s practice focuses on a wide range of was promoted to Partner in 2020. Her clients transactional and IP matters, with a focus include award Grammy nominated producer/ on the music industry, where she represents artist ; composer/producer Dan recording artists, record producers, mixers, song- Romer (Pixar’s Luca); artist/poet Dua Selah; writers, managers and executives. Her clients Yoke Lore and collaborator/composer Ariel Loh; include Rob Kinelski, Dave Sitek, Destiny and Decca’s Chad Lawson. She served as Global Rogers, Noah Goldstein and Fenix Flexin. Events Chair on the Board of Women in Music Prior to joining RMB, Lisa worked at boutique and plays in several bands in NYC. entertainment firms and a major talent agency. She has served as a panelist at SXSW, Music Cork in Ireland and Hispanicize. MATT CUTTLER ATTORNEY AMINA Mc CLAIN An associate at the firm’s New York office, Cuttler ATTORNEY has been at RMB since its inception in 2017. Matt’s practice focuses on all aspects and areas of McClain joined the firm as an associate in the music industry, including representing artists 2020 and provides support on a number of the like 100 Gecs and PnB Rock, producers (Pop firm’s clients. After receiving her Juris Doctor, Wansel, Rex Kudo), film composers like Bobby McClain moved to Los Angeles and gained Krlic (Midsommar) and Kyle Dixon & Michael valuable experience working in mechanical Stein (Stranger Things), mixers (Jeff Ellis), and licensing at UMPG. She then transitioned to independent labels and publishers in transac- UMG, where she managed a copyright clear- tional matters. Cuttler prides himself on working ance team and licensed music for several labels. Top-bottom: Matt Cuttler, Kevin with creative artists who can balance left-field Amina is a member of the N.Y. chapter of Eskowitz, Kwame Kandekore, musical innovation with crossover success. Women in Music. n Lisa M. Lester, Amina McClain

HITS May 10, 2021 59 AN ATTORNEYS SPECIAL

iffren Brittenham of, in the memorable words of Berry Gordy, “the greatest Z entertainer who ever lived.” DAVID LANDE PARTNER LOOKING BACK ON A ROLLER-COASTER YEAR, WHAT STANDS OUT IN 2020? “We are blessed with incredible clients and the opportunity to work on excit- ing deals for them. A few deals that stand out: Repre- John G. Branca David Lande David Byrnes senting Beyoncé in negotiat- ing an extensive partnership John G. Branca, one of the JOHN BRANCA and opportunities about which with Peloton—the first major nation’s preeminent music ON A 2020: we are developing expertise deal between Peloton and industry, entertainment and “Of course, the pandemic has to share with our clients. It is an artist that encompasses a corporate attorneys, leads presented challenges unthink- invigorating and intellectually lucrative commercial oppor- Ziffren Brittenham’s music able 18 months ago, but what challenging but immensely tunity and an important practice, which encompasses is most remarkable to me rewarding in many ways. partnership that includes all facets of entertainment and about the last year has been “It was extremely gratifying 10 HBCUs. Representing media and represents many the non-pandemic changes to see how favorably critics in connection prominent individuals in film, and evolution in the music and the public viewed the Bee with his new beverage ven- TV, sports, live-stage, digital, industry. We have seen a Gees doc this year, since much ture, CACTI agave-spiked literary and music, as well as flurry in the sale of important went into its creation and into seltzer, in partnership with financiers, production compa- song catalogs, many of which the release of Greenfields. As Anheuser-Busch. Repre- nies and programming services. I am proud to say the firm has the co-producer of the Michael senting in the The firm represents such been central to. The valuation Jackson: ONE show in Las negotiation of a new multi- musical legends as Michael of these catalogs has been at a Vegas and the MJ biopic and album recording agreement Jackson, Carlos Santana and high, which means songs and Broadway play we have in with Interscope. Representing The Bee Gees; superstars songwriters are valued more development, the work has ROSALÍA in significant Beyoncé, Travis Scott, Justin than ever. We’ve helped our been ongoing. I’m looking endorsement agreements Timberlake, Shakira, Blake clients make a judgment about forward to once again putting with Nike and MAC.” Shelton and ; timing, evaluation and poten- Michael’s music and the work and next-generation music tial partners. More and more, done by the talented team of HOW WOULD YOU talent including Selena Gomez, our team has worked to create the producers, directors, cho- DESCRIBE THE CATALOG ROSALÍA and . ancillary revenue streams for reographers, dancers, actors GOLD RUSH? “This is a Ziffren’s non-music roster includes our music clients, particularly and other creators involved in unique moment in time A-listers President Barack in television. these productions in front of fueled by lots of money chas- Obama, , Tyler “Unexpectedly, an entirely his fans and the public. The ing a limited number of deals. Perry, Lebron James, Dick Wolf, new revenue source, NFT, Estate of One of the exciting deals Sandra Bullock, Ben Affleck has been created, and we are continues to develop projects that we did in 2020 was the and Chadwick Boseman. presented with new challenges that honor the life and music sale of Shakira’s publishing

