Tag Archive for AI

Is China leading the next music disruption?

Are AI-powered music-generating and streaming platforms from China part of the next disruption? If we consider 1995-2005 as the “resistance era” against streaming (i.e., major labels clinging to physical media profits through very creative methods, in yellow below), perhaps we can consider 2005-2025 to be the “simmering period” of streaming consolidation. We are now witnessing the next paradigm shift led by AI-powered platforms (in pink below).

Of special note are Mureka and Melodio, developed by China’s Kunlun Tech, their calculated disregard for copyright fueling their ascent. Mureka’s advanced model can generate music from “reference tracks” which could be an uploaded track or a YouTube link, effectively crowdsourcing training data.

So, what happens to copyright in this case? I bit the bullet, subscribed to the “Pro” plan and proceeded to upload a track from my album. I did not encounter any content filters or copyright detection tools to stop me from uploading the track. Could I have uploaded a work that I didn’t have the rights to? If I’m not mistaken, at the very basic level, Mureka is asking for the user to become complicit in training the model in real time with copyrighted material.

To be fair, American AI-powered music-generating platform Suno and Udio have also been vague about training data and are currently being sued by multiple labels. 1 But they do not ask the user to upload tracks or use YouTube links as reference material.

Melodio seems to be more like Endel, a lean-back listening experience as the platform creates “an endless stream of perfect ambient music.” 2 This can further push the divergence of functional music from the rest of the recorded music output, allowing low-effort background music to be replaced by AI-powered music streaming platforms, reducing royalty payouts by minimizing human labor. Platforms can retain more revenue as production costs plummet. Again, copyright issues of its training data are currently not discussed.

How good are the Chinese AI-powered music models? Will they be popular? Regardless, at the very least, they are heating up the AI competition at the expense of rights holders.

OpenAI (now of Ghibli fame) has grabbed this moment to highlight the dangers of losing out to China. Regarding the White House’s development of an AI Action Plan3, OpenAI commented on March 13, 20205: “Applying the fair use doctrine to AI is not only a matter of American competitiveness—it’s a matter of national security. The rapid advances seen with the PRC’s DeepSeek, among other recent developments, show that America’s lead on frontier AI is far from guaranteed. Given concerted state support for critical industries and infrastructure projects, there’s little doubt that the PRC’s AI developers will enjoy unfettered access to data—including copyrighted data—that will improve their models. If the PRC’s developers have unfettered access to data and American companies are left without fair use access, the race for AI is effectively over. America loses, as does the success of democratic AI. Ultimately, access to more data from the widest possible range of sources will ensure more access to more powerful innovations that deliver even more knowledge.”4

But is “fair use” the right approach? On March 14th, RIAA commented: “Existing U.S. copyright law is sufficient to address copyright concerns arising from AI. In particular, our fair use doctrine…provides a manageable and nuanced approach to addressing liability for unauthorized uses of copyrighted works to train an AI system. As noted above, one court has already ruled that fair use did not apply to the type of AI training at issue in that case.”5

The rapid pace of development of AI-powered platforms around the world is challenging the music industry to reconcile technological progress with ethical and legal guardrails. If history is any indication, we are in for decades of chaos. In no scenario do I see the valuation of digital music increasing.

That said, there is enormous demand for music as a form of communication which fosters social bonding. From micro-events like themed house concerts to large-scale arena concerts, live music is booming. People want to get together. Fans want merch to show solidarity with their favorite artists as well as with fellow fans. Although it’s not always clear how all that translates to artists actually being able to make a living off of music, it’s still a very positive sign that music truly matters. Streaming is just one part of that eco-system.

4/12/2025: Editing to add that on April 1 2025, Udio also released a feature where the user can upload a reference track.

4/13/2025: Editing to add a link to AI 2027, prediction scenarios of AI impact written by Daniel Kokotajlo, Scott Alexander, Thomas Larsen, Eli Lifland, Romeo Dean. AI-powered music platforms fit right in.

  1. Tencer, D., & Tencer, D. (2024, June 24). Major record companies sue AI music generators Suno, Udio for ‘mass infringement’ of copyright. Music Business Worldwide. https://www.musicbusinessworldwide.com/major-record-companies-sue-ai-music-generators-suno-udio-for-mass-infringement-of-copyright/ ↩︎
  2. Melodio AI |Vibe Your Moment – Official website. (n.d.). https://www.melodio.ai/ ↩︎
  3. The White House. (2025, March 24). Public comment invited on Artificial intelligence action plan. https://www.whitehouse.gov/briefings-statements/2025/02/public-comment-invited-on-artificial-intelligence-action-plan/ ↩︎
  4. OpenAI’s proposals for the U.S. AI Action Plan. (n.d.). OpenAI. https://openai.com/global-affairs/openai-proposals-for-the-us-ai-action-plan/ ↩︎
  5. Leibfreid, M. (2025, March 20). RIAA leads music community in AI filing – US creative leadership paves the way for innovation – RIAA. RIAA. https://www.riaa.com/icymi-riaa-leads-music-community-in-ai-filing-us-creative-leadership-paves-the-way-for-innovation/ ↩︎

