Collyer's sweet music

London firm Collyer-Bristow is this week trying to drum up record deals for its clients and work for itself in the first appearance by a law firm at the music industry convention MIDEM, held in Cannes.The firm has released a CD - called 'Gallery' - featuring some of its brightest musical clients who have yet to find a record deal.

Among its better-known clients are Status Quo and dance act Chicane.Speaking to the Gazette from Cannes, partner Howard Ricklow, head of the music team, said: 'We released the CD to give exposure to these musicians and producers who have so far been overlooked.'This benefited both the musicians and the firm, he said.

'By promoting them on this CD and at the convention, they will hopefully get picked up by a label,' he said.

'We are effectively saying we think highly of them as record buyers and as lawyers, which will help them to get noticed, and if they do get signed, then we expect to go on to represent them.'He said the firm and CD had received a good reaction.

'This is a major marketplace for the music industry, with people doing deals constantly, and we have been extremely busy with enquiries and referrals', he said.Victoria MacCallum