More artists are demanding protection from AI.
The American Federation of Musicians (AFM) represents artists who play in orchestras, bands, clubs, and theaters, whether on Broadway or on tour, according to its website.
On Sept. 21, it shared a memo reaffirming its commitment to “preserve and expand job opportunities for professional musicians.” The AFM says it represents more than 80,000 members who rely on “those studios to make a living.”
Rolling Stone reports the AFM reached out to Universal Music Group, Warner, Sony, and Hollywood Records (Disney) to request contract protections as AI’s presence in the industry grows. The union is advocating for performers‘ right to approve or deny the use of their music to train AI models. It is also seeking clear credit and compensation for AI use and label licensing deals, according to the outlet. These demands are reflected in a campaign titled “Human Made, Human Paid.”
“The record labels cannot pocket profits built on the backs of human artistry while cutting working musicians out of the equation. Human Made, Human Paid is about consent, credit, and compensation,” AFM International President Tino Gagliardi told Rolling Stone. “The AFM will not stand by and allow tech deals to bypass the very artists who made those music catalogs valuable in the first place.”
Will Wells, an AFM member, composer, and producer who’s collaborated with actress and singer Cynthia Erivo and others, commented:
“If I’ve witnessed anything in my group of colleagues, be it fellow union members or the broader music community, the idea that theft of intellectual property would be tolerated is chilling. That idea that we don’t have a say in how our music is exploited is chilling. I think that’s what gives so many people unrest.”