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How did Miley Cyrus’ Heartbreak Song “Flowers” Break the Spotify Record?

March 17, 2023

The singer, songwriter, and actress Miley Cyrus has recently released a record-breaking song called “Flowers” in January 2023. This song recites her 10-year long relationship with her ex-husband....

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Men I Trust: Canada’s DIY Indie Band That Could Be Your New Favourite

March 4, 2023

Men I Trust is a Canadian indie pop band known for their dreamy and mellow sound. Their music is laid back, incorporating elements of funk, disco, and R&B to create a smooth and groovy vibe that is

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Basics For Building an At-Home Recording Studio

March 3, 2023

Artists like Kaytranada have proved that you don’t need access to a professional recording studio to create well-produced music. As technology and social media have advanced, it is now easier than eve

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Facing the Music: Legal Challenges With AI and Copyright Laws

February 25, 2023

People draw inspiration from others when forming their ideas, it’s a fact of life. Sampling in music is no exception - and artists do it for a variety of reasons. Traditionally, copyright laws and

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Tobias Jesso Jr.: GRAMMY-Winning Canadian Sells His Song Rights

February 23, 2023

Tobias Jesso Jr. You may know his name from his 2015 solo album Goon. Or maybe from his work on various popular songs, such as “When We Were Young” by Adele and “Alive” by Sia. Or even from his rece

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How Popular TV Shows and Movies Resurrect Classic Songs

February 23, 2023

HBO’s The Last of Us is arguably the hottest show out right now, receiving near universal acclaim from viewers and critics alike. This holds especially true for episode three: “Long, Long Time”.

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Ginalina: Bringing Her Taiwan Roots Into Her Latest Album

February 21, 2023

Folk singer. Songwriter. Canadian. Polyglot. All of these titles belong to Gina Lam, also known by her stage name Ginalina. In November 2022, she released her latest album titled Going Back: Remembe

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Rihanna’s Super Bowl Performance

February 21, 2023

Rihanna is an illustrious artist. She is among the best selling female artists of all time, and was one of the greatest hitmakers of the 2000s and 2010s. She has since grown to become the richest...

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How do Streaming Platforms Pay Artists - Is It Fair?

February 20, 2023

Streaming is now the driving force of the music industry, making up 84% of the industry revenue in the U.S. While streaming is much more convenient for listeners, many artists argue that it is near im

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Why Jay-Z Was Named The #1 Rapper Of All Time

February 23, 2023

Who is the greatest rapper of all time? Is it even possible to crown just one person? Well, Billboard and Vibe did exactly that. And, according to them, that person is Jay-Z. In honor of Hip-Hop’s

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Behind Kaytranada’s Unique Sound

February 18, 2023

Kaytranada (Louis Celestin) is a Haitian-Canadian record producer and DJ. He is a highly acclaimed electronic artist, having earned two Grammys and countless other awards for his work. Kaytranada has

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The Creative Act: Rick Rubin’s Knowledge Turned Into A Book

February 17, 2023

What happens when a famous music producer takes an interest in self-help books? The Creative Act is your answer. But who is Rick Rubin? Without a doubt, Rubin has an impressive track record in the

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Sony Music Group warns more than 700 companies against using its content to train AI

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Sony Music Group (SMG) has issued formal notices to over 700 generative AI companies and streaming platforms, prohibiting the unauthorized use of its content for AI model training. This move encompasses a wide range of materials, including audio recordings, musical compositions, cover artwork, and metadata. In its letter, SMG highlighted the significant advancements and potential of AI technology but stressed that unauthorized use of its content for AI development deprives the company and its artists of control and appropriate compensation. The letter calls for companies to either confirm non-use of SMG content or disclose details if it has been used.

The growing concern around AI's impact on the music industry has led to significant regulatory and legal actions. The European Union’s Artificial Intelligence Act, passed in March, mandates that AI providers disclose detailed summaries of the content used for training models. In the U.S., where AI-related regulations lag, companies have started negotiating licensing agreements and pursuing legal action against unauthorized use of copyrighted materials. Notably, tracks featuring AI-generated vocals, such as the viral song “heart on my sleeve” mimicking Drake and The Weeknd, have sparked debates and lawsuits over copyright infringement.

Artists and industry leaders are advocating for stronger protections against the misuse of AI. Warner Music Group CEO Robert Kyncl recently testified before the Senate Judiciary subcommittee on intellectual property, emphasizing the need for legislation to protect individuals' identities from nonconsensual use. Furthermore, over 200 musicians signed an open letter urging tech companies and digital music services to commit to ethical AI practices that respect the artistry and rights of songwriters and performers. This collective push underscores the industry's resolve to safeguard human creativity and ensure fair compensation in the age of AI.