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Entertainment
Lawyer Q&A By Mick Spence
EAT'M: You can't beat 'em
I recently attended the Emerging Artists & Technology in Music (EAT'M)
conference in Las Vegas. WOW! If you care about this industry, your career in this
industry, or just want to learn about how this industry works, don't miss next year's
conference.
Just as I had recently covered SXSW for this publication, I thought it would be
appropriate to report back on another entertainment meets technology conference, for
perspective. I chose to attend this conference after hearing some good things about past
events, even though the conference itself is in its relative infancy. Compared to others
which might have more word-of-mouth recognition or reputation, don't count this newer
kid on the block out. In fact, just as we do with new talent, new technologies and new
collaborations, pay attention to the way this conference takes the old school formula and
breathes new enthusiasm & encouragement into its programming and message.
EAT'M began as a showcase conference for unsigned acts to get the opportunity
to perform for record label or industry decision-makers outside of their respective locales.
Originally, the acronym stood for Emerging Artists & TALENT in Music. In its first
three years, it could claim responsibility for several unsigned artists being signed, such
as: Michelle Branch, Slipknot, Alien Ant Farm and Papa Roach. After a year in hiatus
(hey, don't we all need a break sometime?), EAT'M returned this year in full force. The
name, subtly but appropriately, revised with a new twist: EAT'M now stands for
Emerging Artists & TECHNOLOGY in Music--an acknowledgement of the role
technology has played, and will continue to play, in today's artistic & commercial
landscape.
This year's EAT'M conference took place May 29th to the 31st in Las Vegas.
Consistent with previous years, there were ample opportunities for the chosen bands and
individual artists to perform showcase sets for the benefit of attendees, and in hopes of
being wooed A&R reps from both the majors and respectable indie labels. Even a couple
of our local bands, Landing Gear and Roger, made the trek to Vegas, in hopes of securing
the right audience and deals. By the sounds of their performances, and some of the
grapevine rumblings I heard afterward, both had some buzz and potential for securing a
record deal going on. There were also nightly, extravagant, corporate-sponsored social
events that were perfect opportunities to meet and greet other attendees, and discuss the
talent, technology and/or industry buzz issues that seemed appropriate at the time.
Finally, most appreciated by industry-curious & knowledge-hungry attendees, myself
included, were the educational panels that ran consistently and in multiples throughout
each day. There were several seminars that were presented by expert panels and industry
players, such as Mick Fleetwood (Fleetwood Mac & Tall Man Records founder), Miles
Copeland (the Police & Sting's former manager), Ron Shapiro (newly appointed Co-
President of Atlantic Records), Kevin Lyman (Producer of the Vans Warped Tour), Jeff
Pulver (CEO and Founder of Pulver.com), Gregg Latterman (accountant-turned-label-
President of Aware Records) and Berko (maverick-funnyman-but-advice-straight-shooter
VP of A&R, Maverick Records).
The most remarkable, and perhaps dollar-for-dollar valuable portion of the
educational panels, were the Continuing Legal Education (CLE) seminars addressing
legal topics. While these seminars are generally put on for the benefit and attention of
attorneys, EAT'M threw the doors open to anyone who wanted to attend—law license or
not. This was remarkable, because these programs are usually run for lawyers, by
lawyers. Why would we want a bunch of our potential clients crashing the party and
learning something that we would be willing to teach them ourselves, at an hourly rate?
(That's rhetorically speaking). Furthermore, the entire compilation of written legal
materials, covering three-days of educational lectures, were available to anyone who
wanted to pony-up thirty bucks. That's three days of lawyers-teaching-lawyers materials,
for the cost of calling some lawyers to schedule an appointment! You can't find that
good of a cost/benefit package if you were working hard looking for it. Jeff Cohen,
Publisher of Music Biz magazine and an entertainment lawyer himself pulled this portion
of the conference together. As good as this portion of the program was, I overheard Jeff
talking about his greater plans for next year's program. It should be great.
Finally, props must go out to the founder and effective cheerleader of this event:
Lisa Tenner. This woman was omnipresent, perpetually positive (without being
gooey/schmaltzy) and inspiring in both her words & deeds. Ms. Tenner has an
impressive background in the music industry, including acting as personal manager of
Toto, the band formerly fronted by occasional City's TONE contributor, Fergie
Fredriksen. Her commitment to this new endeavor is apparent, and applaud able.
I realize this month's column sounded like an advertisement. It is not intended to
be anything other than a subjective review of another professional career-building
conference; albeit one that I enjoyed in many realms. I just believe I have an obligation
to tell you what is out there, and which of those opportunities merit your attention. If
you're serious about the entertainment and/or technology industries, go there next year. I
can't imagine how you could be disappointed. I'll see you there.
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© 2002 Mick Spence, Esq.
As originally published in City's Tone July 2002 edition. |
10 South Fifth Street, Suite 700 | Minneapolis, MN 55402
Phone: 612.375.1555 | Fax: 612.375.1511 | E-mail: info@spencelawfirm.com
© Copyright 1999-2007
The Spence Law Firm.
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