Athens, Ga. – The Third Annual Protect Athens Music Conference will be held Feb. 27 beginning at 3 p.m. at the Melting Point in downtown Athens. It will address issues such as copyright and licensing, touring, how to run a record label, merchandising and a myriad of legal matters surrounding the music industry. Organized by the University of Georgia School of Law’s Sports and Entertainment Law Society and the Terry College of Business’ Music Business Program, this event is free and open to the public.
“The purpose of this symposium is to raise awareness of current music industry-related issues as well as to promote and celebrate the fantastic music scene that we are lucky enough to have in Athens,” said Walker Beard, conference organizer and a third-year law student. “This event is perfect for anyone with a band, anyone who wants to know how the business side of the music industry works, anyone who wants to take his band from a hobby to a career and anyone who wants to work in the entertainment industry as a lawyer, for a record label company, or for a promotion/booking company. Also, anyone who likes the bands R.E.M., Of Montreal, The Whigs and the Drive-By Truckers—all of which are represented in our panels—should enjoy the discussions.”
The conference will have sessions focusing on legal matters, business/digital sales and labels and songwriters/touring musicians.
Conference panelists will include: Patterson Hood, the Drive-By Truckers; Dorothy “Dottie” Alexander, Of Montreal; Julian Dorio, The Whigs; Alyssa DeHayes, Team Clermont publicity company; Corey Flegel, This Is American Music record label; Peniece LeGall, SESAC; Shawn Nolan, entertainment lawyer; Tommy Robinson, New West Records; and John P. Strohm, Loeb & Loeb attorney, among others. Session moderators will be: David Barbe, UGA Music Business Program Director; Bertis E. Downs IV, former R.E.M. legal counsel and manager; and David E. Shipley, School of Law Georgia Athletic Association Professor.
On Feb. 28 from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. at Nuçi’s Space, there will be a free legal clinic where music-related questions can be posed to a practicing attorney.
For more information, see facebook.com/protectathensmusic.
