Creator Spotlight with Singer/Songwriter Lana Love

This week we’d like to introduce you to singer/songwriter Lana Love. Lana was a contestant on Season 22 of The Voice where she joined Team Legend. She has opened for several noteworthy artists like Snoop Dog and Cheat Codes. Follow Lana on Instagram @lanalovemusic, and be sure to also check out her music available on Spotify, iTunes, YouTube, and Soundcloud.

What was the inspiration behind becoming a creator? 

Being a creator feels very purposeful to me. Music is healing, and a beautiful way to process and express the human experience.

What do you enjoy most about the creative process? 

I enjoy making something out of nothing, and the feeling of freedom that comes with allowing the unknown to flow through me.

Can you talk through your creative process? How long does it take? Does everything you produce make money? 

I think songs write themselves. I always end up writing the song I needed to hear. Sometimes it takes 10 minutes; sometimes 10 years. It just depends on what I’m ready to receive.

No, I don’t make money on everything I produce, but it does deepen my understanding of who I am and what I want to put out into the world. I definitely don’t bank on music making ROI because you never know what will hit; but I do bank on myself and my ability to generate multiple revenue streams.

I have this running joke, “How do you make money in the music business? By not making money in the music business.” I plan to write a book on that topic.

What do you think is the biggest misconception about your line of work? 

I think the biggest misconception is that fame and money go hand-in-hand. 

When did you first become aware of copyright, and why?

I first became aware of copyright after it was too late. Almost every artist I know has had that experience, and I think the overlying issue is this: 

It’s hard to prove a thought came from you when everyone in the room is contributing bits and pieces, and we can’t preplan who the lightning will strike. A lot of writing sessions don’t have contracts set up front for that reason, but you can’t eat on a handshake.

What do you do when you encounter someone stealing something you’ve invested your intellect, time, and money into?

If I can, I talk it out and try to reach a resolution both parties are happy with. Most situations can be handled that way. If not, I seek legal counsel. Now, I set up my contracts before I step in the room so that doesn’t happen.

What is the best piece of advice that you would give other creators in your field about copyright and how to protect themselves?

1. Promises don’t mean a thing unless they are dripping in ink.
2. Record and protect everything you create by registering its copyright.
3. The truth will always win. 

What is the biggest copyright-related challenge?

The biggest challenge most artists face is that they cannot afford to spend thousands of dollars on lawyers’ fees, even if they are in the right. In the future, I hope copyright education and legal counsel will be more easily accessible and affordable. 

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