Press Release Creation ChatGPT vs. BARD vs. Bing

Prompt: Could you draft a press release for an upcoming CD release concert? Date: September 28, 2134 at 8PM local time. Group name: The Chitchats. Occasion: New album release. Place: The Sunrise Lounge on Lunar Outpost 261J3. Album is titled “For Those Who Aim”. This is their first release in six years. Group members are Jackie May on piano, Young Lee on bass, James Dale on drums, Friedman on their Lunar Rock Percussion Instrument. The music is electro-jazz-fusion with a dance vibe. They have been recently touring the West Coast in the U.S. on earth, has had numerous sold out shows in both 2032 and 2034. Review from Lunar DitchSpoon states, “This young group of fearless innovators caters to both the teen and senior fans, melding familiar jazz moments with abrasive noise, creating something utterly new from the old. Their use of Lunar Rocks as a percussive instrument is what endears them to the local fans.” (Note: I say this is a clear win for ChatGPT but someone tell Chatty that “comprised of” isn’t correct usage. Bing is the weakest of them all but perhaps Bing isn’t cut out for this sort of thing.)


ChatGPT:

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

The Chitchats to Release New Album “For Those Who Aim” at The Sunrise Lounge on Lunar Outpost 261J3

Lunar Outpost 261J3 – The Chitchats, the electrifying electro-jazz-fusion group, are set to release their highly anticipated album “For Those Who Aim” on September 28, 2134. The album, which marks the band’s first release in six years, promises to be a musical experience that fans won’t forget.

To celebrate the release of their new album, The Chitchats will be performing at The Sunrise Lounge on Lunar Outpost 261J3. The concert will take place on September 28, 2134 at 8PM local time.

The Chitchats are known for their unique blend of jazz, fusion, and dance music, which has earned them a loyal following of fans across the West Coast in the U.S. on earth. The band is comprised of Jackie May on piano, Young Lee on bass, James Dale on drums, and Friedman on their Lunar Rock Percussion Instrument.

The band has been receiving rave reviews from both fans and critics alike. Lunar DitchSpoon states, “This young group of fearless innovators caters to both the teen and senior fans, melding familiar jazz moments with abrasive noise, creating something utterly new from the old. Their use of Lunar Rocks as a percussive instrument is what endears them to the local fans.”

The Sunrise Lounge on Lunar Outpost 261J3 is the perfect venue for The Chitchats to showcase their new album. Fans can expect an evening of electrifying music, a vibrant atmosphere, and an unforgettable performance.

Tickets for the concert are on sale now and can be purchased online or at the door. Don’t miss out on this once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to see The Chitchats perform live and experience their new album “For Those Who Aim.”

For more information about The Chitchats and their upcoming album release concert, please visit their website or contact their publicist.

Contact: Name: John Smith Email: johnsmith@chitchatsmusic.com Phone: 555-1234 Website: www.chitchatsmusic.com


BARD:

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Contact: [Name] [Title] [Email] [Phone]

The Chitchats Release New Album, “For Those Who Aim,” with CD Release Concert on Lunar Outpost 261J3

[City, State] – [Date] – The Chitchats, a four-piece electro-jazz-fusion band, will release their new album, “For Those Who Aim,” on September 28, 2023 at 8PM local time at The Sunrise Lounge on Lunar Outpost 261J3. This is the band’s first release in six years.

The Chitchats are made up of Jackie May on piano, Young Lee on bass, James Dale on drums, and Friedman on their Lunar Rock Percussion Instrument. Their music is a unique blend of jazz, electronica, and dance music. They have been touring the West Coast in the U.S. on Earth, and have had numerous sold out shows in both 2032 and 2034.

The album “For Those Who Aim” is a collection of 10 original songs that showcase the band’s diverse musical talents. The songs range from the upbeat and danceable “The Moon Is Calling” to the more introspective “Aim for the Stars.” The album is sure to appeal to fans of all ages.

The Chitchats will be performing a CD release concert at The Sunrise Lounge on Lunar Outpost 261J3 on September 28, 2023 at 8PM local time. Tickets are $20 in advance and $25 at the door.

“We are so excited to release our new album, ‘For Those Who Aim,’” said Jackie May, the band’s pianist. “We have been working on this album for a long time, and we are really proud of the final product. We can’t wait to share it with our fans.”

The Chitchats are a rising star in the music world, and their new album is sure to cement their place in the spotlight. Don’t miss your chance to see them live at The Sunrise Lounge on Lunar Outpost 261J3 on September 28, 2023.

About The Chitchats

The Chitchats are a four-piece electro-jazz-fusion band from [City, State]. The band consists of Jackie May on piano, Young Lee on bass, James Dale on drums, and Friedman on their Lunar Rock Percussion Instrument. Their music is a unique blend of jazz, electronica, and dance music. They have been touring the West Coast in the U.S. on Earth, and have had numerous sold out shows in both 2032 and 2034. Their new album, “For Those Who Aim,” will be released on September 28, 2023.

Quotes

“We are so excited to release our new album, ‘For Those Who Aim,’” said Jackie May, the band’s pianist. “We have been working on this album for a long time, and we are really proud of the final product. We can’t wait to share it with our fans.”

