Product or packaging design protection Most of you are familiar with standard trademark forms — namely, words, slogans and phrases, and logos. These typical forms of indicia help you (or any other consumer) separate different goods and services from the individuals and companies that offer them to you. However, trademarks can take less … [Read more...]
Hank Williams Jr.
A sound all his own Growing up as a kid you have your heroes — whether fictional or real — heroes nonetheless. One of my heroes has been a household name for decades and has created some of the greatest songs ever brought to the music world, in my opinion. Recently, I had the opportunity to ask Hank Williams Jr. a few questions. Bill Doty: … [Read more...]
Brand Basics
Avoiding the identity crisis Recently, I saw St. Vincent on “Saturday Night Live” and was captivated. During “Digital Witness,” the band was lit with a wash of deep purple and blue against a background grid, and the lead singer and keyboardist moved like futuristic mannequins — every head position, hand gesture and full body movement was … [Read more...]
Joe Bonsall
The long road from Philly to Nashville It all starts with a conversation. As a music journalist, it’s hard not to be star-struck over some of the people whom I’ve had conversations with — Toby Wright immediately comes to mind, because I admire his prolific and prodigious work in the field of rock-and-roll music production and engineering. Another … [Read more...]
Killing It with Kari Kimmel
How to market your music yourself Fans of movies and television may be familiar with the sound of Kari Kimmel’s voice. The songwriter and recording artist has contributed more than 250 songs for stories on the big and small screen including “Burn Notice,” “Grey’s Anatomy,” “House,” “Private Practice,” “The Hills,” “The Office” and “The Walking … [Read more...]
Copyright Infringement
How to enforce your rights Last month’s issue of Music Insider Magazine dealt with some of the differences between trademark law and copyright law, including the kinds of penalties that may come from infringement of either type of intellectual property. One additional facet that warrants explanation is the importance of choosing a method by … [Read more...]
Band Publicity
3 tips for good press Director, writer, producer Tom Logan says, “There’s no such thing as bad publicity — unless it’s your obituary.” Even if you agree with that statement, bad publicity can tarnish your image. To avoid unflattering press, take charge of your publicity efforts and help shape the public’s image of your band. Here are three … [Read more...]
POP EVIL’S Leigh Kakaty
Evil has never been so kind On a brisk, late winter evening in the middle of February, I am driving along the winding Ozark mountain roads on my way to Springfield, Mo. to interview the singer of one of the hottest active rock bands around, Pop Evil. As I’m driving along these roads in a sort of Zen-like state of mind that long drives on pleasant … [Read more...]
Trademark vs. Copyright
Legal tips to prevent money loss Do you know the difference between trademark and copyright law? As a musician or businessperson, I think it’s in your best interest to know and protect your work — and to avoid infringing on other people’s rights. Here are some helpful pointers and compelling reasons why you should become familiar with both of … [Read more...]