MOBO UnSung artist Morgan Munroe shares what she learned about music law and contracts

As part of the MOBO UnSung talent development programme, artists from the Class of 2025 took part in a two-day legal education course delivered by Urban Lawyers in collaboration with Clifford Chance back in March. Designed to equip emerging talent with essential knowledge of the legal and business aspects of the music industry, the initiative offered vital insights into contracts, rights management, and industry best practices. Through workshops, expert-led sessions, and panel discussions with industry figures including Avelino, MixTape Madness, the UnSung class of 25 gained tools and knowledge to better navigate their careers with confidence and protect their creative work for now and the future.  At Sound Connections, we caught up with MOBO UnSung artist Morgan Munroe, to find out how the course impacted her. 

What was your biggest takeaway from your visit to Clifford Chance?
Understanding how to break down contracts and identify the key elements that need to be clarified before signing. It really highlighted how important it is to know what you’re agreeing to. 

Before this session, how confident did you feel about the business/legal side of music, and has that changed?
Before the course, I wasn’t confident at all in the legal side of the music business. But going through the sessions made me realise I actually knew more than I thought – I just needed to trust myself a bit more. At the same time, I gained a lot of new knowledge that’s made me feel even more prepared to manage that side of my career going forward. 

Were there any legal or financial topics that surprised you or challenged what you previously believed?
Not so much challenged but definitely opened my eyes. I now understand much more clearly what certain terms actually mean and how important wording can be in contracts. A single phrase can be the difference between a fair deal and a bad one. 

Do you think young artists are given enough tools to protect themselves in the industry?
Hell no! No one teaches you this stuff when you’re starting out as an artist. This was the first time in my career I’ve had professional guidance on the legal side of the music industry, and it was explained in a way that was super clear and easy for those of us who don’t speak “legal” to understand. 

Are there any red flags in music deals that you’re now more aware of thanks to the session?
Definitely. Things like the duration of the contract, what you’re expected to deliver, and all the little details in the fine print. Those are the areas I’ll be paying much closer attention to now. 

How do you think having access to this kind of legal knowledge will shape your decisions moving forward?
I feel like I now have the tools to confidently dissect contracts and not be afraid to push back. Before, the idea of negotiating scared me, but now I understand it’s just part of the process. I know how to go back and forth to figure out what’s fair for both sides. 

To keep up to date with Morgan Munroe’s music journey, stream her music here and follow her on socials: 

Instagram: @morganmunroeofficial 

TikTok: @morganmunroeofficial