Behind every deal made is a lawyer writing the contract. In this episode of Thinkin’ & Drinkin’, Austen shares about growing up in Louisiana, his transition to Nashville and how he began in the music business.
Meet Austen
Austen Adams moved to Nashville in 2003 from his home state of Louisiana. Since then, he has built a vast entertainment law practice where he has represented and advised recording artists, songwriters, producers, artist managers, music publishers, record labels, executives, and other music industry professionals.
Austen has a wide range of experience, including structuring and negotiating a variety of agreements ranging from recording, music publishing, copyright administration, live performance, joint venture, licensing, merchandising, asset purchase, television talent, employment, and production and distribution deals. He has also helped form numerous successful entertainment companies and other business entities. He has advised on issues relating to digital distribution and licensing of music and entertainment content, and the protection and development of intellectual property and brands. Austen is well versed in music publishing catalog sales and has experience with talent and intellectual property acquisition.
Prior to working as an entertainment lawyer, Austen spent time as a road manager, taking on the responsibility of organizing numerous touring engagements across the country, and also worked as a day-to-day artist manager of numerous recording artists. In the fall of 2019, Austen was hired on as the Chief Operations Officer at Big Loud Records and Publishing.
Austen graduated Magna Cum Laude from the University of Louisiana at Lafayette in 1996, and obtained his J.D. from the Louisiana State University School of Law in 1999 where he was a member of Phi Kappa Phi, Order of the Coif and the Louisiana Law Review. He is a member of the Nashville Bar Association, Tennessee Bar Association, Copyright Society of the South, Country Music Association, Academy of Country Music and The Recording Academy. Austen has also spent time as an adjunct professor at Belmont University, Mike Curb College of Entertainment and Music Business and was a member of the 2018 Leadership Music Class.
What Bart has to say:
Austen has been not only my attorney but a good friend for many years. He has such a different insight on the music industry from starting as a manager, to a lawyer to now a COO of one of Nashville's top independent music publishers/record labels. I'm super proud of him and can't wait for our next golf game.
In this episode, you’ll hear
Austen’s start in the music industry
Where to start when you are signing your first deal and need a lawyer
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