Tell us a little bit about how you started in the Music Industry and what you do
I can ’ t think of a single other person among my peers or age group who can say this – but I ’ ve been deeply privileged that Lata Mangeshkar was how I started in the music business ! She was my first ever client who I advised and acted for during the very early days of my career as a lawyer . Over the years of my practice as an entertainment attorney , I ’ m so humbled to continue to have the privilege of acting as her advisor . I run one of the country ’ s leading and often recognised as one of the best entertainment and intellectual property firms where my team and I advise a plethora of talent , businesses and services across film , tv , music and tech . We have a star-studded roster of artists , filmmakers , authors , actors as well as some of the most prestigious companies and businesses in the world who look at India as an important emerging marking in the content space . Music is a large part of our expertise and we ’ re proud of the amazing work we ’ ve been able to do on that front , right from the cross-border record deals for our artist clients , to leading market entry into India for key global players in the business , to having appeared in court in some of the most-watched industry disputes and controversies of our times .
How has the legal formalities in music evolved over the years according to you ?
It ’ s only gotten more and more nuanced over the years . It truly is a specialist ’ s job . The legal framework and what one is able to do within its boundaries is constantly and rapidly evolving with ever-changing technology and the speed and volume with which content is created and consumed . It ’ s also quite incredible to see how much the rights and deal landscape has evolved over the years – on the artist side , I interact with clients who are getting increasingly savvy commercially and legally with great overall teams in place to get the best possible deal or outcome – be it a release plan or a marketing campaign or an endorsement – it ’ s such a rush to see all of us pull all stops to make things happen . And on the business side , platforms , brands , record labels too are constantly innovating with how extensively and fruitfully music can interact with wider audiences , creating multiple income and revenue streams . As a lawyer though what remains irreplaceable for me is thorough knowledge of my subject and domain expertise . And often , in my experience , this is a mix of knowing the law but also being totally tuned in to commercial practices and trends . Also , the role of a good advisor has evolved so much – it ’ s no longer limited to simply red-lining agreements . In fact , it ’ s a disservice if that ’ s the only role a client sees you fulfilling . There ’ s so much more an advisor can bring to the table – strategising on construct of deals , disputes , crises , controversy , llegations ranging from one extreme to another , social media backlash , dealing with public facing outcomes and statements , the list is endless in my view . It ’ s easy to under-estimate how crucial a role a sound and adept legal advisor can play in shaping careers and businesses and steering conversations in the right direction .
What are some major issues that artists face legally in the industry ?
The most common ones would be enforcing their rights , having to navigate a complex legal system one really did want to pursue a claim and the associated costs of litigation , dealing with still a very disorganised sector , shortage of good managers ( not someone who can book a gig but can truly manage a career ) and lack of true and accurate information .
What are 5 pro tips you would like to give artists in the music industry ?
Don ’ t believe the numbers they say , they ’ re all inflated . Don ’ t DIY contracts – Just like music , it ’ s best left to the experts . Haste makes waste . Deals are a commercial exchange – if you ’ re feeling short changed , you don ’ t have to go through with it . Don ’ t mix relationships / friendships and business .
How has the pandemic impacted the scene according to you ?
There ’ s no doubt that the entire live industry has taken a huge hit and I think that ’ s a bigger loss than most can imagine – not just to the artist but to the crew , the production , the venue , platforms and the entire army of people that is connected to the live economy . There ’ s nfortunately no relief fund for this one and it ’ s one of the biggest learnings for our music industry from this pandemic . opefully , we ’ ll all come together and find ways to add more structure and support to this arm of the business that feeds so many .
Could you point out 3 advantages artists have in the industry from a legal point of view .
Content is king ! That ’ s all the leverage an artist will ever need . As an artist , especially in today ’ s time , you have a voice and an influence , which the previous generation didn ’ t quite as much enjoy to the extent that artists do today . In my view , there is great power in this . In having reach , in building communities , in being able to influence . The key is how one chooses to exercise it .
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