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.
My focus
As an entertainment attorney, I counsel creatives and companies on the legal and commercial aspects of deal-making, rights ownership, and strategic growth. My practice centers on helping artists, executives, and entrepreneurs maintain control over their ideas, careers, and businesses while maximizing their commercial potential.
Within the music industry, I represent a wide range of talent, including performing artists, songwriters, and producers. I negotiate recording, publishing, distribution, and catalog acquisition agreements with record labels, music publishers, and investors, and handle the full scope of contracts related to the creative process. I also work closely with artists and entrepreneurs forging independent paths, helping them design business models that emphasize ownership, sustainability, and autonomy.
In addition to talent representation, I have extensive experience in the live events sector, representing performers, promoters, venues, and festivals. My experience across all sides of the live music ecosystem allows me to anticipate client needs and align stakeholders.
I also advise executives across the entertainment industry, including managers, agents, and company leaders. I provide strategic counsel to these clients as they navigate pivotal career moves, leadership transitions, and the launch of new ventures.
Looking ahead
With the music catalog market maturing and revenue streams diversifying, I anticipate a renewed focus on long-term rights management and strategic exploitation—not just for legacy acts, but for emerging artists building future-facing businesses.
/Insights
Classes Taught
- Guest lecturer, “AI Developments and Considerations in the Entertainment Industry,” Nashville Bar Association, Annual Entertainment Sports & Media Law Institute, 2024
- Guest Lecturer, “The Evolving Production Agreement: Beats, Atmos and AI,” Tennessee Bar Association, Entertainment & Sports Law Forum, 2023
- Guest Lecturer ,“Navigating Fair Use: A Survey of Today’s Legal Landscape,” MCLE Virtual Seminar, 2023
- Guest lecturer at the HUBB Conference hosted by Creative Artists Agency (CAA), 2022
- Guest lecturer at Tennessee State University as part of its Music Accelerator Program, sponsored by the Black Music Action Coalition (BMAC), Wasserman Music and the RIAA, 2022
- “Introduction to Music Law,” Vanderbilt University, 2021
- “Introduction to Music Law,” Vanderbilt University, 2020
- “Intro to Music Business” Middle Tennessee State University, 2020
- “Introduction to Music Law,” Vanderbilt University, 2019
- Guest lecturer at the HUBB Conference hosted by Creative Artists Agency (CAA), 2019
- “Navigating the Music Industry,” Indiana University, 2018
- “Music Industry Contract Law,” Belmont University, 2017
Presentations
- “Decoding Discovery: How Fans, Data and Experience Shape the Next Big Act,” SXSW Conference & Festival, 2025
- “The Future of Music Contracts: Negotiate Smarter, Not Harder,” Copyright Society of the South, 2024
- “Legal Issues in the Age of AI,” Americana Music Festival & Conference, 2024
- “The Bass Line: Finding the Rhythm in Rights and Artistry,” National Museum of African American Music, Institutional Summit, 2024
- “Sponsorships Aren’t Just for the Big Dogs,” National Independent Venue Association, Annual Conference, 2024
- "Navigating Fair Use: A Survey of Today’s Legal Landscape,” Nixon Peabody 2023 California MCLE Virtual Seminar, January 19, 2023
- Panelist, “Hip-Hop/R&B In Nashville” Belmont University, Nashville, 2022
- Panelist, “Non-Country Nashville” , Young Entertainment Professionals (YEP), Nashville, 2021
- “Music Law Overview,” Creative Artists Agency, The HUBB Summit, 2019
- “Beyond the Basics: Contracts & Financials,” International Entertainment Buyer’s Association (I.E.B.A), 2016
In the news
- Billboard
Billboard’s 2025 Top Music Lawyers revealed
April 21, 2025Los Angeles Corporate partners Carron Mitchell and Farrah Usmani, both of NP’s Entertainment team, are featured in this article for being named to the publication’s 2025 Top Music Lawyers list, recognizing top attorneys who guide a wide range of recording artists, songwriters, entertainment executives, and companies in the music industry.
