Artificial intelligence has revolutionized how we discover, create, and consume music—but where exactly does it stand in 2025? After interviewing three leading AI music technology founders, I'm pulling back the curtain on the current state of music AI and its ethical evolution.

The landscape has shifted dramatically. Today's most innovative companies are building AI tools with fundamentally different values: enhancing human creativity rather than replacing it, compensating artists fairly, and respecting intellectual property rights.

From DAACI's musician-trained tools that function as creative co-pilots to VoiceSwap's groundbreaking marketplace where vocalists monetize their AI voice models on their own terms, we're witnessing the emergence of a more ethical ecosystem. RoEx Audio demonstrates how AI can handle the tedious 90% of mixing work while preserving the creative 10% that makes music uniquely human. These developments reveal AI's most valuable role in music creation: not as a replacement for human artistry, but as a time-saving assistant that handles repetitive technical tasks.

The distinction between AI voice models and real human performances is becoming a critical consideration for artists, with forward-thinking companies beginning to establish clearer frameworks for rights and compensation. By processing information through databases containing millions of audio fingerprints, these platforms ensure no copyrighted material is used without permission—addressing one of the industry's most significant concerns.

Whether you're excited about these tools or approaching them with caution, understanding their true capabilities and limitations is essential for navigating today's music business landscape. What ethical considerations matter most to you as we continue this technological journey? How might these tools transform your creative process without compromising your artistic integrity?

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How would you feel discovering your music was used on a major TV show without anyone telling you? That's the reality of blanket licensing – a system that keeps the entertainment world turning while ensuring creators get paid.

Allow me to break down this complex but crucial aspect of the music industry, explaining how blanket licenses grant broadcasters and venues the right to use vast catalogues of music for a fixed annual fee. Rather than negotiating individual licenses for each song, these agreements streamline the process for businesses while generating royalty streams for creators.

Delving into territorial differences, I reveal how the UK system operates through a PRS for Music partnership, contrasting this with the more fragmented American landscape where individual sync deals remain dominant. This geographical variation explains why synchronisation opportunities in the US often command higher rates than their UK counterparts.

For creators wondering about payment mechanisms, I illuminate the dual streams of revenue – upfront license fees and ongoing performance royalties – while acknowledging the frustrating reality of delayed payments. Through practical examples, I demonstrates how songs get used, how royalties are calculated through cue sheets, and why you might discover your music on television months before seeing any payment.

The episode provides valuable insights for both sides of the equation: music creators seeking to understand their rights and payment structures, and music users needing efficient access to quality content. Whether you're a songwriter curious about how your royalties work or a small business wondering about music licensing requirements, this accessible breakdown transforms confusion into clarity.

Listen now to gain essential knowledge about one of the music industry's most misunderstood systems and discover why blanket licensing matters to everyone in the creative economy. Have questions about your specific situation? I welcome your inquiries as part of the podcast's mission to educate and empower the music community worldwide.

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Ever wondered how artificial intelligence might transform music production without replacing human creativity? In this eye-opening conversation with David Ronan, CEO of Roex Audio, we explore the fascinating world of AI-powered mixing and mastering tools that are changing how music creators work.

David pulls back the curtain on Roex's innovative products: Mix Check Studio, which analyzes tracks and identifies mixing issues for free, and Automix, which can professionally mix up to 32 tracks in minutes rather than hours. What's particularly impressive is how these tools handle the mechanical, often tedious aspects of mixing while leaving the creative decisions to humans. "It doesn't do anything creative," David explains, "it does the corrective mixing... getting the levels correct enough that you're in the ballpark and can tweak it." The result? More time for music creators to focus on the artistic elements that make their sound unique.

With a background that includes work at Native Instruments, leading research at AI Music (later acquired by Apple), and a PhD in music technology, David brings exceptional expertise to the table. He shares the remarkable journey of how Roex evolved from an academic project that could only mix four mono tracks over an entire day to a sophisticated system that can handle complex arrangements in minutes. Along the way, he dispels myths about AI replacing human engineers, emphasizing that these tools are assistive rather than replacements, democratizing professional-quality sound while enhancing the productivity of experienced professionals.

