Music Law · Los Angeles
LOS ANGELES MUSIC LAWYER
The music industry runs on contracts, and the terms you sign follow you for years. The Law Offices of Kyle A. Burkett represents artists, producers, songwriters, labels, and publishers across Los Angeles and beyond. Kyle is a Billboard-charting executive producer and songwriter as well as an attorney, so your agreements are reviewed by someone who understands how deals actually work inside the business.
Services
- Recording and distribution agreements
- Music publishing and administration agreements
- Producer and beat license agreements
- Songwriter and co-writing splits
- Management and touring agreements
- Sync and master licensing
- Copyright ownership and registration disputes
- Royalty accounting and payment disputes
- Work-for-hire agreements
- Artist and label trademark and branding matters
- Label and production company representation
- Catalog protection and transactions
Who We Represent
Independent and signed recording artists, producers, songwriters, engineers, managers, independent labels, publishers, and music companies, from first deals to catalog-level matters.
Our Approach
We negotiate from an industry-informed position: identify the terms that control ownership, money, and exclusivity, explain them in plain language, and push for a structure that protects your rights and your long-term earnings. Where a dispute already exists, we work to resolve it efficiently and, where necessary, assertively.
Frequently Asked Questions
Should I sign a record or distribution deal without a lawyer reviewing it?
No. Recording and distribution agreements routinely contain terms on ownership, royalties, recoupment, and exclusivity that can bind you for years. A review before signing costs a fraction of trying to unwind a bad deal afterward.
What are splits, and do I need a split sheet?
Splits are the ownership percentages in a song among its writers and producers. A written split sheet signed at creation prevents most royalty disputes later, and we prepare and review them regularly.
What is the difference between a publishing deal and a publishing administration deal?
A traditional publishing deal typically involves transferring a share of your copyrights in exchange for advances and services. An administration deal leaves ownership with you while the administrator licenses and collects for a fee. Which is right depends on your leverage, catalog, and goals.
What royalties should I be collecting right now?
Most artists are owed money in several streams: performance royalties through a PRO, mechanical royalties through The MLC, digital performance royalties through SoundExchange, and master royalties from your distributor. Many artists are registered for some but not all. We audit what you are set up to collect and close the gaps.
Someone used my music without permission. What can I do?
You may have claims for copyright infringement, and options range from takedown notices and licensing demands to litigation. Registering your works with the U.S. Copyright Office strengthens your position and is required before filing suit, so registration strategy is often the first step.
I released music without any contracts in place. Is it too late?
No. Splits can be documented after the fact, copyrights can still be registered, and going-forward agreements can be put in place with collaborators, producers, and distributors. The sooner it is cleaned up, the fewer disputes later.
Does my producer own part of my song?
It depends entirely on the paperwork. A beat license, a work-for-hire agreement, and an uncredited collaboration each produce different ownership outcomes. If nothing was signed, the default rules may give the producer more than you expect, which is why we document producer relationships early.
How much does a music lawyer cost?
For defined projects such as a contract review or split sheet, the firm frequently quotes flat fees so the cost is known upfront. Broader negotiations and disputes are typically hourly, and every engagement starts with a clear written fee agreement. The initial consultation is free.
Request a Free Consultation Call (323) 238-2598
Attorney Advertising. This page provides general information, not legal advice, and results depend on the facts of each matter.