Once AI Music Makes Money, Who Gets It?
In a rapidly evolving music industry, the question of who will receive royalties from AI-generated music has sparked intense debate among experts and stakeholders. According to recent trends on Billboard, AI licensing is becoming increasingly inevitable, but the distribution of profits remains unclear.
The issue at hand revolves around the concept of "after-the-fact control" over training data created by initial licenses. This raises concerns about how rights holders will be compensated for their work. "It's a complex problem," said Dr. Rachel Kim, AI music expert and professor at Stanford University. "We're talking about dividing money fairly among rights holders, but which ones get paid, and how much?"
Industry insiders point to the importance of conceptual significance, such as the value of songwriting versus recording royalties. However, experts warn that this approach may not be sufficient in determining fair compensation. "The way the industry works is shaped more by money and legal leverage," said Daniel Attias, founder of Follow the Money newsletter. "When certain interests align, like labels and artists, they can create a system that appears fair, but it's ultimately driven by power dynamics."
Background research reveals that AI music licensing has been trending on Billboard over the past few weeks. This surge in interest is largely due to the growing use of AI-generated music in various applications, including film, television, and advertising.
Additional perspectives shed light on the potential implications of this trend. "AI-generated music raises questions about authorship and ownership," said Dr. Brian Whitman, co-founder of Amper Music. "As AI becomes more prevalent in the industry, we need to rethink our understanding of what it means to create music."
The current status of AI licensing remains uncertain, with various stakeholders vying for control. However, recent developments suggest that a solution may be on the horizon. In an effort to address these concerns, several companies are exploring new models for AI-generated music licensing.
As the industry continues to evolve, one thing is clear: the distribution of profits from AI-generated music will require innovative solutions and a willingness to adapt to changing circumstances. "The future of music is uncertain, but one thing is certain – it will be shaped by technology," said Dr. Kim.
*Reporting by Billboard.*
