AI and Music Contracts: Key Things to Consider

AI is quickly reshaping our daily lives, including the entertainment we seek in books, films and music. When it comes to the creation of new music, there are some critical issues artists and labels have to address: how to determine ownership, share revenues in a fair way, deal with AI in a responsible way, protection of true artistry. Understanding these developments is essential for artists finding their way in this ever changing landscape.

Key Considerations for AI in Music Contracts

1. Ownership & AI-Generated Music

With AI composing and replicating voices, ownership is a growing concern.

·       Labels may require artists to confirm whether work is human-made or AI-generated.

·       AI-generated elements (and identified as such) in recordings might be treated as label-owned assets, similar to session musician contributions.

2. Use of Artist's Voice & Likeness

AI cloning of voices makes rewriting of name and likeness clauses necessary.

Some artist contracts grant labels rights to use AI-generated versions of an artist’s voice.
On the other hand, artists with sufficient clout manage to negotiate consent clauses preventing unauthorized AI replication of their voice.
3. Revenue Sharing & AI Derivatives

Fair compensation for AI-generated/enhanced music is under discussion.

More and more, contracts now specify how royalties are split for AI-enhanced works.
AI Detection Tools may likely be of in case of disputes about the proportion of AI-enhanced/generated elements.
4. AI Training Restrictions

Artists are trying to push for controls over AI training on their past recordings.

Some contracts prevent labels from using recordings for AI training without consent. 
However, other agreements force AI companies to properly license artists’ work before allowing them to upload such recordings.
5. AI Detection Tools

Companies are developing AI detection technology to protect artists.

Platforms like YouTube and Deezer and monitoring companies such as Audible Magic use AI detection to distinguish between human-made and AI-generated music.
Future agreements may require verification of track origins.
Conclusion

AI is transforming the music industry, making it essential for artists to stay informed. As contracts evolve, balancing innovation with creative rights protection is critical. We advise artists to carefully review agreements and seek legal advice to ensure fair treatment in this evolving landscape.