Entertainment Lawyer Don Tomlinson Explains AI, Music, and Artist Rights

This week on The EntreMusician Podcast, I’m joined by Don Tomlinson—a veteran entertainment and intellectual property attorney with 44 years of legal experience, professor of entertainment law at the University of Houston Law Center, author, mediator, and lifelong music thinker.In this episode, the bulk of our conversation centers on the intersection of music, law, and artificial intelligence—including Don’s hands-on legal and musical experience using Suno and related AI music tools. We explore what today’s creators need to understand about authorship, ownership, rights, and responsibility as AI becomes part of the modern music workflow.Don has mediated over 900 cases, serves on international IP panels including WIPO, and brings rare clarity to entertainment contracts and creative rights. He is also the author of Oedipus Tex and Desiderata.This is a practical, grounded conversation for musicians and creatives navigating new technology without losing control of their work.Listen to Don’s Music: https://solidsterlingmusic.com/Visit TheEntreMusician.comTheme Music is "YOYO" written by G.H. Beulah, Jr. & J. Herod, Jr. Performed by SounDoctrine © 2002 Soul Food Music (BMI) All Rights Reserved YOYO - Original Composition – ALL Rights Reserved ISRC: ushm80313063 BMI Work #: 5852411 ISWC: T-071.347.654-0 MLC Song Code: YA2UJ9 SOUL FOOD MUSIC IPI: 00231529687 Publisher Number: PV45SE Publisher Share: 100% US Copyright Office Registration Date: May 24, 2002 US Copyright Office Registration Number: PA1-145-851

What if streaming didn’t leave artists starving — but finally let them get paid what they deserve?In this episode of The EntreMusician Podcast, I dive deep with Tim Quirk — musician, tech-veteran, and founder of Tapedeck — to unpack how Tapedeck is reimagining the music business. Tapedeck is a new music store + streaming platform built on an artist-first model: artists set their own prices, fans can pay more if they want, and a penny per play is the minimum payment, not the maximum. We talk about his career — from building early streaming services to founding Tapedeck — his technical experience building music platforms, and why he believes the broken royalty system needs to end. We also explore the user experience: how Tapedeck gives fans credits, how streaming and downloads work, and how supporters can directly reward musicians they love. Whether you’re an artist tired of unfair payouts, a music lover who wants to support creators the right way, or just curious about the future of music — this interview is a must-listen to.Learn More: https://blog.zedge.net/author/tim/Visit TheEntreMusician.comTheme Music is "YOYO" written by G.H. Beulah, Jr. & J. Herod, Jr. Performed by SounDoctrine © 2002 Soul Food Music (BMI) All Rights Reserved YOYO - Original Composition – ALL Rights Reserved ISRC: ushm80313063 BMI Work #: 5852411 ISWC: T-071.347.654-0 MLC Song Code: YA2UJ9 SOUL FOOD MUSIC IPI: 00231529687 Publisher Number: PV45SE Publisher Share: 100% US Copyright Office Registration Date: May 24, 2002 US Copyright Office Registration Number: PA1-145-851

Tim Wipperman is CEO of Humanable.Humanable’s software allows music creators to verify that their songwriting, performances or recordings were made without the use of GenAI. This guarantees a transparent, royalty-generating music supply chain, giving publishers, platforms and labels confidence that they are not being deceived. It also supports artists by ensuring their work can be used in the marketplace. To date, the company has certified 3.4 million songs.Wipperman started his career as the Founder and Senior Executive of Warner Chappell Music in Nashville for 29 years. He also held key roles at Equity Records, Wipperman Music Group/Rezonant Music, Anthem Entertainment and ONErpm before joining Humanable. Known for his expertise in A&R, business development and entrepreneurial growth, Wipperman has created innovative and lasting music platforms throughout his career. A proactive leader and Billboard Power Player, he has made notable contributions to the music industry through board service and is celebrated for creating major corporate divisions.Visit Tim @ https://www.humanable.com/Enjoy!!Join The EntreMusician: https://theentremusician.com/YOYO - Original Composition - ALL Rights Reserved ISRC: ushm80313063 BMI Work #: 5852411 ISWC: T-071.347.654-0 MLC Song Code: YA2UJ9 SOUL FOOD MUSIC IPI: 00231529687 Publisher Number: PV45SE Publisher share: 100% US Copyright Office Registration Date: May 24 2002 US Copyright Office Registration Number: PA1-145-851

