Ep. 65: Essential Legal Tips Every DIY Artist Needs to Know with Jonathan Sime

Most indie artists don’t realize they’re unprotected until it’s too late.This week, I sat down with attorney Jonathan Sime of Spence Law Firm to talk through one of the most overlooked areas in the DIY music space: the law.We get into the real-world stuff musicians deal with—copyrights, trademarks, split sheets, contracts, band breakups, shady deals—and how to actually protect your work without breaking the bank.Jonathan doesn’t just give the “go hire a lawyer” speech. He breaks down practical steps you can take today to lock down your intellectual property, avoid common traps, and understand what you should and shouldn’t be signing. We also touch on some famous legal cases—from The Verve’s royalty nightmare to Taylor Swift's re-recordings—and what DIY musicians can learn from them.Whether you're just starting out or already gigging regularly, this episode will help you understand what’s yours, what’s at risk, and how to make sure your creativity isn’t getting taken advantage of.What We Cover:What intellectual property really means (and why it matters)How to copyright your music and when to trademark your brandBand agreements, split sheets, and the value of having things in writingFree and affordable resources for legal supportReal stories of major artists who lost out (and fought back)How to spot red flags in contractsWhere AI and online templates help—and where they can backfireLegal FAQs every indie artist should knowIf you're serious about building a sustainable music career, this episode is a must-listen.Disclaimer: The information in this podcast is for general informational purposes only and is not intended to be legal advice. Listening to this podcast does not create an attorney-client relationship. If you need legal assistance, consult a qualified attorney in your jurisdiction regarding your specific situation.People, resources, and links mentioned in this episodeEpisode Links and Mentions🌐 Copyrighting: Musical Compositions (the "Song")🌐 Copyrighting: Music Videos🌐 Copyrighting: Sound Recordings (the "Master")🌐 Copyrighting: Composition & Sound Recording together🌐 Group Registrations of Works on an Album (all the same copyright claimants)🌐 Springboard for the Arts (volunteer lawyers for the arts)🌐 Performance Rights Inquiry mentioned🌐 CosyndConnect with the Guest:🔗 @jsimelaw🔗 Spence LawGet new episodes by email: Join the Secrets From The Scene newsletter.Secrets From The Scene is made by Helvig Productions, a Twin Cities recording studio for artists and bands.