What does it actually cost to not have a lawyer when you sign a music deal?

For songwriter and artist Parker Ainsworth, the answer was steep: a low flat fee for a song he wrote for a major motion picture — with performance royalties only, no mechanical rights, no sync income, no publishing revenue. And then the production company flipped his publishing to Concord.

In this episode, Anne and Brittany sit down with Parker to talk through exactly what happened, what he didn't know when he signed, and what he wishes he'd asked for. This one isn't hypothetical — it's a real deal with real consequences, and it's more common than you think.

Whether you're a musician, a filmmaker, a content creator, or anyone who's ever been handed a contract and told "it's standard" — this episode is for you.

Parker is also a student of Somatic Experiencing, trained in the tradition of founder Peter Levine, and is pursuing a path toward psychology with a focus on somatic healing, and we get into an insightful discussion about these teachings.

**What we cover:**

- What a work-for-hire clause actually means and why it costs you more than the upfront fee

- The royalties you're giving up when you sign without negotiating — performance, mechanical, sync, and publishing

- What the industry standard actually looks like (hint: $2,500 for a major film theme is not it)

- The one clause that would have changed everything for Parker

- How to know when you need an entertainment attorney before you sign

**Resource:** Download our Read Before You Sign guide, the first in the Series, specifically tailored for musicians, at the link below — it breaks down the key clauses every musician needs to understand before signing anything and includes negotiation scripts, red-flag clause explainers, and a step-by-step guide to reviewing your own deals. Get it at the link below.

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**LINKS:**

- Read Before You Sign: Musicians ($37): https://mylawyerfriend.gumroad.com/l/rbys-musicians

- Subscribe wherever you listen to podcasts through our website: https://mylawyerfriendpodcast.com/

- Watch on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@MyLawyerFriendPod

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- Substack: https://mylawyerfriend.substack.com/

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My Lawyer Friend is hosted by Anne Easton, entertainment and corporate attorney, and Brittany Ledford, serial entrepreneur. New episodes drop every other Wednesday. This podcast is for educational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. For advice specific to your situation, consult a licensed attorney.