This past year, my sixth as a sole practitioner, was the most eventful year yet for my practice. I had plenty of cool stuff happen, including the following:
Stuff I Went and Did
I spoke at SXSW – yes, that actually happened. The title of my panel was “Building Your Team.” This was either my seventh or eighth year at SXSW, but my first year as a bona fide panelist (last year I was on a mentor session). The session was at capacity, thanks mostly to the company I was in – Maggie Vail of CASH Music, Nicole Poulos of Sideways Media, and Jay Coyle of Music Geek Services.
I was named a Legal Elite in Entertainment Law by Georgia Trend Magazine.
I was also named a Rising Star in Entertainment Law by Super Lawyers for the second year in a row. I appreciate everyone who nominated and vouched for me.
I got to judge another Eddie’s Attic Bi-Annual Songwriter’s Shootout. This was really an honor, and also a challenge. Lots of great talent – hard to make decisions. Through judging this competition, I became acquainted with Stela Cole, who is an amazingly talented singer/songwriter – expect big news about her later this year.
As an Officer of the State Bar of Georgia Entertainment & Sports Law Section, I chaired the Entertainment Law Basics Boot Camp. We’re about to start planning events for next year, so I look forward to assisting with some more stuff. If you’re an attorney who wants to get involved or has an idea for a panel, then let me know.
I spoke at the 7th Annual PESA Summit in Athens, GA, as well as in Andrew Rieger’s class in UGA’s Terry College of Business Music Business Program.
I did an interview about music I like here and was also interviewed for a blog here. I spoke at a few other things here and there throughout the year, too.
Stuff I Went and Wrote
I got to write some cool and/or rad stuff, including a post for the CASH Music blog (which is called Watt) on reading and negotiating record deals.
Clients Who Went and Did Stuff
The best part about what I do is who I get to work with. Yes, that’s cheesy, but it’s also 100% true. Over the past year, I’ve worked with a lot of talented folks. Impossible to list all client projects here, but here are some projects that come to mind as I’m writing this newsletter. Apologies for missing any big stuff.
Faye Webster released an album on Awful Records.
Brian Clowdus at Serenbe Playhouse staged an amazing version of Cabaret.
Lee Bains III & the Glory Fires released a record on Don Giovanni Records.
Black Kids are releasing some new music.
I worked on two fantastic films, Viva Amiga, about the Amiga computer, and A Life in Waves about Suzanne Ciani. Excited to also be working with longtime clients on a forthcoming documentary on Other Music (formerly a record store in NYC).
Caroline and Cristen, formerly of the Stuff Mom Never Told You podcast, wrote a book and started a new podcast called Unladylike.
Daniel Martin Moore, Ruby Force, Ivory Williams, and White Violet all released new records. The Artisanals have a record coming out September 14. New Arbor Labor Union (formerly Pinecones) music is available here.
Sejva released some music on Company Records.
I Went and Still Did Entertainment Law
Yes, I still do 100% entertainment, intellectual property, and creative small business law. If you or anyone you know is in need of any legal counsel in the fields of music, film, television, intellectual property (copyrights and trademarks), creative small business, or other related fields, then please reach out. I’d be happy to help. My firm is also still Of Counsel in the Entertainment & Media Practice Group in the Nashville office of Loeb & Loeb LLP, which has proven to be a great benefit to me and my practice, and therefore also my clients.
Thanks! Feel free to update me on your projects. And if you need anything from me, please don’t hesitate to ask. I’m always reachable by email and phone or text (404) 913-4232. If you want to keep up with The Seay Firm on a more regular basis, then check the website often for updates, as I blog frequently. You can also follow me on Twitter (@TheSeayFirmLLC) and “Like” me on Facebook.
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