EntreMusician Bert Keith has mastered the art of storytelling through song.With every performance and release, he sharpens his craft and deepens his impact.In this episode of The EntreMusician Podcast, Bert opens up about his inspirations, motivations, and creative process—offering practical wisdom every Singer-Songwriter can use, no matter the genre.Visit Bert @ https://bksingersongwriter.com/Join The EntreMusician: https://theentremusician.com/Enjoy!!YOYO - Original Composition - ALL Rights Reserved ISRC: ushm80313063 BMI Work #: 5852411 ISWC: T-071.347.654-0 MLC Song Code: YA2UJ9 SOUL FOOD MUSIC IPI: 00231529687 Publisher Number: PV45SE Publisher share: 100% US Copyright Office Registration Date: May 24 2002 US Copyright Office Registration Number: PA1-145-851

Jere B reveals the one branding and psychography shift that can make fans yours for life.What if you could connect so deeply with your audience that they never drift away? In this powerhouse episode, Jere B, founder of The EntreMusician, fuses the unstoppable force of branding with the precision art of psychography — showing you exactly how to understand, attract, and keep fans for life. Discover the Forever Fan Framework that iconic artists use to dominate their market and stay unforgettable.You’ll discover:*The single mindset shift that transforms casual listeners into loyal superfans.*How to map the emotional DNA of your ideal audience.*Why great branding is more than visuals — it’s a fan experience they can’t stop thinking about.*The “Forever Fan Framework” used by iconic artists to dominate the market and stay unforgettable.Whether you’re a singer, songwriter, producer, or bandleader, this episode will equip you with the tools to own the space in your fans’ minds — and never give it back.Your next fan is waiting. This is how you keep them forever.Visit TheEntreMusician.comSchedule a Call @ https://calendly.com/jereb/15minutemeetupEnjoy! Theme Song “YOYO” – Original Composition - ALL Rights Reserved ISRC: ushm80313063 BMI Work #: 5852411 ISWC: T-071.347.654-0 MLC Song Code: YA2UJ9 SOUL FOOD MUSIC IPI: 00231529687 Publisher Number: PV45SE Publisher share: 100% US Copyright Office Registration Date: May 24 2002 US Copyright Office Registration Number: PA1-145-851

Questions Musicians Over 50 Can't IgnoreYou’ve got the miles, the music, and the memories—but what’s next?In this raw and revealing episode, Jere B, The EntreMusician’s founder, looks seasoned artists straight in the eye with the questions most avoid… and the ones that change lives.Are you ready to respond?Visit TheEntreMusician.comSchedule a Call @ https://calendly.com/jereb/15minutemeetupEnjoy! Theme Song “YOYO” – Original Composition - ALL Rights Reserved ISRC: ushm80313063 BMI Work #: 5852411 ISWC: T-071.347.654-0 MLC Song Code: YA2UJ9 SOUL FOOD MUSIC IPI: 00231529687 Publisher Number: PV45SE Publisher share: 100% US Copyright Office Registration Date: May 24 2002 US Copyright Office Registration Number: PA1-145-851

Meet Clarence McEwen: The Maestro Behind the Music !Classically trained. Spiritually grounded. Quietly powerful.Clarence McEwen—Gospel composer, music director, producer, and preacher—has spent years developing some of the most dynamic choirs and worship teams in Northwest Indiana, all while tucked away in Valparaiso.Now, in his very first interview and as a new member of The EntreMusician Community, Clarence opens up about what it means to step out of the shadows, stay true to your calling, and lead with both excellence and humility.If you're a creative who's been working behind the scenes, this episode will speak directly to you.Reach out To Clarence on Facebook or at: [email protected] TheEntreMusician.comSchedule a Call @ https://calendly.com/jereb/15minutemeetupEnjoy! Theme Song “YOYO” Original Composition - ALL Rights Reserved ISRC: ushm80313063 BMI Work #: 5852411 ISWC: T-071.347.654-0 MLC Song Code: YA2UJ9 SOUL FOOD MUSIC IPI: 00231529687 Publisher Number: PV45SE Publisher share: 100% US Copyright Office Registration Date: May 24 2002 US Copyright Office Registration Number: PA1-145-851

