The BOMB Podcast

Professor Butler, J.D., LL.M. is a former record label executive, retired entertainment attorney, college professor and host of the BOMB podcast. BOMB stands for Business of Music Bootcamp, which means that this is the place where we will drill down on the business and legal aspects of the music industry. Everything from copyrights and contracts, to policies and practices, whatever it takes to empower you with the knowledge you need to make informed decisions about how to protect yourself and your music is what you’ll find on the BOMB. Disclaimer: This podcast is not intended, nor should it be construed, as legal advice. For guidance, seek the advice of an entertainment or music attorney in your local jurisdiction or visit https://www.professorbutler.com and sign up to receive a free resource on how to find the right lawyer for you.

Kelly Clarkson's Verbal Mgmt Agmt - Pt.2 - Post-Term Commissions 04/06/2021

Kelly Clarkson's Verbal Mgmt Agmt - Pt.2 - Post-Term Commissions In this week’s episode, Professor Butler will continue to explore the issues involved in the lawsuit between Kelly Clarkson and her ex-manager/ex-husband Brandon Blackstock. This week’s focus is on post-term commissions, the reason why Kelly Clarkson MAY still owe commissions to a manager that she is no longer working with, and how a well-negotiated, written Sunset Clause, can keep the same thing from happening to you. /episode/index/show/bombpodcast/id/18606104

The BOMB Podcast - Season II Intro 03/25/2021

The BOMB Podcast - Season II Intro After a well-deserved break, Professor Butler and the B.O.M.B. podcast are back in business. With all new episodes, the focus of Season II will be on Professor's unique commentary and witty analysis of music industry celebrity case studies, lawsuits and disputes. If you like what you hear, be sure to leave a review, as Professor Butler appreciates your support. Also, tune into her new YouTube channel (The BOMB Podcast) and reimagined website at www.professorbutler.com. /episode/index/show/bombpodcast/id/18445091

Kelly Clarkson’s Verbal Agreement – Pt.1 10/13/2020

Kelly Clarkson’s Verbal Agreement – Pt.1 In today’s episode of the BOMB podcast, Professor Butler will explore the elements of a binding verbal agreement using Kelly Clarkson’s recent lawsuit between her and her manager/ex-husband as a backdrop. Clarkson is being sued by her management company, Nashville-based Starstruck Management for unpaid and future commissions stemming from a 2007 verbal contract. Professor Butler will also discuss contract formation and the kinds of contracts that MUST be in writing in order to be enforced. /episode/index/show/bombpodcast/id/16387682

Work Made For Hire - Pt. 2 09/29/2020

Work Made For Hire - Pt. 2 In this week’s episode of the BOMB podcast, Professor Butler will briefly recap episode 10, where she discusses the first way to create a Work Made for Hire (a work created by an employee within the scope of employment), then quickly turns her focus towards the second way to create a WMFH, which is when someone orders or specially commissions an independent contractor to create the work. Professor Butler will pay special attention to the reason why record labels generally own your master recordings and why not every work for hire agreement satisfies the requirements outlined in the Copyright Act. /episode/index/show/bombpodcast/id/16192538

What is Work Made for Hire? Pt. 1 09/15/2020

What is Work Made for Hire? Pt. 1 In this week's episode of the BOMB podcast, Professor Butler breaks down what it means to create a Work Made For Hire. In this part one of a two-part episode, she explores works created by employees within the scope of their employment. She defines the doctrine and explains the ramifications of creating a work, particular a song, while employed by a music publisher as a staff or ghost writer. /episode/index/show/bombpodcast/id/16011935

50 Cent vs. Rick Ross: Stop Using My Voice! 08/25/2020

50 Cent vs. Rick Ross: Stop Using My Voice! In this week’s episode of the BOMB podcast, Professor Butler explores the right of publicity and the name and likeness provision that exists in every recording contract. Each of these issues are at the center of the lawsuit that 50 Cent filed against Rick Ross a few years ago, the very same lawsuit that came to an end last week. Professor Butler will discuss what led up to the lawsuit as well as the rationale for why the appellate court ruled in Rick Ross’ favor. 50 Cent & Rick Ross' Never-Ending Beef, a Complete History 50 Cent Loses Rick Ross 'In Da Club' Remix Appeal /episode/index/show/bombpodcast/id/15739478

Your Music is Your Property... Protect It! 08/18/2020

Your Music is Your Property... Protect It! In this week’s episode of the BOMB podcast, Professor Butler explores the four types of intellectual property: patents, trademarks, copyrights and trade secrets, through the lens of property rights in general. She breaks down the concept that all property, whether it’s real, personal, or intellectual, is entitled to a specific set of exclusive rights. Professor Butler will break the different types of property, the exclusive rights associated with property ownership, and the various laws created to protect those exclusive rights, no matter what type of property you own. /episode/index/show/bombpodcast/id/15644681

