WAM Festival: Stephen King

Business/Position: Media Arts Lawyers, Partner

Tell us about how you first became involved in the music business and where you are now? My first position in the music business was within a private practice law firm in London. I moved to Australia to head up Business Affairs at Mushroom Records before moving into private practice and I’m now a Principal Solicitor at Media Arts Lawyers.

Is this your first WA Music Conference? This is my first WA Conference for a number of years.  My last attendance was six/seven years ago but I recall in particular that the panel discussions were great as were the showcases especially as many of the bands from Perth were largely unknown to me.

What will you be primarily discussing during your appearance at the WA Music Conference, and why is this area important? As a lawyer I will be attempting to introduce the principle ideas of protection for the bands copyrights and branding in all aspects of their career. An artist’s copyrights are of paramount importance as an expression of that artist but also as their funding source from their artistic endeavours and the proper portrayal and protection of the artists brand can make or break an artist.

What are you expecting to take away from your WAM Festival visit? I am hoping to experience a number of new Western Australian artists at the showcases and to making new industry connections as well as catching up with existing industry friends.  Hopefully I will leave with some new clients that I can assist on their journey in the music industry.

One piece of advice to help others succeed in the music industry? Always understand what deals you are entering into, what rights you are granting and knowing that you never have to take the first deal that comes along.  If not sure, speak to me!