Entertainment Attorney Matt Cottingham On The Value Of Investing In Emerging Talent
By: Mindful Agency
When it comes to discovering emerging talent, many are searching for the next big thing. However, for Matt Cottingham, the real value lies in investing in talent early—before the fame, sold-out shows, or big record deals.
Less than one year after graduating from the University of Memphis Law School in 2009, attorney Matt Cottingham landed his very first artist client—the up-and-coming electro-pop duo Cherub. After garnering over one million YouTube views on their hit song “Doses and Mimosas,” (which now has a staggering 68 million views), Cottingham’s guidance helped lead them to securing an attractive record deal with industry titan Columbia Records.
This strategic move not only solidified Cottingham’s reputation as a trusted ally for artists in the industry, but it also served as a testament to the power of investing in emerging talent—which Cottingham says is one of the smartest moves a music lawyer can make.
Today, he is the Co-Managing Partner of the Nashville Office at Lewis Brisbois, a full-service law firm with over 40 areas of specialty. He joined the firm in 2022 and has since grown his roster of artists in various genres, backgrounds, and career stages.
As an avid country music fan and former musician, Cottingham’s approach to working with clients centers on being there for them at every step. Whether helping a new artist get out of a sticky contract or assisting a record producer in navigating copyright issues, Cottingham’s focus has always been on “helping clients build a solid foundation.”
“That’s really what I’m passionate about,” he starts. “Getting in early, helping build out the artists’ team, and seeing them go from releasing their first song and playing for 50 people to headlining major music festivals.”
Recognizing the value in investing early, Cottingham believes that building a strong relationship with clients is key to long-term success. “There are times when I will take on a very small project because it is a client I truly believe in, and I want to make sure they have a solid foundation for their future—maybe it’s a producer agreement for a producer/songwriter client on a tight budget, and then in twelve months, we’re doing a seven-figure publishing deal,” he explains.
Photo Courtesy: Matt Cottinghman
If Cottingham hadn’t taken on that small project initially, he wouldn’t have gotten the bigger deal. This is why he believes building a relationship with emerging clients right from the start is important.
“It’s all about doing great work no matter how big or small the task is,” he continues. “At Lewis Brisbois, we pride ourselves on educating our clients and ensuring that they understand exactly what they’re signing up for and that they’re going into any deal with their eyes wide open. Consistent work in the early stages builds trust with the client and gives them confidence that they will be taken care of when the bigger deals are on the table.”
For him, this unwithering commitment to client success sets the team at Lewis Brisbois apart from other music lawyers, “not just in Nashville, but across the country.” Recognized previously as a Billboard Top Music Lawyer, Cottingham highlights that investing in emerging talent comes with another big perk: playing a role in them realizing their dreams.
“Being a zealous advocate for my clients and helping them realize their dreams and goals is definitely the most fulfilling part of my job.”
“I make sure my clients know that they’ve got someone in their corner. I’m the main member on their team that’s only looking out for the artist and making sure that they’re protected, and they can see that.”
Acknowledging that many artists who are just starting may not have the funds to afford a lawyer, Cottingham reminds us that taking a risk and investing in them early can have an even bigger impact in the long run.
“I always tell clients that we can work out a fee structure that makes sense for where they’re at in their career. We can see if their label or publisher can cover some of the legal fees, or we’ll do it at a reduced rate. We just want to help set them up for success,” he says. “Helping my clients achieve whatever definition of success they have in their mind is rewarding,” he concludes.
With over 15 years of experience, Matt Cottingham specializes in entertainment, intellectual property, and business law. He provides experienced guidance to recording artists, songwriters, record producers, independent music publishers, new media companies, and independent record labels.
If you want to learn more about him or the Lewis Brisbois law firm, please visit their website today.
Disclaimer: “The content in this article is provided for general knowledge. It does not constitute legal advice, and readers should seek advice from qualified legal professionals regarding particular cases or situations.”.
Published by Mark V.
