About Stella Smith

English major at Loyola Marymount University (Class of 2030). In 2025, I interned with entertainment attorney Gary Pierson, whose work includes representing the Chuck Berry Family Estate. During my internship, I learned about the 70th anniversary of "Maybellene" and the years-long fight surrounding ownership and recognition of one of the most influential songs in music history. That experience changed the way I think about the music industry. It sparked my interest in copyright, intellectual property, artist rights, and the people who work behind the scenes to make sure creators receive credit for what they create. The experience also inspired me to create a Gen Z-focused Music Industry FAQ to help young artists better understand the business side of music. Months later, when I discovered LMU's commitment to student ownership of intellectual property, I knew I had found a school that aligned with the work I hope to do in entertainment and music. I'm fascinated by how creativity, ownership, and opportunity come together, and I hope to help artists protect what they build as their careers grow.

Work experience

  • What-Gen-Z-17–21-Really-Wants-to-Know-About-the-Music-Industry_Stella-Smith-LFHS-2026
  • 3.60MB
  • View Resume

Stella's Skills

Art
  • Content Creator
Business
  • Artist Relations
  • Lawyer
  • Licensing
  • Marketing
  • Project Manager
  • Public Relations
  • Publishing
Photo
  • Photographer

Stella's Genres

  • Alternative Rock
  • Blues
  • Country
  • Hip-Hop
  • House
  • Indie Rock
  • Latin
  • Pop
  • R&B
  • Rap

Stella's Experience

In 2025, I interned with entertainment attorney Gary Pierson, whose work includes representing the Chuck Berry Family Estate. During that experience, I explored topics including copyright, publishing, royalties, artist agreements, and artist rights. The experience inspired me to create a Gen Z-focused Music Industry FAQ designed to help young artists better understand the business side of music. I’m currently studying English at Loyola Marymount University and hope to build a career helping artists protect what they create, understand what they own, and make sure they get credit where credit is due.