Young Vs Trump: Stop Using My Song! 08/11/2020

Young Vs Trump: Stop Using My Song! In this week's episode of the B.O.M.B. Podcast, Professor Butler discusses the copyright infringement lawsuit filed by singer Neil Young against Donald Trump and his reelection campaign, for the infringing use of two of Young’s songs while on the campaign trail. Professor Butler will explore the exclusive right to public performance, the significance of the Performance Rights Organizations (PRO's), exceeding the scope of a performance license, and how to avoid having a political candidate use your music without your permission. Neil Young, Donald Trump Spar Over ‘Rockin’ in the Free World’ Use Using Music in Political Campaigns /episode/index/show/bombpodcast/id/15554762

How to find (and afford) a Music Lawyer. 08/04/2020

How to find (and afford) a Music Lawyer. In this week’s episode, Professor Butler will talk about the all-important music and/or entertainment attorney, why you need one and how you should go about finding one, especially one you can afford. She will review what it takes to become a lawyer, the difference between a general practitioner and a specialist, the best time to hire an attorney, and options for those of you who need, but cannot afford, expensive legal representation. Billboard’s Top Music Lawyers – 2020 List Volunteer Lawyers for the Arts nationwide. Harvard Law School's Recording Artist Project (RAP) AWAL Blog on Building Your Dream Team: The Music Lawyer /episode/index/show/bombpodcast/id/15413444

The Migos Dispute: What if your lawyer is my lawyer too? 07/28/2020

The Migos Dispute: What if your lawyer is my lawyer too? In this week's episode, we will discuss legal advice, the attorney-client relationship, fiduciary duties, conflicts of interests and the Atlanta-based rap trio Migos' lawsuit against their (and their record label's) attorney. We will cover in detail: What a lawyer does; Why a lawyer is obligated to do what they do; and The four main things you should expect your lawyer to do for you. Links mentioned in this episode: /episode/index/show/bombpodcast/id/15368921

The Lady A Dispute: What if they steal my Name? Part II 07/21/2020

The Lady A Dispute: What if they steal my Name? Part II In this week's episode we pick up where we left off in episode #3, discussing the trademark dispute between country trio Lady Antebellum and blues singer Lady A. We also review the definition and purpose of trademark, common law trademark protection, consumer confusion and Professor Butler's 3-step process for protecting your name. /episode/index/show/bombpodcast/id/15289220

The Lady A Dispute: What if they Steal My Name? Part I 07/14/2020

The Lady A Dispute: What if they Steal My Name? Part I In this week’s episode, Professor Butler explores the name dispute between country trio Lady Antebellum, who recently changed their name to "Lady A", and Seattle-based blues singer Anita White, who has also been known as "Lady A" for the past 20 years. Professor Butler will break down the dispute in her signature style, by comparing and contrasting it with another famous trademark case involving the famed Kardashian sisters. This is part one of a two-part, episode so be sure to tune in next week for continued commentary and analysis. You won’t want to miss it! /episode/index/show/bombpodcast/id/15186761

What if they Steal my Music? 07/07/2020

What if they Steal my Music? In this week’s episode Professor Butler will talk about about the fear associated with sharing your music and the difference between copyright protection vs. copyright registration. Professor Butler has spent decades simplifying these complicated concepts using real-life scenarios, so that even an industry novice can understand. Listen in and start protecting yourself and your music today! /episode/index/show/bombpodcast/id/15100007

How NOT to get Scammed! 06/30/2020

How NOT to get Scammed! If you are in the music industry and need some sage advice on how to protect yourself and your music, check out this premiere episode of the B.O.M.B. podcast, where Professor Butler will outline the three things that everyone should do, should not do, and should stop doing in order to keep from getting scammed. /episode/index/show/bombpodcast/id/14979638

Trailer: the B.O.M.B. Podcast 06/15/2020

Trailer: the B.O.M.B. Podcast After 30+ years as an entertainment attorney, record label executive and college professor, Professor Butler created the BOMB (Business of Music Bootcamp) podcast. Each episode she shares her straight-talk commentary and insider analysis of the business and legal side of the music industry. She has spent her entire career empowering singers, songwriters, musicians, producers and other creatives with the knowledge they need to make informed decisions about how to protect themselves and their music. Now it’s your turn. /episode/index/show/bombpodcast/id/14758130

The BOMB Podcast

TOPICS