“This young group of fearless innovators caters to both the teen and senior fans, melding familiar jazz moments with abrasive noise, creating something utterly new from the old. Their use of Lunar Rocks as a percussive instrument is what endears them to the local fans,” said Lunar DitchSpoon in a recent review.


Bing:

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

The Chitchats Announce New Album Release Concert on Lunar Outpost 261J3

The Chitchats are excited to announce their upcoming CD release concert for their new album “For Those Who Aim” on September 28, 2134 at 8PM local time at The Sunrise Lounge on Lunar Outpost 261J3.

The Chitchats are a group of fearless innovators who have been recently touring the West Coast in the U.S. on earth and have had numerous sold out shows in both 2032 and 2034. Their music is electro-jazz-fusion with a dance vibe that caters to both teen and senior fans.

The group members are Jackie May on piano, Young Lee on bass, James Dale on drums, and Friedman on their Lunar Rock Percussion Instrument. Their use of Lunar Rocks as a percussive instrument is what endears them to the local fans.

This is their first release in six years and it promises to be an unforgettable night of music that melds familiar jazz moments with abrasive noise, creating something utterly new from the old.

Don't miss out on this exciting event! Tickets are available now at [The Sunrise Lounge](https://www.sunriselounge.com).

For more information about The Chitchats and their new album “For Those Who Aim,” please visit [their website](https://www.thechitchats.com).

Contact:
The Chitchats
info@thechitchats.com

ChatGPT Extra Credit:

18 months before release:

  • Start building a buzz about the upcoming album on social media and through interviews with relevant media outlets.
  • Begin planning promotional activities, including album launch events, live performances, and collaborations with other artists.
  • Identify target audiences and determine key messages for marketing and PR campaigns.

12 months before release:

  • Launch a teaser campaign to start building anticipation for the album.
  • Begin pitching media outlets for interviews and reviews, and plan for any necessary press events.
  • Coordinate with other artists, labels, and distributors to ensure that the album release is properly scheduled and promoted.

6 months before release:

  • Launch a full-scale marketing campaign, including social media promotions, influencer partnerships, and paid advertising.
  • Finalize any collaborations or guest appearances on the album and begin promoting these features to fans.
  • Release one or more singles from the album to build excitement and start generating buzz.

3 months before release:

  • Ramp up promotional efforts, including media appearances, radio interviews, and press releases.
  • Launch a pre-order campaign for the album, offering exclusive merchandise or early access to content for fans who purchase in advance.
  • Plan for any live performances or other promotional events leading up to the album release.

1 month before release:

  • Release a final single or music video to generate last-minute buzz.
  • Continue to promote the pre-order campaign and encourage fans to purchase early.
  • Finalize logistics for any promotional events, including scheduling, venue preparation, and marketing materials.

Release week:

  • Release the album on all platforms and announce the news to fans via social media and press releases.
  • Host a launch event, such as a listening party or live performance, to celebrate the release and generate additional media coverage.
  • Continue to promote the album through interviews, appearances, and online promotions.

Of course, this is just a general outline, and the specifics of your publicity plan will depend on factors such as your budget, target audience, and available resources. But hopefully, this timeline will help you get started in planning an effective and successful campaign for ChitChat’s new album release.


BARD Extra Credit:

Timeline

ActivityMonthNotes
Set marketing goalsJanuaryDefine your target audience, marketing objectives, and budget.
Create a marketing planFebruaryDevelop a detailed plan for how you will achieve your marketing goals.
Secure press coverageMarchPitch your album to music journalists and bloggers.
Release singlesApril-AugustRelease one or two singles from your album leading up to the release date.
Create promotional materialsMay-JuneDesign posters, flyers, and other promotional materials for your album release.
Book live showsJuly-AugustBook live shows to promote your album release.
Launch a social media campaignAugustLaunch a social media campaign to build excitement for your album release.
Release the albumSeptember 28thRelease your album on all major streaming platforms and retailers.
Continue promoting the albumOctober-DecemberContinue promoting your album through live shows, social media, and other channels.

This is just a sample timeline, and you may need to adjust it based on your specific needs and budget. However, it should give you a good starting point for planning your publicity campaign.

Here are some additional tips for creating a successful publicity plan:

  • Be creative and original. Your publicity plan should stand out from the crowd. Think outside the box and come up with creative ways to promote your album.
  • Target your audience. Make sure your marketing messages are targeted to your target audience. This will help you reach the people who are most likely to be interested in your music.
  • Be persistent. Don’t give up if you don’t get immediate results. It takes time to build a successful publicity campaign. Keep at it, and eventually you will see results.

Bing Extra Credit:

  • 2 months before the event: Send out press releases and begin promoting the event on social media platforms.
  • 1 month before the event: Begin email marketing campaigns and reach out to local radio stations for interviews.
  • 2 weeks before the event: Hang up posters and flyers around town and begin online advertising campaigns.
  • 1 week before the event: Partner with local businesses to offer discounts or promotions for customers who attend the concert.
  • Day of the event: Host the CD release concert at The Sunrise Lounge on Lunar Outpost 261J3 at 8PM local time.