Welcome to this week's episode of 25 Years, 25 Artists, where Tabitha sits down with someone who’s lived the highs of the stage and now navigates the complexities of the courtroom - meet Chelsea Donoghue, a singer, songwriter, vocal coach, and music lawyer whose journey is as dynamic as her voice.From growing up in a musically rich household - her father a classical music enthusiast - Chelsea was drawn to melody from a young age. As a student at Loreto, she immersed herself in the school’s music community, laying the groundwork for a life in performance.In 2011, Chelsea was performing with live bands and took a leap by applying for her first grant through the Ballarat Arts Foundation. That grant helped her purchase in-ear monitors - a game-changer for any live performer - and she still uses that same pair them today. That support not only elevated her stage experience but also marked the beginning of a long-standing relationship with BAF.After relocating to Melbourne, Chelsea juggled corporate and private gigs across Victoria. She enrolled at Monash University’s Jazz School - a rollercoaster of highs and lows - before pivoting into Law, where she found her true academic passion: Music Law. That shift didn’t mean leaving music behind. In fact, she toured internationally with Ruel and continued performing while building her legal career.Now a practicing music lawyer, Chelsea helps artists navigate the murky waters of copyright, contracts, and, increasingly, the challenges posed by AI. With Australia still catching up on legislation around AI and intellectual property, her work is more vital than ever.What exactly does a music lawyer do? How do you balance creativity with legal precision? And what does the future look like for artists in a tech-driven world? Chelsea breaks it all down.Chelsea credits BAF not just for early support, but for fostering a vibrant creative community in Ballarat. From grants to gigs, BAF continues to connect artists and provide platforms for growth - something Chelsea sees as essential in an industry where consistency and income can be elusive. And a big shout out to BAF's Chair, Paula Nicholson!So, whether you're an aspiring artist, a curious creative, or just love a good story - this episode is for you. Let’s get into it.

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