Why did TLC file for bankruptcy after selling 10 million albums?! In this episode I’ll tell you the story of how one of the best-selling American girl-groups of all time filed for bankruptcy, held their label to account and restructured their finances. I’ll also answer: What’s contract got to do with copyright? What do I need to understand before I sign anything? Can I re-negotiate my contract? Can you get AI to write a contract for you? Plus, what we can learn from The Sex Pistol’s band contract dispute and why JoJo’s record deal meant it took 10 years to realise an album.
IN THIS EPISODE
00:50 The story of TLC filing for bankruptcy, re-negotiate their deal and take more control of their finances
02:55 What’s contract got to do with it?
05:27 The story of The Sex Pistol’s band contract
07:57 What do I actually need to understand before I sign anything?
09:53 Be aware of 360 deals
11:04 The story of JoJo and her record deal
14:31 Can I re-negotiate my contract?
17:20 Can you get AI to write a contract for you?
MENTIONED IN THIS EPISODE
• Buy your copy of Copyright in the Music Industry (second edition, 2026): https://www.e-elgar.com/shop/gbp/copyright-in-the-music-industry-9781035330386.html
FIND DR HAYLEIGH BOSHER
• Instagram: @hayleigh.bosher
• Website: https://www.hayleighbosher.com/
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CREDITS
Whose Song Is It Anyway? is produced by Good Form
Funded by The British Academy
DISCLAIMER
Nothing in this podcast constitutes legal advice. It is legal education to help you learn more about your rights.
