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Author Steve Gordon

Steve Gordon

Music Industry Attorney

Steve Gordon is an entertainment attorney with over 20 years of experience in the entertainment industry, including 10 years as Director of Business Affairs for Sony Music, attorney at a law firm representing Atlantic and Elektra Records, and in-house music counsel for a Hollywood Studio. His current and recent clients include entertainment companies such as MTV, Music Choice, Time Life Films and Soul Train Holdings; record labels such as Smithsonian Folkways and Shout Factory; Television Services such as PBS, Maryland and Louisiana Public Broadcasting; and established as well as up-and-coming artists, producers, indie labels, and managers.

recording deals

Now You Know Everything About Recording Deals

Steve Gordon
December 11, 2017
2
Before you sign a major recording deal, read this post. You'll thank us later. The following comes from Steve Gordon, an entertainment attorney specializing in music, television, film and video.  He's also t... Read More...

Yes, Wealthy People Can Finance Artist Careers! Here’s How to Structure ‘Artist Investment Agreements’

Steve Gordon
September 29, 2017
5
I've negotiated artist investment agreements ranging from $25,000 to $2.5 million.  Here's everything you need to know about them. The following comes from noted music industry attorney Steve Gordon.  Gordon... Read More...

Before You Waste Money on a Lawyer: 5 Legal Steps for Every New Artist

Steve Gordon
April 28, 2016
6
  First, a Disclaimer (after all, I 'm a lawyer). This series of articles and the forms included in them have been created for informational purposes only and do not constitute legal advice. This art... Read More...
A Music Video Shoot

Before You Shoot Music Videos, Read This Important Legal Guide

Steve Gordon
January 12, 2016
12
The Evolution of Music Videos Ever since the first motion pictures, music videos have existed — though not as we know them!  Originally played with a piano over silent film, music videos began to take shape wi... Read More...

A Lawyer’s Guide to Structuring Paid Music Gigs

Steve Gordon
November 13, 2015
2
  This is the seventh installment of an 11-part series on music industry agreements by attorney and legal author Steve Gordon, author of The Future of the Music Business (Hal Leonard 4th Ed 2015).  ... Read More...

Now You Know Everything About Music Licensing for Films

Steve Gordon
September 28, 2015
9
This is the sixth installment of an 11-part series on music industry agreements by attorney and legal author Steve Gordon, author of The Future of the Music Business (Hal Leonard 4th Ed 2015).  Steve’s earl... Read More...

Now You Know Everything About Music Publishing

Steve Gordon
August 26, 2015
13
This is the fifth installment of an 11-part series on music industry agreements by attorney and legal author Steve Gordon, author of The Future of the Music Business (Hal Leonard 4th Ed 2015).  Steve’s earl... Read More...

The Music Producer Contract: Three Versions You Need to Know

Steve Gordon
July 30, 2015
27
In this article, we'll discuss the music producer contract in the context of the indie music business rather than standard producer agreements used by major labels. This is the fourth installment of an 11-pa... Read More...

A Simple Guide to Signing the Best Sync Deal Possible

Steve Gordon
May 25, 2015
21
Looking for information on how to properly vet, structure, and sign a synchronization (or 'sync' deal)?  You've come to the right place. The following is from our ongoing series, 'The 11 Contracts Every Arti... Read More...

The Music Contract From Hell That You Should NEVER Sign

Steve Gordon
March 19, 2015
30
Looking for an example of a bad music contract? Here's one to avoid at all costs — and guidance on how to find something better. The following is part of a series by music industry attorney Steve Gordon that... Read More...

Why Direct Licensing Deals Won’t Benefit Songwriters…

Steve Gordon
March 11, 2015
17
Steve Gordon is a top music industry attorney.  In this open letter to Congress, he tries to explain why direct licensing with services like Pandora is actually detrimental to songwriters. Dear Senat... Read More...

The Management Contract That Every Artist, Songwriter, and Producer Should Have

Steve Gordon
February 25, 2015
30
In this installment, we will discuss management agreements. The following comes Steve Gordon, regarded as one of the top attorneys in the music industry.  Last week, he outlined 11 contracts that every artis... Read More...
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