As part of our Horizon Future Leaders series of interviews, we are connecting with the music industry’s next generation of leaders to gather candid advice and insights into their career journeys.
This week we spoke with Ilona Smyth, Legal And Business Affairs Manager at Beggars Group, where she steers complex contracts and copyright matters for some of the world’s most influential independent record labels as well as the Beggars Music publishing company.
With a legal career built on intellectual property expertise and a personal passion for music that keeps her grounded in the culture, Ilona offers an inside look at how to thrive in the legal side of the music industry.
Her advice? Invest in your network, keep pace with digital shifts and don’t let imposter syndrome slow you down.
👇 Read on for Ilona’s reflections on breaking into music law, building your network and turning self-doubt into drive.
What’s your current role in the music industry?
My role is Legal And Business Affairs Manager at Beggars Group, home to independent labels 4AD, Rough Trade, Matador, XL and Young.
I also assist on publishing matters with our independent publishing company, Beggars Music.
What does your general day to day look like?
Contracts, contracts and more contracts! Some days I’ll have calls with the lawyer on the other side, other days I'll be in legal meetings to discuss outstanding matters and offers for new artists that the relevant label is interested in signing. Other days may include an album playback or we’ll be celebrating a release. But most of my time is spent reviewing and negotiating agreements.
What steps did you take early in your career to gain experience and build skills to get you where you are now?
I went down the, then, traditional route of qualifying as a solicitor - a law degree and the LPC. I chose intellectual property and commercial modules at all stages and got involved in pro bono work specifically to do with copyright matters.
This meant that I started with a broad knowledge of the relevant law that music industry contracts are built on. Whilst I applied for training contracts I worked as a paralegal - in an unrelated area - and made sure to learn transferrable skills that would help me once I was “in”.
Aside from the professional aspects, I love music and have always gone to a lot of festivals and gigs.
What opportunities did you explore early on that were particularly valuable?
I accepted a paralegal role at a specialist music law firm and gained so much experience. It was there that the importance of networking became apparent. I met a lot of wonderful people at various industry events, many of whom I am still in touch with today, despite not directly working with them.
I expanded my knowledge by attending events curated by the industry bodies like AIM, MPA and PPL, which were invaluable to me. I also attended junior lawyer meet-ups which were helpful in order to get to know my peers.
Has the opportunity landscape changed since then?
Yes, definitely, it is a highly competitive industry on all fronts!
Are there any specific internships, projects, or initiatives that you would recommend to newcomers looking to pursue a similar role?
The Power Up PRS Foundation is amazing and is designed to support black music creators and executives/industry professionals.
Since I’ve been at Beggars, we have started our own paid internship which has been a good opportunity for people wanting to get started in the industry and gain an insight in different areas of an independent label and publishing company.
What advice do you have for building and leveraging a professional network in the music industry?
Don’t be afraid to reach out to people. I always try to make time to chat to aspiring music lawyers who approach me on LinkedIn. Also if you meet someone you align with, follow up with an email to try and build a connection - but always be respectful of people’s time.
How has the evolving digital landscape impacted your role, and where do you focus to stay ahead?
There is always a new technology or platform cropping up for which we have to consider the impact on our rights and how this would ultimately affect our artists. AI being a big topic at the moment!
What trends or changes do you see on the horizon for the music industry, and how can early career professionals prepare for them?
Make sure you read up about current happenings in the industry. There are many online publications which will keep you up-to-date, for example, CMU, MusicAlly, Music Business Worldwide.
What’s one piece of advice you wish someone had given you at the start of your career?
Stop wasting time on doubting yourself and go for it! Imposter syndrome is real but try to surround yourself with people who help you to believe in yourself and your ability.