What it means for independent music creators

After 5 years, the Help Independent Tracks Succeed (HITS) Act is finally signed into law! Here's what you need to know:

Tax Break!

The HITS Act provides tax relief for you (independent artists, songwriters, and labels) by allowing up to $150,000 in music production expenses to be deducted in the year they are incurred.

Parity with other Creative Sectors

It aligns the music industry with other creative sectors, such as film, television, and live theater, which already benefit from similar tax incentives.

A Win for Independent Creators

It is a victory for independent music creators like you, who struggle to compete against the market power of big tech platforms.

Let's spread the word to your independent music artist/engineer/producer communities - share this post!

Thoughts or questions on the HITS Act? Drop them in the comments.

Sources: The Recording Academy, American Association of Independent Music, National Independent Talent Organization, Pollstar

5 tips for music artists

Sync licensing uses both composition/publishing and sound recording/master.

Terms and fees are individually negotiated.

Be specific on the grant of rights!

• All TV, free TV, pay TV?

• Theatrical, non-theatrical performance?

• Streaming internet, download?

• Film festival?

• Social media?

• All media?!

Be specific on the use!

• Foreground?

• Background?

• Credits?

• Theme song?

• How much of the song is used?

• Exclusive or nonexclusive?

• Can edits/changes be made?

Beware of offers for “exposure”!

Beware of language granting free performance rights!

Musicians! Don't miss this important detail in your producer agreements!

Come learn all about music publishing!!

This Tuesday, June 17, Dave Ratner is the featured presenter in the "Anatomy of the Deal" series, a year-long succession of events from the Sports & Entertainment Section of the Colorado Bar Association.

Publishing rights and administration is often considered one of the most complicated aspects of entertainment law in general. Dave will break it down in terms all practitioners can understand, covering both legal and music business angles. 

So whether you're working in the field or just curious to learn more, come dig into the terminology and structures involved in this fascinating aspect of law and practice! 

Click to register here.

"Who owns the copyright of this song?" is a loaded question.

Dave Ratner breaks it down for us in plain English!

Ack! Paperwork?!

It's probably NOT the most exciting aspect of being a musician... but having the right contracts in place is crucial to a thriving music career.

Fear not! Here's a basic guide to get you started.

Dear music people,

If you could send one message about intellectual property (IP) and music, what would you say?

In 2025, we celebrate the contributions of creators, inventors, and entrepreneurs who are pushing the boundaries of innovation and creativity to make music that brings people together, evokes powerful emotions and drives change.

IP rights empower creators, innovators, and entrepreneurs to bring fresh ideas to the music industry, safeguarding the work of songwriters, composers, performers, and all those who shape music!  #WorldIPDay 2025 is an opportunity to highlight how creativity and innovation, backed by IP rights, support a thriving music scene that benefits everyone, everywhere!

Comment your favorite music creatives and celebrate them today!

ASCAP, BMI? PROs in under a minute! We just wrapped up the six-week series "Own Your Sound" and you can catch ALL the recordings at CBCA's YouTube channel!

Save this post and hit follow because we love talking about the law and business of music to help YOU thrive in your music career!

Find out all you need to know about the business side of a music career at the final class of "Own Your Sound: Master the Business of Music" brought to you by Colorado Attorneys for the Arts (CAFTA) and Colorado Music Industry Alliance (CMIA)!

Dave Ratner will conclude the six-week series about the law and business of music to secure your rights, collect your revenue, and have a successful career. From the first to last session, it's all for FREE!! The virtual sessions are held weekly on Monday nights from 6:00 – 7:30 pm, wrapping up this April 7.

You can still sign up! Register here

Questions? Send us a message.

Hit the right notes without tripping on the legalese

We know that building a successful music career can be overwhelming... so we put together this checklist just for you! It's not exhaustive, and not every item is relevant to everyone—but it's a helpful start to navigating the legal and business side of your music!

Save and share this post now.

P.S. "Own Your Sound: Master the Business of Music" is still running! Catch this six-week FREE online series brought to you by Colorado Attorneys for the Arts (CAFTA) and Colorado Music Industry Alliance (CMIA) all about the law and business of music to secure your rights, collect your revenue, and have a successful career.