MODERNIZATION OF MUSIC

I'm a life-long member of the music business community. In my endeavor to know as much as possible about this business, I've read virtually every important book on the matters that pertain to not only the music itself but the business that surrounds it. I've long considered the passage of the Music Modernization Act (MMA) last year as the most important piece of legislation to positively affect everyone in the music creative world, and particularly the long-neglected basic creators themselves - the songwriters. We all love music but even more, we love the songs. What's been missing in my search for details on the workings of the MMA has been a book dedicated to explaining why it was needed, how it came about, and what it means to the future health of the music business. This is that book. If you want to get current on what's right (and what was wrong) with the music business for the past 111 years, this book lays that out in layman's language. This book belongs in everyone's music library.

A thoughtful, digestible book by a writer who is both knowledgeable about the laws that govern compensation in the music industry, as well as passionate about music and the musicians themselves. The MMA is clearly a main character in this work. However, it is the many benefits music itself has on society, and the importance of protecting those artists who supply that music that really shines through. The author TRULY cares about those who are involved in the creative process and he is championing for them to receive a fare wage. There is no other work that so succinctly explains the convoluted legal jargon for those who do not possess a juris doctorate degree...all the while allowing us to reminisce about our favorite concert memories. This is a delightfully educational piece that should not be missed, especially for the inquisitive audiophile. -JLA

This book is a MUST for anyone curious about how technology, particularly streaming services, is impacting the economics of the music industry and songwriter compensation. As an attorney, my goal is to explain the law in a way such that a reasonably smart non-lawyer can understand it. This book does just that in an engaging manner, with insight from major influencers behind the MMA. While being a clear and thoughtful piece on the legislation, it is still a short read! It is the first of its kind to my knowledge, and a job very well-done.

Modernization of Music takes a deep dive into the unexplored history that changed the music industry as we know it. The book answers the question of what had to change to even the playing field as the music industry evolved with technology. E. Maxwell did an incredible job interviewing and accounting for the individuals that played unique roles in surfacing and changing the laws and lives that guide songwriters. Everyday I listen to music on my phone and after reading this book, I stopped to remember the days I had to wait to hear my favorite song on the radio. It is hard to imagine all the factors that changed to make music available and fair. Modernization of Music paints a picture for readers of the battles won for loves and writers of music.

Absolutely remarkable that a law student was able to put this book together. As the Music Modernization Act is the most important thing to ever happen to songwriters' livelihoods, Maxwell makes it easily understandable for all. In addition to this writing being the first to explore this area of law, the interviews with John Rich, David Israelite, Ross Golan, Bart Herbison, and U.S. Senators Orrin Hatch and Lamar Alexander, in particular, make this a can't miss read of 2020. The Phish reference is the icing on the cake ⭕️

As someone who previously had absolutely zero knowledge about the business side of music, even more specifically the songwriting side of it, MoM was eye opening. I think for the most part everyone assumes most people involved in producing hit songs benefit greatly financially but this book breaks down the complexities of distribution and reward post-production. The first step to correcting a system of marginalization is to make more people aware that the situation exists. Maxwell has done an excellent job bringing this issue to light and purveying complicated information into an easily digestible and enjoyable read. Everyone that enjoys music (so everyone) would appreciate learning more about the process behind the creation of their favorite songs.

Modernization of Music is a fantastic insight into the music industry that breaks down the complex behind the scenes that many may be unaware of, like I was was. It is timely as well with a major part of the act set to begin at the beginning of 2021. The book manages to take an in depth look at the topic and present in a way that makes it entertaining and educational. Anyone who is part of the music scene from songwriters to executives would benefit from reading this piece.

Such a great read for anyone interested in learning more about the music industry and how the system is rigged against songwriters. The thorough explanation of the MMA gives good insight to the inner workings of copyright law surrounding music and how royalties work. I've researched many different public policy subjects but have never been able to read one book and get the full picture of what is happening in an industry. A great story, with an artistic touch. I'd encourage everyone to check it out!

It’s as simple as that. The author has thoughtfully assembled an enjoyable read, while educating on a complex issue. The lack of live music this year has made it clear to me just how important music is to our spirit; and now streaming more music than ever it was great to learn about the laws that will protect the rights musicians rights! A big thanks to the author for so vividly reminding me of the collective magic we all experience at a live show, I would recommend this book to anybody!

This book dives deep into a complicated law that no other law book has tackled. The author puts a great spin on it by interviewing people in the business that this long-standing act affected. He makes this book fun to read and follows the change in the law comprehensively. I highly recommend this book to anyone that is interested in music/entertainment law. Such a great unifying, positive message found within these pages from E. Maxwell.

I'm a life-long member of the music business community. In my endeavor to know as much as possible about this business, I've read virtually every important book on the matters that pertain to not only the music itself but the business that surrounds it. I've long considered the passage of the Music Modernization Act (MMA) last year as the most important piece of legislation to positively affect everyone in the music creative world, and particularly the long-neglected basic creators themselves - the songwriters. We all love music but even more, we love the songs. What's been missing in my search for details on the workings of the MMA has been a book dedicated to explaining why it was needed, how it came about, and what it means to the future health of the music business. This is that book. If you want to get current on what's right (and what was wrong) with the music business for the past 111 years, this book lays that out in layman's language. This book belongs in everyone's music library.

A thoughtful, digestible book by a writer who is both knowledgeable about the laws that govern compensation in the music industry, as well as passionate about music and the musicians themselves. The MMA is clearly a main character in this work. However, it is the many benefits music itself has on society, and the importance of protecting those artists who supply that music that really shines through. The author TRULY cares about those who are involved in the creative process and he is championing for them to receive a fare wage. There is no other work that so succinctly explains the convoluted legal jargon for those who do not possess a juris doctorate degree...all the while allowing us to reminisce about our favorite concert memories. This is a delightfully educational piece that should not be missed, especially for the inquisitive audiophile. -JLA

This book is a MUST for anyone curious about how technology, particularly streaming services, is impacting the economics of the music industry and songwriter compensation. As an attorney, my goal is to explain the law in a way such that a reasonably smart non-lawyer can understand it. This book does just that in an engaging manner, with insight from major influencers behind the MMA. While being a clear and thoughtful piece on the legislation, it is still a short read! It is the first of its kind to my knowledge, and a job very well-done.