If you are an emerging artist, it's important to get your legal issues in order now -- before you're a star.
Why?
Because bad decisions early in a career can haunt and follow you forever.
With the advent of digital distribution you have more power than ever before. You are no longer at the mercy of corporate labels and publishers and their "take it or leave it" approach.
But you still have to know what you're doing.
And if you're making your art or doing business with others, you'd better have that house in order as well.
There's a lot to consider and, if you're serious, a lot to take care of.
If you're going to be a professional you must run your business as a business.