- The Tennessean
As Tennessee’s ELVIS Act goes into effect, the music industry braces for legal fallout
July 1, 2024Corporate partner and Entertainment team member Farrah Usmani is quoted in this article covering potential legal ramifications following Tennessee’s Ensuring Likeness Voice and Image Security (ELVIS) Act taking effect. Farrah discusses Tennessee leading the charge with voice protections against deepfakes and unauthorized uses of artists’ voices and likenesses, and how the new law adds more clarity for generative AI companies and attorneys counseling these companies.
- Variety
Variety’s Legal Impact Report 2024: Meet Hollywood’s top entertainment attorneys
April 17, 2024This report recognizing entertainment’s top dealmakers and litigators features NP’s Entertainment team, including partner and team leader Ellie Heisler, and partners Carron Mitchell, Christina Chang, and Farrah Usmani, all of the Los Angeles office and Corporate practice. The article highlights NP’s women-led team and entrepreneurial approach, and quotes Ellie on industry shifts in reaction to last year’s strikes. Los Angeles Corporate associate April Hua, a member of the firm’s Entertainment team, is also featured in the report as part of the publication’s 2024 “Up Next” group.
- Bloomberg Law
AI Can Write the Lyrics, But Who Owns the Music Is Up for Debate
April 10, 2024 - Billboard
Billboard’s 2024 Top Music Lawyers revealed
April 1, 2024Los Angeles Corporate partners Carron Mitchell and Farrah Usmani, both of the Entertainment team, are featured in this article for being named to the publication’s “2024 Top Music Lawyers” list, which recognizes attorneys who are advising superstars and industry-driving companies in negotiating recording deals, global tours, and catalog sales, among other areas.
- Variety
Variety’s Dealmakers of 2023: Hollywood’s dealmakers kept industry on course in a turbulent year
Dec 14, 2023This article announcing the publication’s “Dealmakers of 2023” recognizes members of the NP Entertainment team—the only all-woman group to be featured this year—for their high-impact work in the music and entertainment industries. The article highlights Los Angeles Corporate partner and Entertainment team lead Ellie Heisler, along with Corporate partner Carron Mitchell and Corporate partners-elect Christina Chang and Farrah Usmani, all of the Los Angeles office. The article quotes Ellie on adapting to challenges in the industry, including recent strikes and the growing use of artificial intelligence.
- Variety
Variety’s Legal Impact Report 2023
April 19, 2023This article recognizing the entertainment industry’s top dealmakers and litigators features NP’s Entertainment team, including partner and team leader Ellie Heisler, partner Carron Mitchell, and counsel Christina Chang and Farrah Usmani, all of the Los Angeles office and Corporate practice. The article highlights each attorney for recent work with notable music and entertainment industry clients, and quotes Ellie on developing a strong work ethic as a woman and first-generation American.
- Billboard
Billboard’s 2023 Top Music Lawyers revealed
April 3, 2023Los Angeles Corporate partner Carron Mitchell and counsel Farrah Usmani, both of the Entertainment team, are featured as two of the publication’s “Top Music Lawyers” of 2023. The article highlights the strengths of both Carron’s and Farrah’s practices and quotes them on what to expect looking ahead in music industry.
- 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
Admitted to practice
Tennessee
Education
University of Houston Law Center, J.D.
University of Texas, B.A.
Recognition
- Best Lawyers: Ones to Watch recognition for Entertainment and Sports Law and Intellectual Property Law 2025; also recognized in previous years
- Recognized for exceptional standing in the legal community in Chambers USA: America’s Leading Lawyers for Business 2024 for Media & Entertainment (Tennessee); also recognized in 2023
- Recognized in Billboard Magazine Top Music Lawyers, 2023, 2024, 2025
- Recognized in Variety’s Dealmakers Impact Report , 2022, 2024
- Recognized as a Nashville music industry leader in Music Row Magazine’s “Next Big Thing”, 2019, 2020, 2021
Insights And Happenings
View AllProfessionals in the Practice Area
View AllEllie L. Heisler
Partner / Team leader, Entertainment / Co-lead, Esports & Gaming- Los Angeles
- Office:+1 213.629.6097
- eheisler@nixonpeabody.com
-
April Hua
Associate / Co-lead, Esports & Gaming- Los Angeles
- Office:+1 213.629.6173
- ahua@nixonpeabody.com
-
