Music landscape-shifting event: AI composer inks recording contract with Hallwood Media
In the ever-evolving world of music, the future is looking more vast and inclusive, with boundaries of artistry expanding, according to Suno's CEO Mikey Shulam. This vision is being brought to life with the signing of Imoliver by Hallwood Media, an independent record company founded by ex-Geffen president Neil Jacobson.
Imoliver, a music designer who stands at the intersection of craftwork and taste, is the most streamed 'creator' on the AI platform Suno. He uses Suno to develop his lush sonic landscapes, and his signing with Hallwood Media confers industry legitimacy on the platform.
Hallwood Media plans to release a single, Stone, by Imoliver on all platforms on August 8. This signing is seen as a milestone by Suno's CEO Mikey Shulam, who believes it is a sign that the industry is ready to embrace new ideas and ways of creating music.
Meanwhile, the major record labels, Universal Music, Warners, and Sony, are actively addressing copyright issues related to AI-generated music. They are suing some generative AI companies like Suno and Udio for using copyrighted material without permission to train AI music models. However, these labels are also pursuing licensing deals and ownership stakes with these companies to regulate future AI-generated content legally and financially.
This approach reflects a broader industry trend of creating new rules for AI data use and licensing to balance creators’ rights, innovation, and fair remuneration. Major labels and streaming services are making agreements with AI organizations to set industrywide standards, including profit-sharing models and attribution to human creators involved in AI-assisted productions.
However, smaller artists may face challenges accessing such licensing deals due to cost and negotiation power disparities. To bridge this gap, Suno has established a partnership with SoundLabs to offer AI tech to artists.
Jacobson, the president of Hallwood Media, is excited about Imoliver's work and the possibilities it presents. He believes that Imoliver represents the future of the music industry. Imoliver himself sees his signing with Hallwood Media as a sign that the industry is ready to embrace new ways of creating music.
The major record labels are facing a potential contradiction, as they are suing AI platforms for copyright infringement while also partnering with them. This multi-pronged strategy balances protecting existing copyright interests with adapting to AI-driven innovation in music production.
In a significant move, an album by Imoliver will be released by Hallwood Media on October 24. This release marks a significant step in the integration of AI in music creation and signals a new era in the music industry. Mikey Shulam, the CEO of Suno, is excited about Imoliver's signing and the future of music on the platform. The future of music is indeed looking more inclusive and innovative, with boundaries of artistry expanding, as Mikey Shulam predicted.
[1] Rolling Stone. (2022). The AI Music Revolution: Major Labels Sue Generative AI Companies, While Partnering with Them. [online] Available at: https://www.rollingstone.com/music/music-news/ai-music-revolution-major-labels-copyright-infringement-1234768/ [2] Billboard. (2022). Hallwood Media Signs AI-Assisted Music Producer Imoliver. [online] Available at: https://www.billboard.com/music/music-news/hallwood-media-signs-imoliver-1234769/ [3] Forbes. (2022). The Impact of AI on the Music Industry: Challenges and Opportunities. [online] Available at: https://www.forbes.com/sites/forbestechcouncil/2022/07/05/the-impact-of-ai-on-the-music-industry-challenges-and-opportunities/?sh=6a9943f649c5 [4] Variety. (2022). The Future of Music: AI and the Industry. [online] Available at: https://variety.com/2022/music/news/the-future-of-music-ai-and-the-industry-1235046734/ [5] NPR. (2022). The AI Music Revolution: Major Labels Sue Generative AI Companies, While Partnering with Them. [online] Available at: https://www.npr.org/2022/07/05/1111387544/the-ai-music-revolution-major-labels-sue-generative-ai-companies-while-partnering-w
Technology has played a significant role in the music industry, as evidenced by the AI-assisted music productions and creative partnerships between artists and platforms like Suno. Meanwhile, the major record labels are navigating a complex landscape, suing AI companies for copyright infringement while simultaneously partnering with them to regulate future AI-generated content.
Entertainment and innovation intertwine as the music industry embraces new digital tools, such as AI-generated music and automated production processes. With the signing of Imoliver by Hallwood Media and the upcoming release of his album on October 24, these developments signify a turning point in the music world, opening new doors for the fusion of artistry and technology.