Linda Raine is a Canadian singer/songwriter from Toronto, Ontario now living in Leamington, Ontario. Her music can best be described as Rock/Contemporary with some Celtic influences she inherited while growing up in Nova Scotia. Raine has just released her 20th Anniversary Edition of her album "Rise" which was produced by Toronto-based producers Roberto Philipp and Cynthia Knight (1 Take Productions). The album offers up everything from female powerhouse rock anthems to contemporary melodic ballads.Raine learned to appreciate music at a young age while growing up in a family of musicians. She performed throughout Southern Ontario as lead singer of "Diamond and The RUFF", a classic rock cover band who had incorporated some of her original songs into their repertoire. Raine has appeared on Toronto's Centennial College radio program "The Original Soundtrack" and is featured in their music library of intunemagazine.ca. She has recorded and performed with Jimmy Flynn (Canada's "Ambassador of Good Cheer") and had the honor of recording and working with world renowned producer, Marius De Vries, on a corporate video project in New York City. Linda is a proud and active member of The EntreMusician Community and has been featured on EntreMusician video podcasts.Raine plans to continue to write and release rock and country singles and is interested in sync licensing opportunities. In this episode, Linda shares her very valuable advice on songwriting and how you can scale your compositions by implementing these principles.Visit Linda Raine @https://www.lindaraine.com/ Join Us @ https://theentremusician.com/Schedule a Call: https://calendly.com/jereb/15minuteme...Enjoy! Theme Song “YOYO” – Original Composition - ALL Rights Reserved ISRC: ushm80313063 BMI Work #: 5852411 ISWC: T-071.347.654-0 MLC Song Code: YA2UJ9 SOUL FOOD MUSIC IPI: 00231529687 Publisher Number: PV45SE Publisher share: 100% US Copyright Office Registration Date: May 24 2002 US Copyright Office Registration Number: PA1-145-851

Meet Robbie: The Ultimate Voice for Every Season!Songwriter, TV & Film Composer, Producer, and Recording Artist—Robbie’s talent knows no bounds. Once signed with Philadelphia’s legendary Alpha International Label, he’s collaborated with the crème de la crème of the entertainment world for decades.A self taught musician from Washington DC, now residing in Richmond, VA, Robbie started playing drums in church and later developed as a singer.His first recording as "Robbie Mychals" on Philadelphia's Alpha International label landed a few R&B Billboard chart placements, but only proved to be his initiation into the music business. Having the experience of working with top musicians, songwriters and engineers, Robbie started Zoé Music Group as a vehicle to create his brand of “Life music” which has yielded producing a blend of Jazz, R&B and Gospel projects. Robbie also uses the pseudonym “JazzimatronX” as a vehicle for his instrumental side. Robbie has worked with Patti Labelle, Bob Baldwin and a host of stellar artists, utilizing his faith in every project.He spends his time composing, producing and recording with a variety of artists and writing for sync. In this episode, Robbie shares his heart on authenticity as an artist, which has solidified his foundation for decades.In this episode, he takes us behind the curtain, where the magic is made.Learn More About Robbie @ https://zmg4life.com/Join Us @ TheEntreMusician.com Donate via Cash App at $TheEntreMusician Theme Music is "YOYO" written by G.H. Beulah, Jr. & J. Herod, Jr. Performed by SounDoctrine © 2002 Soul Food Music (BMI) All Rights Reserved YOYO - Original Composition - ALL Rights Reserved ISRC: ushm80313063 BMI Work #: 5852411 ISWC: T-071.347.654-0 MLC Song Code: YA2UJ9 SOUL FOOD MUSIC IPI: 00231529687 Publisher Number: PV45SE Publisher share: 100% US Copyright Office Registration Date: May 24 2002 US Copyright Office Registration Number: PA1-145-851

Resident EntreMusician & Metadata Strategist Darrell Looney discusses the purposes and importance of registering your music with ISNI and what "neighboring rights" means to the Indie Artist.Download Your Metadata Packet @ https://resourcechecklist.flavajazz.com/Join Us @ TheEntreMusician.com Donate via Cash App at $TheEntreMusicianTheme Music is "YOYO" written by G.H. Beulah, Jr. & J. Herod, Jr. Performed by SounDoctrine © 2002 Soul Food Music (BMI) All Rights ReservedYOYO - Original Composition - ALL Rights Reserved ISRC: ushm80313063 BMI Work #: 5852411 ISWC: T-071.347.654-0 MLC Song Code: YA2UJ9SOUL FOOD MUSIC IPI: 00231529687 Publisher Number: PV45SE