60 HITS May 10, 2021 rights to Hipgnosis. In a world to make sure they feel like of negative real interest rates, they’re making the best deci- investors are searching for sions for themselves.” yield in bond like investments, and the acquisition of IP HOW DID WORKING rights and/or revenue streams REMOTELY AFFECT YOUR fulfills this goal. For songwrit- PRACTICE? “For me, this past ers and owners of IP, it is an year has been incredibly pro- opportunity to obtain previ- ductive. There are perks like ously unheard-of multiples and being able to work out in the favorable tax treatment.” middle of the day, but I miss seeing my colleagues and other DAVID BYRNES friends in the industry. What I PARTNER would give to go to a show!” ON A ROLLERCOASTER Matt Johnson P.J. Shapiro YEAR: “Talk about disrup- P.J. SHAPIRO tion. A year of shutdowns and MANAGING PARTNER tour cancellations evolved ON THE DEMAND FOR into diverse opportunities, MUSIC TALENT ACROSS including furniture lines, hard TV/FILM: “Music-driven seltzers, fast food, gaming, stra- content, both live-action tegically timed merchandise and animated, has been a drops and TV, whether tradi- big value driver for film and tional or streaming. Clients TV companies. In anima- figured out different ways to tion, consider Beyoncé’s role interact with fans and advance in or Justin their brands in all those areas. Timberlake’s voice perfor- For estates, it was business as mance in Trolls. Justin fol- usual, with the added element lowed that performance with of a robust catalog-sales busi- his critically acclaimed role ness and healthy streams.” in Apple’s Palmer. On the Mitch Tenzer Kelly Vallon live-action side, Lady Gaga MITCH TENZER burst onto the scene with a powerful ways to shape public PARTNER starring role in A Star Is Born, discourse and tell compelling WHAT ARE YOU LOOKING which resulted in landing a stories. For example, Drake FORWARD TO AS THE BIZ role in Ridley Scott’s Gucci. giving new life to London’s RETURNS TO NORMAL? dazzled audiences Top Boy; LeBron James “Dining out, visiting my son in with her performance in creating compelling content college, eating sushi in Tokyo, Euphoria. Selena Gomez had to promote voting rights driving the Amalfi Coast. It’s a voice-acting role in Hotel through More Than a Vote; been a long year.” Transylvania opposite Adam Barack and Michelle Obama Sandler, and next she’ll co- sparking dialogue through KELLY VALLON star with Steve Martin and their Spotify podcasts; and PARTNER Martin Short in the series Sacha Baron Cohen expos- WHAT’S IMPORTANT WHEN Only Murders in the Building. ing the dangers of voting for ADVISING A RISING TALENT? In both instances, Selena Trump through the comedic “When working with a rising brings a unique and powerful genius of Borat. In each Irina Volodarsky star like Olivia Rodrigo, you’re demographic of viewers to the instance, we are moving starting with more of a blank project who otherwise might beyond mere entertainment canvas. It’s important to edu- not tune in.” to educating and enlighten- structures that haven’t reflect- cate clients on the business ing the public.” ed its true market value.” as a whole, discussing specific MATT JOHNSON legal issues and the concepts PARTNER IRINA VOLODARSKY WHAT ARE YOU LOOKING underlying them and making ON THE INTERSECTION OF ON THE EFFECTS OF THE FORWARD TO AS THE BIZ introductions to potential ENTERTAINMENT SECTORS: CATALOG BOOM: “In terms RETURNS TO NORMAL? partners, vendors and collabo- “This is an exciting time of publishing acquisitions, “Hopefully, an industrywide rators. They’re often selecting for celebrities and cultural it’s a validation of song- reassessment of how things partners and representatives influencers of all types. Musi- writers and music publishing, can be done more efficiently with whom they’ll be work- cians, athletes and artists are which has for decades oper- and with more flexibility. ing for a long time, so I want using their voices in new and ated under statutory pricing And live shows.” n

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