This one’s for every songwriter, producer, and creator who’s ever wondered, “Do I actually own my song?” In this must-hear episode, Tzayla breaks down everything you need to know about copyrights—what they are, how they’re created, how to protect them, and how to avoid getting ripped off. Whether you’re releasing your first single or building a catalog, this episode will help you stop guessing and start owning your work like a pro.

Key Takeaways:

• Copyrights happen automatically the moment you record or write something original—but proving ownership requires documentation.
• You own six exclusive rights when you hold a copyright, including the right to perform, reproduce, license, and stream your music.
• Registration matters. You can’t sue for infringement or collect damages unless your work is officially registered at copyright.gov.
• Dated evidence is your friend: Keep lyric sheets, voice memos, session files, and email chains as proof of creation.
• Use split sheets for every collaboration to agree on who owns what before the song goes public.
• Be careful what you post. Don’t share full demos online if you haven’t protected them yet.
• Some creations you don’t own: Work-for-hire contracts, collaborations, or samples without clearance can mean you lose all rights—even if you made the song.

Resources & Links:

• Register your music: www.copyright.gov
• Need a split sheet template? DM @tzayla.official and she’ll send you one.
• Want to go deeper? Future episodes will cover royalties, ASCAP, SoundExchange, and how to get paid properly.

More from Tzayla:

• Music, blog, podcast, & more: tzayla.com
• Instagram: @tzayla.official

Got questions?

DM @tzayla.official or leave a comment—especially if there's a specific copyright, royalty, or contract topic you’d like her to break down in a future episode.

Your music is valuable. Your rights are real. And protecting them is one of the most powerful things you can do for your future. Don’t wait until something goes wrong—get smart now.

Adventure sounds like THIS

Thanks for listening and Keep Dreaming Big!

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Tzayla Official Website

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In this heartfelt episode, Tzayla sits down with Nashville-based artist, producer, and songwriter Daniel McCurdy to talk about his journey from producing behind the scenes to stepping into the spotlight with a fresh country-inspired artist project. They dive deep into community, calling, the spiritual journey of being “good clay,” and the messy beauty of letting go of control in both music and life. If you've ever wrestled with direction or doubted your dream—this one’s for you.

Key Takeaways:

• “Be good clay.” Let God shape your path, even if it looks wildly different from what you imagined.
• Surround yourself with creatives who stretch you, challenge you, and share your love for music. Growth happens in community.
• Perfection isn’t the goal—connection is. Sometimes your voice cracking or a weird snare hit is what makes the song feel real.
• Nashville isn’t just country music—it’s a movement of creatives supporting each other. The “pitch meeting” open mic scene is a must-experience.
• Follow the open doors. Don’t get so stuck on your five-year plan that you miss the detours meant to lead you home.

Resources & Links:

• Follow Daniel McCurdy on Instagram: @danielamccurdy
• Discover Tzayla’s music, blog, and more: www.tzayla.com
• Mentioned verse: Isaiah 64:8 – “We are the clay, you are the potter...”
• Want to get inspired in Nashville? Check out “Pitch Meeting” songwriter nights on Tuesdays!
• Message Tzayla on Instagram with your takeaways or questions: @tzayla.official

Subscribe, share this with your fellow music nerds, and remember:

Adventure sounds like this.

Thanks for tuning in, and Keep Dreaming Big!

______________

Tzayla Official Website

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• Upcoming Shows
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In this solo episode, Tzayla breaks down the music business in plain language, covering everything from copyright to contracts to making money as an indie artist. If you want to protect your music, scale your artistry, and build a sustainable career without selling your soul, start here. No fluff. Just the truth, tools, and tough love you need.

Key Takeaways:

• Your song is your baby — learn the difference between composition and master rights, and why both matter.
• Join a PRO (Performing Rights Organization) like ASCAP or BMI to collect royalties every time your music is played.
• Use split sheets when collaborating to avoid future drama and protect friendships (and your finances).
• Read your contracts — and if it says “in perpetuity” or “exclusive rights,” you better think twice.
• Pick the right distributor (like DistroKid, CD Baby, or TuneCore) to get your music on streaming platforms.
• Don’t count on streaming alone — real success comes from multiple income streams: licensing, merch, teaching, Patreon, and more.
• Think like an owner — Taylor Swift’s story is your reminder that owning your masters equals owning your power.

If something in this episode helped you or made you think, DM Tzayla on Instagram at @tzayla.official. She loves hearing from you all! Feel free to ask her questions, too, or let her know if you want her to do a deeper dive on something.

You can keep your soul and share your song. You can protect your art and still dream like crazy.

Your legacy doesn’t start when you blow up — it starts now, with every choice you make.

So keep dreaming big, and thanks for tuning in!

______________

Tzayla Official Website

• Podcast
• Blog
• Music
• EPK
• Upcoming Shows
• Linktree