As the Nashville music market grows, so does Matt Cottingham’s imprint on the industry: and he’s got the long game in mind.
In the city of Nashville, the capital of country music, the region’s industry contributes $5.5 billion to the local economy, for a total output of $9.7 billion within the Nashville area. It’s safe to say that Nashville is not only a cultural influence powerhouse but also a significant financial driver of the music industry.
Matt Cottingham, Co-Managing Partner of the Nashville office of Lewis Brisbois Bisgaard & Smith, is right in the center of it all.
Cottingham plays a key leadership role and is an integral member of the firm’s Entertainment, Media, & Sports Practice. Since joining the firm in 2022, he has built a reputation for being one of the country music scene’s most reputable and successful attorneys, providing legal counsel to artists, producers, songwriters, music publishers, independent labels, and everyone in between. Currently, he works with artists such as Tucker Wetmore, Ashley Cooke, Wyatt Flores, and Brittney Spencer.
After being previously selected as a Billboard Top Music Lawyer, he reflects on his accomplishments and strategies that have shown him success as he looks to hit new milestones.
“Since I was young, I always felt connected to music – I started on trumpet in 5th grade and later switched to tuba and bass guitar, playing in multiple bands throughout high school and college. While at Middle Tennessee State University studying Recording Industry Management, I found a passion for the legal side of the business. Now, I get to combine my two favorite interests into my daily life and career. I wouldn’t change that for the world.” he shares.
Country music has undergone a renaissance of sorts, and Cottingham has been there for the journey. In fact, country music was one of 2023’s fastest-growing genres.
“Being in Nashville where the market is ripe for growth and working primarily within a genre of music that is also permeating into new audiences is incredibly exciting. Look at some of the biggest artists in the world – they’re all toying around with country sounds. I firmly believe however that this industry and regional growth is a testament to a ton of variables, one of those variables being people who invest in artists from early on.”
Cottingham shares the two largest contributors to his current successes, including both the dedication to investing in artists before they’ve “made it” and mastering the art of working with creatives, which is not always something that can be taught.
When it comes to working with artists from a more “ground up” perspective, Cottingham explains that as an attorney, you have to have a certain eye for talent, even if you’re not a manager or in a more creative role. By having the ability to recognize taste, talent, and most importantly, potential, Cottingham is proud to have been working alongside his clients from their humble beginnings. Building that long-term relationship and being the legal point person as the fame and severity of agreements escalate is the true essence of a dedicated client relationship.
“One of the first major lessons that young artists have to experience is understanding that their first deal, no matter how exciting it may be, will likely never be their dream deal. My role as their legal representative is to prepare them for this moment and to encourage them to keep their eyes on the future – which could be flooded with deals rich in their favor.”
Cottingham explains the importance of properly educating clients to help them prepare for the likely outcome of whatever agreement they’re exploring. By setting expectations early on, he has been able to foster great trust with his clients, which is invaluable in the music industry.
“These artists have sacrificed a lot to do what they love, and with that comes strong emotion. My role is to not only provide them with legal strategy but also make them see the bigger or longer-term picture and feel confident about their legal situation. Working with creatives requires that delicate balance and I absolutely love doing it. It teaches me every single day how to be a better attorney,” Cottingham explains.
By going through all of the highs and lows with his clients from day one, Cottingham has left his mark deeply imprinted on Nashville’s music scene. The work requires extreme patience and knowledge of how to operate not just as a professional, but an extension of an artist’s team. This is why his clients are excited to work with him. How Cottingham is able to attract and help build such reputable talent is an inspiration to his mentees at his firm.
As he looks to become further successful in his role, Cottingham shares that he is motivated by being in the heart center of immense growth in the industry in the Nashville country scene.
To learn more about Matt Cottingham, his leadership at Lewis Brisbois Bisgaard & Smith, his role as Board Counsel for the International Entertainment Buyers Association (IEBA), and his pro bono legal services through the Volunteer Lawyers & Professionals for the Arts (VLPA), visit his LinkedIn.
