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Introduction
Farrah Usmani advises recording artists, songwriters, entertainment executives and companies in the music industry. She is well-versed in helping artists grow their careers while maintaining creative control and ownership of their intellectual property. Further, she has substantial experience structuring tour deals in the concert business.
Farrah is based in Nashville, TN, and is admitted to practice in the State of Tennessee.
My focus
I work with music-driven creatives to develop growth strategies that preserve copyright ownership and creative control. I also advise clients on structuring and negotiating record deals, music publishing contracts, catalog sales, executive employment agreements, and matters related to every facet of live music production. I also serve as outside counsel to entertainment companies invested in the music business.
Recorded Music & Publishing
I negotiate recording agreements, distribution agreements, publishing agreements, and catalog sales on behalf of musicians, songwriters, and producers. I’ve worked with virtually every major record label and music publisher, as well as IP investment companies that deal in the acquisition of music copyrights. Additionally, I have ample experience helping artists build independent careers. As new tools continue to emerge that help artists connect with their fans directly, I’ve leaned into developing strategies that help artists maintain control of their rights, especially in cases where traditional methods of monetization and artist development don’t make sense.
Concerts and Touring
I have substantial experience putting together deals in the live music space. I routinely negotiate agreements with the world’s leading concert promoters, talent agencies, music venues, festivals, and live-streaming platforms. I work closely with my clients and their teams to develop strategies that grow merchandise and ticket sales on the road. I am also well-versed in negotiating tour sponsorship and endorsement agreements between artists and brands.
Music Industry Executives
I provide legal advice and support to executives in the music industry. I’ve helped top talent agents, streaming platform executives, record label personnel, and music managers navigate their employment contracts at some of the most influential institutions in the business. I leverage my experience and relationships to get the best results for my clients.
Looking ahead
I think the crypto art market will continue to be a point of interest for creatives in the music business. I also anticipate that as the music industry becomes more data-driven, artists will seek new ways to monetize their art beyond traditional formats and partners.
Insights
Classes Taught
- Guest lecturer at the HUBB Conference hosted by Creative Artists Agency (CAA), 2022
- Guest lecturer at Tennessee State University as part of its Music Accelerator Program, sponsored by the Black Music Action Coalition (BMAC), Wasserman Music and the RIAA, 2022
- “Introduction to Music Law,” Vanderbilt University, 2021
- “Introduction to Music Law,” Vanderbilt University, 2020
- “Intro to Music Business” Middle Tennessee State University, 2020
- “Introduction to Music Law,” Vanderbilt University, 2019
- Guest lecturer at the HUBB Conference hosted by Creative Artists Agency (CAA), 2019
- “Navigating the Music Industry,” Indiana University, 2018
- “Music Industry Contract Law,” Belmont University, 2017
Presentations
- "Navigating Fair Use: A Survey of Today’s Legal Landscape,” Nixon Peabody 2023 California MCLE Virtual Seminar, January 19, 2023
- Panelist, “Hip-Hop/R&B In Nashville” Belmont University, Nashville, 2022
- Panelist, “Non-Country Nashville” , Young Entertainment Professionals (YEP), Nashville, 2021
- “Beyond the Basics: Contracts & Financials,” International Entertainment Buyer’s Association (I.E.B.A), 2016
In the news
- The Tennessean
As Tennessee’s ELVIS Act goes into effect, the music industry braces for legal fallout
July 1, 2024Corporate partner and Entertainment team member Farrah Usmani is quoted in this article covering potential legal ramifications following Tennessee’s Ensuring Likeness Voice and Image Security (ELVIS) Act taking effect. Farrah discusses Tennessee leading the charge with voice protections against deepfakes and unauthorized uses of artists’ voices and likenesses, and how the new law adds more clarity for generative AI companies and attorneys counseling these companies.
- Variety
Variety’s Legal Impact Report 2024: Meet Hollywood’s top entertainment attorneys
April 17, 2024This report recognizing entertainment’s top dealmakers and litigators features NP’s Entertainment team, including partner and team leader Ellie Heisler, and partners Carron Mitchell, Christina Chang, and Farrah Usmani, all of the Los Angeles office and Corporate practice. The article highlights NP’s women-led team and entrepreneurial approach, and quotes Ellie on industry shifts in reaction to last year’s strikes. Los Angeles Corporate associate April Hua, a member of the firm’s Entertainment team, is also featured in the report as part of the publication’s 2024 “Up Next” group.
- Billboard
Billboard’s 2024 Top Music Lawyers revealed
April 1, 2024Los Angeles Corporate partners Carron Mitchell and Farrah Usmani, both of the Entertainment team, are featured in this article for being named to the publication’s “2024 Top Music Lawyers” list, which recognizes attorneys who are advising superstars and industry-driving companies in negotiating recording deals, global tours, and catalog sales, among other areas.
- Variety
Variety’s Dealmakers of 2023: Hollywood’s dealmakers kept industry on course in a turbulent year
Dec 14, 2023This article announcing the publication’s “Dealmakers of 2023” recognizes members of the NP Entertainment team—the only all-woman group to be featured this year—for their high-impact work in the music and entertainment industries. The article highlights Los Angeles Corporate partner and Entertainment team lead Ellie Heisler, along with Corporate partner Carron Mitchell and Corporate partners-elect Christina Chang and Farrah Usmani, all of the Los Angeles office. The article quotes Ellie on adapting to challenges in the industry, including recent strikes and the growing use of artificial intelligence.
- Variety
Variety’s Legal Impact Report 2023
April 19, 2023This article recognizing the entertainment industry’s top dealmakers and litigators features NP’s Entertainment team, including partner and team leader Ellie Heisler, partner Carron Mitchell, and counsel Christina Chang and Farrah Usmani, all of the Los Angeles office and Corporate practice. The article highlights each attorney for recent work with notable music and entertainment industry clients, and quotes Ellie on developing a strong work ethic as a woman and first-generation American.
- Billboard
Billboard’s 2023 Top Music Lawyers revealed
April 3, 2023Los Angeles Corporate partner Carron Mitchell and counsel Farrah Usmani, both of the Entertainment team, are featured as two of the publication’s “Top Music Lawyers” of 2023. The article highlights the strengths of both Carron’s and Farrah’s practices and quotes them on what to expect looking ahead in music industry.
- Bloomberg Law
Wake up call
This roundup of notable legal news and moves mentions the arrival of Farrah Usmani, who focuses her entertainment practice on recording artists, songwriters, entertainment executives, and companies in the music industry.July 29, 2021
Admitted to practice
Tennessee
Education
University of Houston Law Center, J.D.
University of Texas, B.A.
Recognition
- Best Lawyers: Ones to Watch recognition for Entertainment and Sports Law and Intellectual Property Law 2025; also recognized in previous years
- Recognized for exceptional standing in the legal community in Chambers USA: America’s Leading Lawyers for Business 2024 for Media & Entertainment (Tennessee); also recognized in 2023
- Recognized in Billboard Magazine Top Music Lawyers, 2023, 2024
- Recognized in Variety’s Dealmakers Impact Report since 2022
- Recognized as a Nashville music industry leader in Music Row Magazine’s “Next Big Thing” in 2021
- Recognized as a Nashville music industry leader in Music Row Magazine’s “Next Big Thing” in 2020
Insights And Happenings
View AllProfessionals in the Practice Area
View AllEllie L. Heisler
Partner / Team leader, Entertainment / Co-lead, Esports & Gaming- Los Angeles
- Office:+1 213.629.6097
- eheisler@nixonpeabody.com
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