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Matt Cottingham Featured in American Weekly Article About His Work with Country Music Clients

Nashville, Tenn. (December 10, 2024) - Nashville Co-Managing Partner Matt Cottingham was recently featured in an American Weekly article detailing how he has found success representing clients in the fast-growing country music industry.

The article, titled "How Matt Cottingham, Nashville Co-Managing Partner Of Lewis Brisbois Bisgaard & Smith, is Trailblazing The Region’s Music Scene," charts Mr. Cottingham's path to becoming an attorney and describes his strategies for achieved results for his country music clients, including artists, producers, songwriters, music publishers, and independent labels, among others.

In the article, Mr. Cottingham recounted that his connection to music began when he picked up trumpet in middle school and continued as he pivoted to tuba and eventually bass guitar and played in multiple bands during high school and college. He said that he "found a passion for the legal side of the business" while studying Recording Industry Management at Middle Tennessee State University.

"Now, I get to combine my two favorite interests into my daily life and career. I wouldn’t change that for the world," he said.

The article notes that Mr. Cottingham's home base of Nashville is the epicenter of the country music scene, which has exploded in popularity in recent years. He said that he has dedicated himself to developing long-term relationships with artists and helping them navigate the legal facets of the business.

Mr. Cottingham explained that 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." He said his role as their attorney 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.”

By setting expectations early on, Mr. Cottingham said he has built trust with his clients.

"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," he stated. "Working with creatives requires that delicate balance and I absolutely love what I do."

Read the full American Weekly article here.

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