Music

We were one of the first UK firms to specialise in the music industry. Today our music practice is one of the strongest and biggest and our reach is international.

Key contacts
Overview

We have unparalleled knowledge and a great depth of experience that we can draw upon in offering strategic and commercial advice on a wide range of activities, from contract drafting and negotiation services to undertaking advisory work and dispute resolution across the whole music industry.

Our client base is wide-ranging. It includes major record companies, international publishers, artists, bands and DJs, writers and composers, managers, producers, mixers, merchandisers, collecting societies, trade associations, digital businesses, agents, promoters and studios. We advise new artists and entrepreneurs as well as playing a part in some of the most sophisticated transactions and complex disputes in the business.

The experience of our music lawyers and the availability of other specialists within the firm gives us the unique ability to assemble at short notice dedicated multidisciplinary teams for each specific job.


Expertise

Our areas of expertise include the following:

  • Recorded music
  • Publishing
  • Management
  • Agency
  • Touring and live
  • Merchandising and licensing
  • Sponsorship and endorsement
  • Band relations
  • Digital licensing
  • Neighbouring rights
  • Collecting societies
  • Acquisitions
  • Clearances
  • Music for film & TV
  • Corporate arrangements
  • Disputes / infringements
  • Reputation protection

KEY CONTACT

KEY CONTACTS

Our lawyers have in-depth music expertise and deliver high-quality, pragmatic and commercial advice.

Block quote
Source
Highly experienced operators with the ability to think outside the box.
Chambers & Partners
Simkins are knowledgeable, commercial, always responsive and willing to go above and beyond to help.
Chambers & Partners
They demonstrate commercial and industry knowledge while being a fast and effective team.
Chambers & Partners
Block Quote
Source
The Simkins music team has almost unrivalled sector expertise - there is nothing they don't know about music law! They have a stellar client list, ranging from emerging talent to global icons, and from self-releasing artists and composers to the major record labels and publishers and the UK music collective management organisations. They are able to provide high-quality, pragmatic, commercial advice on the knottiest of issues.
Legal 500
An excellent all-round knowledge and understanding of the complexities of the music industry and the social influencer space.
Legal 500
One of the industry’s most prominent and respected lawyers.
Music Business Worldwide

News & Insights

data

Getty Images v Stability AI: what next for rights-holders and the creative industries?

TV Studio

Film and TV Briefing: Friday 14 November 2025

A row of terraced houses.

The private rented sector - the reforms and impact

TV camera

ITV in talks to sell media and entertainment arm to Sky for £1.6bn