The Future of Music Contracts: Negotiate Smarter, Not Harder – 11/14/24
On November 14, 2024, the Copyright Society of the South welcomed panelists Jeanette Porcell, Farrah Usmani, John Strohm, and Eric Hurt, who presented industry trends and updates regarding copyright-related contract negotiations. The luncheon event was held for Society members and their guests at The Mechanical Licensing Collective’s headquarters in Nashville, Tennessee.
With more than 20 years’ experience in Nashville’s music industry, Eric Hurt launched EMPIRE’s Nashville division as their VP of A&R, spearheading EMPIRE’s country initiatives and supporting the company’s expansion into genres outside of Hip Hop and R&B. Hurt’s focus is on building EMPIRE’s label and distribution business as well as growing its publishing roster. In 2020, Hurt signed Shaboozey to EMPIRE’s label division. Shaboozey has risen to be global star with his Billboard #1 “A Bar Song (Tipsy)”. This smash has also broken the record as the longest country radio hit in history (7 weeks at #1 on country radio), the longest running Billboard #1 in Canada, the first artist / song in history to go #1 across 4 different radio formats, is quickly approaching tying the record for the longest running #1 on Billboard Hot 100, among many other notable achievements. In 2021 Eric was featured in Billboard’s 2020 Indie Power Players list as well as Billboard’s 2020 Country Power Players list.
Jeanette Porcello is currently a Senior Manager of A&R at Downtown Artist and Label Services, where she is leading the company’s expansion into the vibrant Nashville market and empowering artists to build lasting careers. She has signed and championed artists such as Judah and the Lion, Abbey Cone, Tiera Kennedy, Mat Kearney, and Fancy Hagood. Passionate about the growing Nashville music scene, Porcello serves on the leadership team of The Other Nashville Society. In addition to her A&R role, she founded Dog Ear Management, representing Nashville-based writers and producers Collin Pastore, Jake Finch, and Taylor Dubray.
Farrah A. Usmani, Esq. is a partner at Nixon Peabody, LLP. She advises creative clients across many sectors of the entertainment industry, including music matters, branding and endorsements, visual arts, and live events. Farrah is a native Texan and a graduate of the University of Houston Law Center. Outside of her law practice, she is a member of the South Asian Bar Association and serves on the board of Girls Write Nashville, a nonprofit organization that facilitates youth music education in Title I schools across Davidson County, TN.
John P. Strohm is a music industry lawyer and a partner in the firm Meitus Gelbert Rose LLP. Strohm is a 35-year veteran of the music industry who began his career as a professional musician and a member of popular alternative rock bands The Lemonheads and Blake Babies. His law practice has focused on representing artists and artist-friendly music companies such a record labels, publishers, and artist management companies. From 2017-2022 Strohm was President of Rounder Records, a Concord label with an artist roster focused on roots and Americana music.
The Society extends its deep appreciation to The MLC for its hospitality and assistance with the event.
The Copyright Society of the South board of directors welcome its guest panelists to the November 14 event. L to R (sitting): Eric Hurt and Aaron Hartley. L to R (standing): Kent Draughon; John Strohm; Brian Buchanan; Tim Wipperman; Farrah Usmani; Jeanette Porcello; Colin Rushing; Rick Marshall.
The Copyright Society of the South was formed in 1988 in Nashville, Tennessee, consisting of music publishers, attorneys, music industry personnel, and academicians interested in the field of copyright law. Its mission is to provide a forum for study and discussion of domestic and international copyright law and other matters pertaining to the entertainment industry. It provides seminars, speakers, presentations, and the opportunity to present various points of view on subjects of interest to the membership. The Society refrains from taking a lobbying role or endorsing or sponsoring political positions or candidates. The Society also offers a scholarship awards program for students majoring in copyright-related fields.
Members are accepted into the organization by board vote. If you are interested in joining the Copyright Society of the South please email us at copyrightsocietyofthesouth@gmail.com . Please attach a PDF copy of your resume, CV, and/or bio in your email communication.
Category: Core Content, Event Photos, Event Pics, News
