The music industry and AI companies have had a rocky relationship. Over the past few years, tensions have risen due to the music industry’s worries about copyright infringement and the potential devaluation of human artistry, especially as AI companies do not always use copyrighted material appropriately. These fears, especially concerning the use of copyrighted material to train AI models, have resulted in legal battles and a general sense of distrust. As we move further into 2025, it is becoming clear that this adversarial stance is not only unsustainable but could also harm the future of music. It’s time for both sides to find common ground and foster collaboration. This new environment must acknowledge AI’s inevitability while protecting the rights and livelihoods of creators.
The understandable fear of the unknown
The music industry is understandably worried about AI. AI models use a ton of copyrighted music to train, and often they don’t get permission to use it. This raises big questions about intellectual property rights. Artists and rightsholders are worried that their creative works are being used to make tech that could replace them or make their work less valuable. AI can already easily make music that sounds just like an existing artist, which makes it hard to tell what’s original and could lead to unfair competition. As a recent article on Network Notes pointed out, the music industry’s first reaction has been alarm. They’re worried because they feel like they’ve lost control over how AI companies are using their valuable work.
The inevitable presence of AI in the music industry
Despite these concerns, the reality is that AI is no longer a futuristic fantasy; it’s an integral part of the present and future music landscape. From recommendation algorithms that shape listening habits to AI-powered tools that assist in music production, AI’s influence is already pervasive. Attempting to completely block or resist its advancement is likely to be a futile endeavour. As technology continues to evolve at a rapid pace, AI’s capabilities in music creation, distribution, and consumption will only become more sophisticated. The music industry must recognise this inevitability and shift its focus to finding ways to integrate AI responsibly and ethically. Embracing this change, rather than fighting it, presents an opportunity to explore new creative avenues and business models.
Navigating the current regulatory maze
The current regulatory environment in Europe is not optimal. The General Text and Data Mining (TDM) exception was supposed to promote innovation, but it’s actually created a ton of challenges for the music industry. This exception often lets AI companies train their models on copyrighted material without explicit permission, as long as they meet certain conditions. There are opt-out mechanisms in place, but they’re so complex and impractical that they create huge hurdles for both rightsholders and AI companies. Rightsholders face the daunting task of tracking and opting out of their entire catalog across numerous AI platforms. Meanwhile, AI companies have to navigate the complexities of individual opt-outs, which is cumbersome and inefficient. The current system aims for balance, but it often favors AI companies because effective enforcement and widespread opt-out are so difficult.
The need for a simplified licensing model
To get past this stalemate, we need a fundamental shift in how AI companies access and use copyrighted music. We need to develop a new, simplified AI music licensing model that’s specifically tailored to AI use cases. This model could move away from the traditional approach of getting individual copyright clearances for every piece of music used in training. Instead, it could focus on licensing specific AI applications or functionalities. For example, an AI company developing a tool that generates music in a particular genre could obtain a license that covers the use of copyrighted material within that specific application. This approach could potentially eliminate the need for blanket permissions and streamline the licensing process significantly.
Unlocking new revenue streams and fostering collaboration
A collaborative approach like this could unlock significant new revenue streams for artists, songwriters, and the broader music industry. Instead of viewing AI as a threat, the industry could see it as a potential partner, generating income through licensing agreements. This would not only compensate creators for the use of their work but also incentivise responsible AI development. By establishing clear and fair licensing frameworks, the music industry can ensure that AI companies contribute to the ecosystem they’re benefiting from. This shift in perspective could foster a more constructive dialogue and pave the way for genuine collaboration. Imagine a future where AI tools empower artists to explore new creative possibilities while simultaneously providing them with fair compensation for the data used to develop those tools.
It’s time to work on a sustainable, collaborative future.
The adversarial relationship between the music industry and AI companies can’t continue. AI is here to stay, and we need to find a pragmatic and collaborative approach. By acknowledging each other’s concerns and working towards a new, simplified AI music licensing model, both sides can find common ground. Collaboration has the potential to unlock new revenue streams for the music industry, foster responsible AI development, and ultimately enrich the future of music creation and consumption. The time for opposition is over; it’s time for collaboration.
