Scaling Up Your Music Business with Moira McKenzie

Published 8 March, 2023

Music industry professionals seeking legal guidance for a successful micro to medium-sized business can now benefit from one-on-one sessions with Moira McKenzie, a renowned music and entertainment industry lawyer with over 10 years of experience. Moira is the principal of Moira McKenzie Legal, and she will offer her expertise in the upcoming round of Experts in Residence.

Moira offers one-on-one sessions to discuss a range of topics, including deal-making and negotiations, brand and asset protection, and working with others within and outside of your business. With over 10 years of experience working with a broad range of creatives across Australia and overseas, Moira is known for providing friendly, accessible, and high-quality legal services. A musician herself, Moira's experiences as both a performer and music industry worker have informed her passion for working in music.

The program offers a unique opportunity for music industry professionals to learn more about legal-related areas and improve their business with Moira's expertise. Successful participants will be offered one to two sessions with Moira depending on their needs. Bands and groups are welcome to apply.

The following are some of the key topics that can be discussed with Moira during this Experts in Residence round:

For self-managed artists and managers:

• Understand and compare deals from labels, publishers, and more. Learn common negotiation points and what to look out for/ask for.

• Understand your contractual options for future opportunities

• Management and co-management deals, band agreements, and more.

• Brand protection, including trademarks, domain names, social media, etc.

• Asset protection, including agreements with creative suppliers (e.g., release forms).

For music producers and engineers:

• Setting up and negotiating agreements.

• Advice on rights and credits management.

For music companies (e.g., labels, publishers,  agencies, etc.):

• Types of deals that can be offered to artists and managers.

• Types of agreements with business partners.

• Employment and contractor arrangements.

• Scaling a team of professional advisors, including lawyers, accountants/bookkeepers, and directing participants to useful resources.

• Getting your legal structure right – choosing between a sole trader business, partnership, company, trust.

To register your interest, please fill out the EOI form. A limited number of successful participants will be contacted by the VMDO team soon.

Don't miss out on this chance to learn from one of the best in the business. Register your interest today!

Key Dates:

EOI Open – Thursday, 9 March

EOI Close – Sunday, 2 Apr

EOI Outcome – Wednesday, 5 Apr

Victorian Music Development Office (VMDO)

The Victorian Music Development Office (VMDO) is a Victorian Government initiative delivered by Music Victoria – it has a commitment to boosting the growth and evolution of the Victorian contemporary music industry, supporting the creation of sustainable opportunities and ensuring Victoria maintains its reputation for great music.