WAMCon Focus: Amanda Mason (Media Arts Lawyers)

How did you first become involved in the music business and how did you end up where you are today? I played in a band at school, but quickly realised that I was a terrible musician and that, if I wanted to have a career in the music industry, it certainly wasn't going to be as a musician, so I studied a Bachelor of Arts majoring in Music Business Management. The course involved a legal subject, and Phil Dwyer, one of Australia's longest practising music industry lawyers (who later become my first boss in the legal field) came and gave a talk to the class. That's when I decided that I would study law and become a music industry lawyer.
What's been the biggest change in the music business you've seen over the past 12 months? One of the most interesting changes in the music business has been the huge rise in the use and popularity of music streaming services, which, according to the IFPI's Global Music Report 2017, was up 60.4% last year.
What do you think will be the biggest issue affecting the music industry in the next 12 months and why? Perhaps not the biggest issue, but definitely something that, from a legal perspective, will affect the music industry in Australia, is the introduction of a streamlined process to hear intellectual property infringement cases in the Federal Circuit Court. The new process aims to make it quicker, easier and more cost effective for intellectual property rights holders to issue legal proceedings where their rights have been infringed.
What advice would you give young practitioners in your area starting out today? Many law firms offer internships/work experience to law students or graduates completing their practical legal training, which is both an invaluable opportunity to gain experience in the field and a great way to build your network.
What will you be primarily discussing during your appearance at the WAMCon? I'm part of the Deal-Breaking Dealio$ panel, which will cover the dos and don'ts of negotiating deals.
What are you hoping that people will be able to learn from your panel/interview? Hopefully people will come away with some great tips, both legal and otherwise, on negotiating the best deal possible.
Which acts are you most looking forward to checking out at WAMFest? Illyria, Bläckwitch, Conform and Lost Honours.
When and where is your panel/interview? Nov 4, State Theatre Centre of WA, Studio Underground at 12:10pm.