Looking ahead, David reveals exciting plans for DAW integration and applications beyond music production into film, television, and game audio. Whether you're a bedroom producer struggling with technical aspects of mixing or a professional engineer looking to streamline workflow, this episode offers valuable insights into how AI can help you achieve better results while preserving your creative vision. Give it a listen and discover how embracing these new technologies might transform your music production process.

https://www.roexaudio.com/

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The future of music depends on nurturing young talent, yet the path for emerging musicians can be as challenging as it is confusing. This episode takes a deep dive into Youth Music's insightful "Sound of the Next Generation" report, examining how the pandemic, economic hardship, and educational cuts have fundamentally altered young people's relationship with music.

I share concerning statistics revealing that just 55% of young people now identify as musical (down 10% from 2019), while 48% of 18-25 year olds report feeling lonely in today's disconnected world. Music remains a crucial lifeline, with 70% of respondents agreeing it helps them feel connected with others. As one young person puts it: "When I feel like my identity is being underrepresented, I look at music that I listen to and I feel seen."

The episode explores how systemic barriers prevent equal access to music opportunities. Young people from working-class backgrounds are significantly less likely to see themselves as musical performers or know someone who can support their progression. Geographic disparities show the north-south divide in stark relief, while gender imbalances persist particularly in digital music creation. Meanwhile, drastic funding cuts have decimated the grassroots music sector that historically supported talent development, with over £1 billion slashed from youth services in the last decade.

Technology is transforming how the next generation creates music, with traditional instrument playing decreasing while computer-based composition rises, yet 68% believe that a social media following is essential for industry success - a skill rarely taught in formal education. These evolving perspectives reflect a generation navigating a rapidly changing musical landscape, with 47% believing AI will create most future music.

What can we do to ensure diverse musical voices aren't lost? Listen as I unpack Youth Music's three crucial recommendations for government, education, and industry to rebuild the pipeline that produces tomorrow's musical talent. The health of our collective musical future depends on the actions we take today.

Please support the Rescue The Roots campaign:

https://www.youthmusic.org.uk/rescue-the-roots

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What does it truly mean to take care of our mental health in the complex, demanding world of music? This question sits at the heart of my conversation with Jeordie Shenton, Programmes Lead for Tonic Music, a pioneering UK charity dedicated to mental wellbeing for everyone who creates, works with, or simply loves music.

Music creators experience significantly higher rates of depression, anxiety, and other mental health challenges compared to the general population. The causes are multifaceted—financial instability, demanding schedules, performance pressure, burnout, and the often isolating nature of creative work. Yet until recently, conversations about these challenges remained largely taboo, with struggling artists either romanticised, demonised, or excessively medicalised by media and industry alike.

Tonic Music stands apart through its nuanced understanding of the music ecosystem. Rather than viewing "the music industry" as a monolith, they recognise the diverse experiences of everyone from international touring artists to buskers, roadies to venue staff, fans to hobbyist musicians. Each group faces unique challenges requiring tailored support. Their four-tiered approach—offering therapy sessions, peer groups, skills workshops, and training courses—provides flexible, accessible resources that participants can engage with according to their specific needs.

What struck me most during our conversation was Jeordie's insight into how isolation affects people across all corners of music. The peer support groups Tonic facilitates have become lifelines, creating safe spaces where individuals from vastly different musical backgrounds connect, share experiences, and form lasting support networks. These connections extend beyond formal sessions, with many groups establishing their own communication channels for ongoing support.

Looking toward the future, Jeordie emphasises that while awareness has grown significantly, we must now focus on action. This includes integrating mental health education into music curricula, creating clear pathways to support for everyone in the ecosystem, and continuing to challenge stigma through open conversation. Though major artists can now cancel tours citing mental health without significant backlash, this same freedom rarely extends to grassroots musicians or crew members who fear replacement or financial ruin.

