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.

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Source
They were incredibly understanding of our unique needs and collaborated in a very flexible way. I would describe the team as very approachable and capable – they took time to listen to our requirements and made recommendations accordingly.
Legal 500
Simkins are one of the leading specialist firms in music. They have an excellent team, with deep industry knowledge and a thorough understanding both of their clients’ needs and the specialist areas of law involved.
Legal 500
Simkins provides a great range of experience and skills within the division so all areas of film production are covered.
Legal 500
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Source
They are very experienced in the unique nature of the music industry as well as being exceptional advisers on underlying law. This meeting of the legal and practical distinguishes them.
Chambers & Partners
An excellent all-round knowledge and understanding of the complexities of the music industry and the social influencer space.
Legal 500
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

News & Insights

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Film and TV Briefing: Friday 19 December 2025

Film and TV Briefing: Friday 12 December 2025

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Film and TV Briefing: Friday 5 December 2025

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