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    1. Home
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    3. Farrah A. UsmaniPeople
    1. Home
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    3. Farrah A. UsmaniPeople

    Farrah A. Usmani

    Counsel


    • fusmani@nixonpeabody.com
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    Introduction

    Farrah Usmani advises recording artists, songwriters, entertainment executives and companies in the music industry. She is well-versed in helping artists grow their careers while maintaining creative control and ownership of their intellectual property. Further, she has substantial experience structuring tour deals in the concert business.

    Farrah is based in Nashville, TN, and is admitted to practice in the State of Tennessee.

    Practice Areas

    Corporate & FinanceIntellectual Property

    Industries

    EntertainmentAdvertising, Promotions & Rights of Publicity

    My focus

    I work with music-driven creatives to develop growth strategies that preserve copyright ownership and creative control. I also advise clients on structuring and negotiating record deals, music publishing contracts, catalog sales, executive employment agreements, and matters related to every facet of live music production. I also serve as outside counsel to entertainment companies invested in the music business.

    Recorded Music & Publishing

    I negotiate recording agreements, distribution agreements, publishing agreements,  and catalog sales on behalf of musicians, songwriters, and producers. I’ve worked with virtually every major record label and music publisher, as well as IP investment companies that deal in the acquisition of music copyrights. Additionally, I have ample experience helping artists build independent careers. As new tools continue to emerge that help artists connect with their fans directly, I’ve leaned into developing strategies that help artists maintain control of their rights, especially in cases where traditional methods of monetization and artist development don’t make sense.

    Concerts and Touring

    I have substantial experience putting together deals in the live music space.  I routinely negotiate agreements with the world’s leading concert promoters, talent agencies, music venues, festivals, and live-streaming platforms.  I work closely with my clients and their teams to develop strategies that grow merchandise and ticket sales on the road. I am also well-versed in negotiating tour sponsorship and endorsement agreements between artists and brands.

    Music Industry Executives

    I provide legal advice and support to executives in the music industry.  I’ve helped top talent agents, streaming platform executives, record label personnel, and music managers navigate their employment contracts at some of the most influential institutions in the business. I leverage my experience and relationships to get the best results for my clients.

    Looking ahead

    I think the crypto art market will continue to be a point of interest for creatives in the music business. I also anticipate that as the music industry becomes more data-driven, artists will seek new ways to monetize their art beyond traditional formats and partners.

    Presentations

    • “Introduction to Music Law,” Vanderbilt University, 2020
    • “Navigating the Music Industry,” Indiana University, 2018
    • “Music Industry Contract Law,” Belmont University, 2017
    • “Beyond the Basics: Contracts & Financials,” International Entertainment Buyer’s Association (I.E.B.A), 2016

    Admitted to practice

    Tennessee

    Education

    University of Houston Law Center, J.D.
    University of Texas, B.A.

    Recognition

    • Recognized in Variety’s Dealmakers Impact Report in 2022
    • Best Lawyers: Ones to Watch recognition for Entertainment and Sports Law, 2023

    News Mentions

    • Bloomberg Law

      Wake up call

      This roundup of notable legal news and moves mentions the arrival of Farrah Usmani, who focuses her entertainment practice on recording artists, songwriters, entertainment executives, and companies in the music industry.
      July 29, 2021

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