Ready to learn more or access support? Visit tonicmusic.co.uk to discover their programmes and register for a personal consultation with their mental health team. Together, we can create a music world where wellbeing is prioritised alongside creativity and success.

https://www.tonicmusic.co.uk

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Imagine transforming your voice into that of legendary vocalists like Robert Owens or Angie Brown with just a few clicks. The future isn't coming—it's already here, and it's raising profound questions about artist rights, compensation, and the very nature of creative identity.

In this extraordinary conversation with Declan McGlynn, Chief Creative Officer at VoiceSwap, we explore how ethical AI voice technology is revolutionizing music creation. Unlike many AI platforms that scrape data without permission, VoiceSwap builds all their models with explicit artist consent, using specially recorded training data, and pays artists a 50% split at the moment their voice is used—not months later when tracks might be released.

The implications stretch far beyond simple voice conversion. We dive into how AI voice models differ fundamentally from traditional sample packs (one offers finite samples, the other infinite derivatives), the challenges of valuing someone's voice in perpetuity, and the emergence of voice models as a new form of monetizable IP. Declan shares VoiceSwap's vision for a democratic marketplace where anyone could license their voice, potentially transforming how vocalists, producers, and even engineers collaborate in the digital age.

This conversation captures a pivotal moment in music technology where standards are being established that will shape creative careers for decades. Drawing parallels to previous innovations like auto-tune and VSTs, we explore how initial resistance gives way to revolutionary creative applications—and how VoiceSwap is working to ensure artists maintain control and receive fair compensation throughout this evolution.

Whether you're a vocalist curious about new income streams, a producer looking for innovative tools, or simply fascinated by how AI is reshaping creative industries, this episode offers vital insights into protecting your rights while embracing the extraordinary possibilities of this technology revolution.

https://www.voice-swap.ai

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Ever wonder how your music ends up in that Netflix show or smartphone commercial? The path from creation to placement is paved with gatekeepers, contracts, and strategic pitching—and mastering these elements could transform your music career.

Jonny Amos dives deep into the sync licensing ecosystem, revealing the crucial professionals every music creator should connect with. From accessible sync agents building music libraries for clients to the coveted music supervisors who can catapult careers with a single placement, understanding these relationships is fundamental to success. The episode illuminates how legendary music supervision moments—like Kate Bush's revival in Stranger Things or the gritty soundtrack selections in Peaky Blinders—demonstrate the profound impact of effective music placement.

Beyond identifying key players, Jonny offers practical wisdom on contractual considerations and negotiation tactics. His simple yet powerful approach to quoting fees shifts the dynamics of pricing conversations in your favour. The episode covers the distinction between sync licensing deals for compositions versus master license deals for recordings, revealing how revenue splits typically work with different partners. Jonny also explores the emerging micro-licensing sector, which creates new pathways for music discovery through YouTube, social media, and independent films.

Remember: when pitching your music, you're not asking for charity—you're proposing something valuable to professionals seeking the perfect sonic complement to their visual stories. Ready to transform your approach to sync opportunities? Download free resources including release agreements and metadata templates from jonnyamos.com, and position yourself for success in this lucrative revenue stream.

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Ready to break into the world of sync licensing? Before you can land your music in films, TV shows, or advertisements, you need to master the crucial preparation steps that most artists overlook.

Jonny Amos dives deep into the foundational elements of sync success, revealing why understanding your song's true essence is more challenging—and more critical—than most creators realize. "A songwriter could be preoccupied by the emotion felt when writing, yet a different mood emerges in the final production," Jonny explains, highlighting how this disconnect can prevent your perfect track from being discovered by music supervisors.

