The Modern Music Business and Where It’s Going: AI, Rights, and Risk

This program explores how artificial intelligence, digital platforms, and the accelerated pace of rights exploitation are reshaping the music industry in real time. It examines how recordings and compositions are monetized today, where the traditional label and publisher models have begun to fracture, and how new AI technologies are transforming creative and legal frameworks. From AI-generated vocals and instrumentals to automated marketing assets, the program unpacks how these tools are redefining production, distribution, and legal ownership.

Attendees will gain insight into who truly controls music rights in the current landscape, an increasingly complex question in the age of platforms and data. Emerging legal conflicts surrounding AI voice cloning, training data, and derivative works; the growing risks of fraud, manipulation, and “fake artist” activity on streaming services; and the evolving responsibilities of counsel in this shifting landscape will be discussed.

This course will teach legal and business professionals what they should be doing to prevent regulatory exposure across copyright, consumer protection, privacy, and AML/sanctions laws. This can be accomplished through contracts, due diligence, and policy engagement, to protect clients and preserve deal value.

Designed for in-house counsel, outside counsel, and business affairs professionals advising labels, publishers, distributors, artists, technology platforms, and investors, this session offers a grounded, forward-looking view of the modern music business and its trajectory. The course is suitable for attorneys at all levels of practice.

Learning Objectives:

1. Identify the key revenue streams in today’s music ecosystem, including recorded music, publishing, UGC/social platforms, data licensing, and AI training, and explain who typically owns or controls each stream.
2. Spot and assess AI-related legal risks for music clients, including infringement exposure (in training and output), misuse of voice likeness or right of publicity, and false endorsement or consumer deception. 
3. Advise on content authenticity and fraud issues, such as artificial streaming, synthetic artists, and false catalog claims. 
4. Recommend baseline due diligence steps that align with evolving compliance expectations, including ownership chain review, beneficial ownership or KYC-style checks, and platform trust and safety requirements, all without disrupting deal timelines.
5. Draft or negotiate forward-looking deal language that anticipates AI integration, derivative model training, data exhaust, and catalog valuation impacts.