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Whose Song Is It Anyway?

Whose Song Is It Anyway?

Hayleigh Bosher 46 Episodes Oct 1, 2026

A podcast that unpacks the big legal questions shaping the music and creative industries, using real case studies from viral sampling and interpolation to AI-generated tracks. Host Dr Hayleigh Bosher, an IP lawyer, explains complex copyright law in clear, jargon-free language. Each episode is short and focuses on a current legal dispute, blending authority with a bit of wit. Aimed at anyone curious about the legal battles behind the music they love.

Episodes

Deepfakes and Digital Identity
Deepfakes and Digital Identity Oct 1, 2026 00:35:57 Without personality rights you do not own the digital version of your face, image, voice or likeness. This episode dives into the harms caused by unauthorised deepfakes and what we can do about it. I discuss: What rights to artists have over AI generated versions of themselves? What’s the current legal position on voice cloning and deepfakes in the UK today? What are other countries doing to addre
All About Streaming
All About Streaming Sep 24, 2026 00:28:50 This episode covers the UK Streaming Inquiry; how it started, what went down and the outcomes including the Agreed Principles and what those means for artists, songwriters and musicians – from wiping unrecouped advances, contract negotiation to payment of per diems for songwriting sessions - and how we measure if these Principles are effective or not, with the songwriter and artist surveys. I also
AI and the Law
AI and the Law Sep 17, 2026 00:30:12 This episode is all about the law and policy around AI and copyright. By the end of this episode, you will better understand the process of how law is made and feel that you know, and are entitled to, engage in that process. I also answer: How is law made? What are governments and regulators doing to protect artists from AI? Is current, or proposed UK law adequate for this challenge? How can artis
AI in the Studio
AI in the Studio Sep 10, 2026 00:31:35 Diplo says music makers need to embrace AI, Jack Antanoff says those who do are bad actors. I explore these perspectives in this week’s episode and answer: Does AI generated music infringe copyright and how does the law currently stand? What happens if I upload my music to an AI platform? How do I protect my music from being trained by AI models without my consent? As well as, outside of the hype,
Power, Politics & the Music Industry
Power, Politics & the Music Industry Sep 3, 2026 00:42:40 According to the UK Music Report, Black Music Means Business, over 80% of the UK music market originates from Black Music genres, and yet, we also know that Black artists face systemic racism, with data showing that Black women are the most disadvantaged in the UK Music industry. This episode discusses racism, sexism and discrimination in the music industry, including: How do industry power dynami
Sign on the Dotted Line
Sign on the Dotted Line Aug 27, 2026 00:22:23 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? Ca
The Art of The Sample
The Art of The Sample Aug 20, 2026 00:22:36 Why did Beyoncé remove a sample of the song Milkshake from her track ENERGY, even though she had cleared the rights? In this episode I talk about the history of sampling and answer: what is sampling and where did it come from? Can I sample that clip and how much can I take before it becomes a sample? Plus, what are the copyright exceptions do any apply and what happened in a 25-year case over a 2
Inspiration or Theft?
Inspiration or Theft? Aug 13, 2026 00:31:59 What is the difference between taking inspiration and copying? In this episode I deep dive into the test for copyright infringement by talking you through the story of the Ed Sheeran v Sami Switch case, over the songs Shape of You and Oh Why. Plus stories of copying disputes in photography and fashion. I also answer: Can I get sued for making music that sounds like someone else’s? What is the lega
Teamwork Makes the Dream Work
Teamwork Makes the Dream Work Aug 6, 2026 00:23:20 Even in the height of 90s contracts, the Spice Girls still made some smart choices there are benefiting from today. In this episode, hear about how they did this, and why is Spice World not on your streaming service… yet?! I also answer: What's a split sheet, why do I need one? And one of the most common questions I get asked in the industry: How do we decide the split? Plus, what does 'jo
Show Me The Money
Show Me The Money Jul 30, 2026 00:33:55 Why did Dolly Parton turn down a deal for Elvis to record a version of 'I Will Always Love You'? In this episode we learn from Dolly about how manage your rights, plus I cover what collecting societies to sign up to and ultimately, how to get paid, as well as how income from streaming subscriptions is divided up and how all this sits within a music industry that has a data problem. IN THIS
What Even IS Copyright?
What Even IS Copyright? Jul 23, 2026 00:21:50 Would RAYE have won a Grammy and a record-breaking six BRIT Awards in a single night if she had stayed trapped in her record deal? In this first episode, we get to grips with some copyright basics, answering: what is copyright and what does it actually do? Who owns copyright and how can we use it as a tool? And importantly – why should we care about copyright? Hayleigh dives into why every musicia
Season 4 Trailer
Season 4 Trailer Jul 20, 2026 00:01:27 Season 4 of the Whose Song is it Anyway? podcast, hosted by Dr Hayleigh Bosher, is coming 23rd July 2026! Watch on YouTube or listen wherever you get your podcasts.The podcast that acts as your guide to understanding the big legal questions shaping the music and creative industries right now. Each bitesized episode dives into real, current case studies – from viral sampling disputes and interpolat

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