In this follow-up to the “Copyrights Crash Course” episode, Tzayla reveals three major legal exceptions that could strip you of your rights—even if you wrote, recorded, and released the song yourself. Whether you’re doing work-for-hire, releasing covers, or writing with friends, this episode is your roadmap to protecting your music before it’s too late.

Key Takeaways:

• Work-for-Hire: You may lose all rights to a song if you sign the wrong contract. No credit, no royalties, no control—unless it's spelled out clearly. Some work-for-hire deals can still serve your goals—just read the fine print.
• Compulsory Licensing: Once your song is released, anyone can legally cover it—without asking your permission. They just need to follow the rules and pay the standard fee. Bonus: You can also use this to release your own cover songs legally and grow your audience.
• Collaborations: Without a split sheet, copyright ownership defaults to equal shares—no matter who did most of the work. Everyone must approve licensing, edits, remixes, or placements. Protect yourself by putting agreements in writing and getting clear on ownership before release.

Helpful Tools & Resources:

• Need a Split Sheet Template? DM @tzayla.official and she’ll send you the one she uses.
• Missed the first copyright episode? Go listen to “The Copyright Crash Course Every Musician Needs”
• Want to license a cover? Use EasySong.com or The Harry Fox Agency

More from Tzayla:

• Music, blog, podcast & more: tzayla.com
• Instagram: @tzayla.official

Let’s Connect: Questions about collaborations, cover licenses, or contracts? DM Tzayla or drop a comment—she’s here to help artists navigate the stuff nobody teaches.

Copyright gives you rights. But contracts, licenses, and collaborators can take those rights away—or split them up. So read the fine print, know your people, and never sign your power away by accident.

Adventure sounds like THIS

Thanks for listening and Keep Dreaming Big!

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