Nick Matzukis
Nick Matzukis is a qualified Advocate of the High Court, and is the author of several published legal articles and two books about the music business: "Business Principles for the Music Industry" and "South African Music Law and Contracts - the Smart Musician's Guide...". Nick is also a very well-known figure in the South African music scene, having played drums for several high-profile bands, and having been involved in various music projects over the years. He is a director of Academy of Sound Engineering, South Africa’s premier audio college, and also of AVL Productions, a highly-respected live music production company. Having started his education career as a lecturer/senior lecturer at the University of the Witwatersrand School of Law, Nick then opened Allenby Campus, a respected media and music college group in 1995 and was thereafter made CEO of the country’s largest private education group in 2001. He now gives Music Business and Music Law lectures at the Academy, and consults to the music and education industries at large. He graduated cum laude from Wits Law School in 1984, was awarded the top lecturer prize in 1987, and was awarded the APPEDT Lifetime Achievement Award for Education in 2007. Nick has, on several occasions, been invited to give seminars at SAMRO and other locations for organizations like the Composers’ Association of South Africa. His qualifications, experience, career and passion are combined in music, law, business and education. Nick makes it his goal, in his books, lectures and consultations, to make music contracts and the fairly complex legal principles contained in them, comprehensible to laymen and, in particular, musicians.
MUSIC EXCHANGE Q&A
The benefits that may be gained by attending Music Exchange.
QUESTIONS:
1) Which internationally acclaimed bands have you worked with?
Seether, Danko Jones, Evanescence, Korn, 30 Seconds to Mars, The Mission, most local bands.
2) In what capacity did you work with these bands?
Audio hire and live production.
3) Regarding your work in the music industry, what is the biggest mistake you have ever made and what did you learn from it?
As a youngster, before I learned about the business, I became a member of a band that trusted the wrong manager and got ripped off. Only when I got my law degree and gained some experience in the industry did I realise the extent of this.
4) Of which achievement are you most proud?
The writing of my book "South African Music Law and Contracts".
5) In a nutshell, what are the primary requirements needed by a young band who want to enjoy a successful music career?
Talent, drive, high work ethic and knowledge of the mechanics of the music business.
6) Who is your favourite SA band at the moment and why?
Isochrynous, a Pretoria-based band. They are one of SA's only true original progressive rock bands. Stunning songwriting, great arrangements and superb musicianship.
7) In your opinion, what is the significance of something like Music Exchange to the South African music industry?
The sharing of knowledge about the business. This might finally make South African musicians savvy enough to treat their careers as businesses, as Australians and Americans do.
8) Overall, what needs to happen to the South African music industry in order for it to make more inroads into the international market?
Higher production standards.
9) Which specific area of the music industry will you be discussing at Music Exchange and what benefits do you expect to be gained by your audience?
Principles of contracts and specific music agreements (time permitting). It should help the audiences know what to look out for in contracts they might be presented with.