The Songwriter’s Cut: Understanding Publishing Deals in the Streaming Era – April 30, 2025
On April 30, 
2025, the Copyright Society of the South welcomed panelists Lauren Spahn, Don Glista, Josh Hefner, and John Ozier, who discussed the evolving landscape of songwriter agreements, equipping practitioners with the tools to effectively represent clients in today’s dynamic music publishing market. Their critical analysis delved into the legal ramifications of shifting revenue streams, digital rights management, and streaming royalties, examining how these changes impact contract terms, including advances, recoupment, and ownership rights. The CLE luncheon event was held for Society members and their guests at the Country Music Association event room in Nashville, Tennessee.
L to R: Lauren Spahn (Moderator); John Ozier; Josh Hefner; Don Glista.
The Society extends its deep appreciation to these industry experts for presenting to the organization strategic insights into negotiating favorable agreements for songwriters, maximizing their earnings and safeguarding their creative control in an increasingly complex industry.
As Shareholder in the Nashville office of Buchalter and Co-Chair of Buchalter’s Entertainment Industry Group. Lauren Spahn represents the legal and business interests of artists, songwriters, publishers, talent buyers, executives, record labels, technology companies, and other entertainment industry clients. Lauren has been recognized by Billboard as one of the “Top Music Lawyers” for the past 3 years and is regularly featured in MusicRow Magazine’s “In Charge” in the entertainment business. She is a member of the Leadership Music Class of 2019 and currently serves as Legal Counsel for the Women in Music Business Association. Lauren holds a Masters in Music Business and Entertainment Industries and Juris Doctorate from the University of Miami.
Don Glista’s music career began in 2010 after completing a master’s degree in London. He started working with the Music Publishers Association, XL Talent/Reverb Music Publishing (a London based independent producer/writer management/publishing company), and assisting UK Music with relevant legal issues affecting the British music industry. He was hired into UMPG’s London’s office in 2011 and then relocated to UMPG’s Nashville office in 2020. As VP in the Business Affairs department, he works closely with the London, LA, and NY offices, while also overseeing all of the Nashville signings. Additionally, he works with UMPG Classics & Screens which administers and publishes UMPG’s classical and film composers. In addition to his role in Business Affairs, he also has a passion for going to live shows and helps find new talent as part of his creative role at UMPG.
Joshua Hefner is Partner at Mark Music & Media Law, P.C. Hefner focuses on contractual issues surrounding all facets of the music industry. Prior to Mark MML, Joshua worked for nearly six years at Serling Rooks Hunter McKoy Worob & Averill LLP, honing his skills on negotiation and transactional matters and advising on both high-profile and new artist projects. As a former major label recording artist and touring musician himself, Joshua has an understanding and appreciation of the issues faced by artists in today’s music industry. His unique perspective allows him to play an active and important role in the growth of his clients’ careers. Joshua graduated magna cum laude from Loyola University New Orleans, College of Law in 2016 with an emphasis on intellectual property, technology, and entrepreneurship. He lives in Nashville, TN and is a member of both the Louisiana Bar and the Tennessee Bar.
John Ozier heads Reservoir Music Group’s Nashville office, which he helped launch in 2019. Under his leadership, the location has become a thriving music office, with a team of six, plus several writing rooms on site utilized by the Reservoir roster and others. Ozier serves on the senior management team of Reservoir, which celebrated its third year as a publicly traded company in 2024. His reputation has helped Reservoir solidify deals with some of country music’s most legendary names, while his keen ear has identified and fostered the growth of its up-and-coming songwriters. In addition, Ozier has established himself as a key player in the industry, having previously served as the National Chair of the Association of Independent Music Publishers (AIMP) for two years, and as the Nashville Chapter Head and President for eight years. Ozier continues to serve on the Board of the Nashville Chapter. Over the last 18 months Ozier’s signings contributed to seven Hot 100 tracks and 20 Billboard 200 Albums, including 12 #1s across all Billboard charts. Chart positions are just one metric demonstrating Ozier’s tastemaker status. His signings across the last year and a half have also garnered impressive industry recognition, with countless nominations and award wins across several industry ceremonies.
How to Join the Copyright Society of the South
Consideration for Society membership is open to attorneys, business people, academians, administrators and others interested in the field of copyright law. The Board of Directors has set the annual dues at $300.00 in order to provide top quality speakers, seminars, presentations and an information flow to the membership regarding the field of copyright. The annual dues also cover all normal luncheon and reception costs for members including meals, CLE credit, and online content/access. Members are accepted into the organization by board vote. If you are interested in joining the Copyright Society of the South please visit our website.
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