Tuesday, February 25, 2014

WELCOME TO TOLEDO MUSIC LAW


Why a Toledo-based music law blog? I say, Why not? Granted, this isn’t NYC, LA or Austin, but Toledo has contributed musicians to the worlds of jazz (Art Tatum and Jon Hendricks) and rock (Gary Louris), not to mention one of today’s hottest EDM exports (Wes Quinonez performing as Le Youth). And yes, many names could have been mentioned just as easily.

Some local players move on to bigger markets, but return to Toledo for homecoming shows and special events. Others play locally, but take off on periodic tours for weeks, or months, at a time. Through digital distribution, local artists can sell their tracks world-wide. We have a symphony. There is college-level music education, community college music technology programs, and Toledo School for The Arts. Our scene includes buskers, house concerts, clubs, theaters and concert halls. In my own circle of local friends and acquaintances, I am proud to know several musicians that support themselves solely by playing (or more precisely, by being paid to play) music. We still have independent record stores! In short, the business of music is alive and well right here in Toledo.
Check back periodically for updates on trends and legal developments impacting local Ohio artists, venues and promoters. Potential topics include performing rights societies (BMI, ASCAP, SESAC), revenue streams for musicians, etc. Leave a comment, or if you need guidance on a specific issue, send me an email.

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