Metadata emerges as the unsung hero in sync licensing. Far from being merely administrative, your song's metadata acts as the bridge connecting your music to licensing opportunities. Music supervisors filter through thousands of tracks using specific search parameters—from mood and genre to tempo and instrumentation—and without precise metadata, even the most suitable track remains invisible. Johnny breaks down exactly which elements must be included and how to categorize them effectively.

The episode tackles the often-overlooked clearance process, explaining why every contributor to your recording requires a signed release agreement before licensing can proceed. From session musicians to producers, these agreements establish clear ownership and prevent potential legal complications. Johnny generously offers free templates for these essential documents through his website.

When you're finally ready to pitch, preparation is paramount. Music supervisors work under tight deadlines and need immediate solutions—having different versions of your tracks ready demonstrates professionalism and increases your chances of placement. Understanding which visual contexts your music would best enhance allows you to target your pitches effectively rather than sending material blindly.

Whether you're an independent artist or working with a team, these foundational steps will position you for success in the competitive but rewarding world of sync licensing. Get ready for next week's follow-up episode, where Jonny will explore exactly how to pitch your now-prepared music to the right industry contacts.

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"I just want to make a living as a music creator" is perhaps the most common goal I hear from musicians - and today's podcast explores how the remote marketplace makes that more achievable than ever before.

What if those guitar skills you've developed could earn you income beyond your local band? What if those production techniques you've mastered could serve clients worldwide? What if those songs sitting on your hard drive could be monetised without releasing them yourself?

The golden age of the gig economy has transformed how musicians can earn from their craft. Platforms like SoundBetter, AirGigs, Fiverr and Musiversal have created sophisticated ecosystems where music creators can offer their services to a global clientele without ever leaving their studios. But simply signing up isn't enough - the musicians who thrive in these marketplaces understand the nuances that separate occasional gigs from consistent income.

We dive deep into crafting your offering with precision - explaining why being a specialist rather than a jack-of-all-trades helps you stand out in the crowded marketplace. You'll learn how to structure tiered service options that maximize your earnings while giving clients the flexibility they need. We explore the delicate balance of pricing, rights management, revision policies, and the critical importance of turnaround times in winning repeat business.

Beyond the technical setup, we examine the psychology of successful remote musicians - how controlling your ego when serving others' creative visions, building a compelling profile, and maintaining impeccable professional etiquette can transform occasional gigs into career-defining relationships.

Whether you're looking to supplement your income or build a full-time career, this episode provides the roadmap to monetising your musical skills in the digital marketplace. Subscribe to The Music Business Buddy for more insights that help you navigate the business side of your creative career with confidence.

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What if streaming platforms actually paid artists fairly? This question has driven acclaimed producer Lloyd Perrin (Papa Zeus) to develop Serenada, a revolutionary social streaming platform that could transform how musicians earn from their music.

Perrin's impressive career spans from chart success with "About You" (which brilliantly reimagined CeCe Peniston's "Finally") to scoring films like Street Dance 3D. Despite these achievements, he's witnessed firsthand how streaming economics have devastated artist income. "When I first started, we sold CDs and made money. Then downloads meant less money. With streaming it makes even less money and even less sense," Perrin explains with refreshing candor.

Serenada represents a powerful alternative – a user-centric streaming platform where your subscription fee goes directly to artists you listen to, not into a communal pool where only megastars truly benefit. By combining social media engagement, content discovery, and fair compensation in one platform, Perrin aims to remove the fragmented journey between discovering music and supporting creators.

The platform will ethically utilize AI to enhance music discovery based on emotional resonance and compositional elements, helping listeners find their perfect musical match while ensuring artists get discovered by the right audience. Most revolutionary is Perrin's commitment that all artists – from bedroom producers to established names – receive equal treatment on the platform with no preferential deals for major labels.

This episode offers a fascinating glimpse into a potential future where streaming actually nurtures artistic development rather than treating music as an expendable commodity. Whether you're a music creator frustrated by streaming economics or a fan wondering why your favorite artists struggle despite millions of plays, Perrin's vision for Serenada presents an inspiring path forward for the industry.

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