Music is a business. Are you ready to protect your art? Talent and creativity are the heart of music, but in today's rapidly evolving industry, they are no longer enough to guarantee success. Beyond Creativity - What Matters in Music Contracts by Florian Koempel offers an accessible, deeply informed roadmap to the modern music business, designed for aspiring musicians, industry professionals, students, and legal practitioners. Moving beyond the romanticized view of the industry, this book pulls back the curtain on the contractual and legal foundations that dictate who actually benefits from your music. From the intricacies of music publishing and recorded music deals to the realities of live touring, management, and collective management organizations (CMOs), Koempel breaks down complex concepts into clear, actionable insights. Inside, you will discover: The Anatomy of Music Contracts: Understand the core elements of publishing, recording, and management agreements, including advances, royalties, and rights reversion. The Streaming Reality: Demystify the pro-rata royalty chain, user-centric models, and how revenue truly flows from platforms to creators. Copyright & Infringement: Navigate the essentials of copyright law, from subsistence and moral rights to sampling, synchronization, and digital enforcement. The AI Frontier: Gain a considered view on how artificial intelligence is reshaping creativity, rights management, and the future of the music ecosystem. Whether you are an artist seeking to retain control of your career, a manager negotiating on behalf of talent, or a student exploring the creative industries, this book equips you with the knowledge to navigate the business of music with confidence and clarity. Don't let complex contracts and industry jargon dictate your future.