Matt Cottingham - Nashville Entertainment Attorney on Artist Development

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In this episode of the podcast, we close our Nashville series with entertainment attorney, Matt Cottingham.

Matt Cottingham is an entertainment attorney based out of Nashville, TN. He joined the firm Ritholz Levy in 2014 as an associate in the firm’s Entertainment Group in Nashville, specializing in entertainment, intellectual propery and business law. Matt represents individuals and companies in the entertainment industry and provides experienced guidance to songwriters, recording artists, record producers, independent music publishers, new media companies, and independent record labels. Before joining Ritholz Levy, Matt practiced with Chip Petree Law after starting his career practicing at a boutique corporate firm in Franklin, TN.  

Matt serves on the Board of Directors for the non-profit organizations, Young Entertainment Professionals (YEP), a networking group whose members cover all facets of the entertainment industry.

Matt received a B.S. in Recording Industry Management from Middle Tennessee State University and received his law degree from the University of Memphis. He is a member of the Tennessee and Nashville bar Association and volunteers with Volunteer Lawyers & Professionals for the Arts (VLPA). I met Matt through a mutual friend in Nashville, and from day one, he has been one of the kindest most helpful people I’ve met in my career in the music business so far. Matt has been one of my guest speakers at Full Sail University. He’s always educating and trying to inspire and inform the next generation. Matt is very passionate about his work and giving back to others. I hope you enjoy this interview with Matt Cottingham.

Quotes Mentioned
“It’s key to not sit around and wait for someone to help you. As an artist, you have to dive in.”
“The artist has got to be the hardest working person on the team.”
“You got to do things that people can’t ignore.”
“Give it everything you got for some period of time, before you call it quits.” 

Links to Things Mentioned
Cochon Butcher
AnyList
“All You Need to Know About the Music Business” by Donald S. Passman

Get in Touch with Matt
Contact through the firm’s website http://www.rlscf.com
Twitter @mattcotty 

Matt's definition of Making It
“It varies for everyone. For some, having music as a career. For others, getting to that major label deal.”