He’s the legal powerhouse behind some of Hollywood’s biggest stars, but Matt Buser isn’t your average lawyer – and that’s precisely what makes him so successful. Recently named one of Billboard Magazine’s Top Music Lawyers for the second consecutive year, Matt has built a reputation as a champion for artists’ rights who’s not just making deals but changing lives. In this candid conversation, the founder of Buser Legal reveals how he built a practice representing A-list talent, shares insights from his journey, and drops wisdom every creator needs to hear.
Buser’s path to entertainment law started early, playing piano as a kid and guitar in a high school band. “At 15, I knew I wanted to work in the music business,” he recalls. After getting his undergrad degree from the University of Georgia, Buser chose the University of Miami for law school, specifically for the vibrant entertainment scene there.
After graduating, Matt knew he had to get his foot in the door somewhere. He leveraged a connection he had through his father, who was also an attorney, to land an opportunity with entertainment lawyer Gabrielle Bozza. “I emailed her every two weeks for about six months before she finally emailed me back and jokingly said something to the effect of ‘I can tell you’re not going to stop emailing me, so come on in,'” he recalls amusedly.
The meeting with Bozza was a revelation for Matt. “I show up in the Miami heat in this suit that was way too big. I’m suited and booted and drenched in sweat. She pulls up looking super cool in jeans and sneakers, and I’m thinking, ‘You can do that as a lawyer? This is already good!'” he laughs.
But the real game-changer came when Bozza handed him a stack of producer agreements and asked him to rework one into a co-producer agreement to add Scott Storch to a project with Timbaland and Mariah Carey. “I was like, whoa, these are legends. This is incredible. This is what I want to do,” Matt remembers. Bozza took a chance on Matt that day, and the break she gave him would eventually come full circle. “She represented some people that are now my clients, which is amazing,” he says.
Today, Matt runs Buser Legal, a firm he founded in 2012 that provides a comprehensive array of legal services for artists and entertainers across a wide range of industries. His expertise spans music, film/TV, fashion, art, adult entertainment, influencers, sports, NFTs/crypto, and legal cannabis. He’s negotiated major label record deals, publishing agreements, and brand partnerships for Grammy-winning talent while also helping independent creators navigate the complexities of the modern entertainment landscape.
Buser, renowned for his unconventional methods and distinctive style, reflects on the genesis of his unique brand. “I built my firm from the studio. I would show up and blend in with the engineers and producers, and someone would mistake me for one of them. I can’t tell you how many times somebody asked what session I was there for,” he laughs. “I’d have to clarify that I’m a lawyer, and I represent that producer or that artist. They’d be surprised, wondering what lawyer comes to the studio. I’d let them know I’m different. I’m not your average lawyer.”
“I want to do things my way,” Buser asserts. “It’s the Matt Buser way. It’s the #NotYourAverageLawyer way. I’m striving to provide a higher level of service than they might expect from others.” he continues. “I’m also trying to reshape the narrative around lawyers. We don’t have to be aggressive to get things done. No slight to mye colleagues but I believe that we can zealously advocate for our clients and, at the same time, do it in a respectful way that doesn’t sacrifice morals, ethics, and personal values.”
Matt’s commitment to his clients goes far beyond the traditional boundaries of legal representation. He views his role as a chance to be a catalyst for positive change in their lives. “I feel like I’m saving people’s lives. I know that sounds a little extreme, but I really feel like that,” he says. “I know I’ve helped take people out of bad situations, whether that’s a physically bad situation because of an abusive household or poverty, or a mentally challenging situation, like a lack of inspiration or self-confidence. I’m getting people out of difficulty and helping empower them.”
This deep commitment to his clients’ ’ well-being is what makes Matt’s work so rewarding. “I find my work to be incredibly fulfilling not only professionally but on a deeply human level,” he reflects. I get to be a part of these artists’ journeys and help them navigate the challenges of the music industry in a way that allows them to focus on their craft and do what they do best.”
Buser, a champion for artists, keeps a keen eye on the ever-evolving music industry, especially the rise of AI. He sees potential for artificial intelligence to revolutionize the way music is created, such as increased efficiency and new sources of inspiration, but only if used responsibly. “I want to be careful about anything that devalues songwriters because they’re already constantly overlooked. I want to be very cautious and mindful of utilizing any technology that devalues our creators. AI can be a powerful tool, but it should never be used to diminish the importance or value of the human touch,” he advises, striking a balance between innovation and respect for the artists who are the lifeblood of the music world.
Looking ahead, Buser sees both challenges and opportunities in the entertainment industry. He points to the need for reform in the music clearance process as an area ripe for improvement. “The clearance process for us to put out music needs to change,” he asserts. “As a producer representative, we have no direct relationship with the label.” This disconnect can lead to delays, confusion, and missed opportunities for artists.
At the same time, Buser is excited about the potential for technology to democratize the music industry and empower independent artists. “The way that we release music is incredible,” he marvels. “If I wanted to release a song without a record label, I could do that today. I could put a song up today that I recorded on my phone, which is just awesome.”
Drawing on his own journey, Matt offers this advice to break into music: “Be patient. This industry moves at its own pace. Stay true to yourself and your passion, and good things will come,” he counsels. “Remember, the best way to predict your future is to create it yourself. So put in the work, build your skills, and don’t be afraid to take risks.”
He also encourages artists and professionals to be good people in the process. “This entertainment industry sometimes has a bad reputation for being sharky or shady, and it doesn’t have to. We can change that story by each of us doing better,” he says.
Buser emphasizes the importance of work-life balance. His advice? “Take a few minutes to step back and really reflect on everything you have in your life. As for me, I’ve got an amazing wife, my first child on the way, we’ve got our little French Bulldog, we get to travel, and my family loves and supports me. I have so many amazing things in my life that aren’t just my work. When you let your job become your whole life, and something goes wrong at work, it feels like your whole life is wrong. It’s so important to make time to take a macro view of your life and appreciate everything that you have. Just taking five minutes in the middle of the day is a reset.”
Matt Buser’s unique approach and unwavering commitment to his clients have made him a force to be reckoned with in the entertainment industry. With his dedication to his craft and genuine passion for making a difference, there’s no doubt he’ll continue to shape the future of entertainment law for years to come. With visionary attorneys like Matt Buser leading the charge, the entertainment world just might be in for a kinder, gentler future – without sacrificing any of the hustle. As he puts it, “We’re going to keep pushing the industry forward, one artist at a time. That’s the Buser Legal way.”
Connect with Matt on Instagram: @mattbuseresq
