Summer is slowly settling in and activity is quieter and quieter preparing for Summer season. But fear not, there’s always something to talk about, our industry is always moving and changing. So let’s get right into it!
#1. A part of Led Zeppelin's Catalog is up for sale
Helen Grant, daughter of Led Zeppelin's longtime manager Peter Grant, is set to sell a 10% stake in the iconic rock band's body of work, which includes valuable catalog rights, trademarks, and other assets.
The intellectual property for sale encompasses not only Led Zeppelin's masters and publishing rights, but also extends to the band's other business ventures, including trademarks and merchandise. The sale, already in progress, is being managed by Ian Penman of New Media Law LLP, a seasoned professional with expertise in the field.
Despite the relatively small ownership percentage and the lack of specific information about potential buyers, it’s predictable that the sale will generate significant interest and present a remarkable opportunity to acquire a piece of Rock history.
#2. AI Voice Models and the Music Industry
AI voice models have emerged as a revolutionary technology in the music industry, sparking both excitement and controversy. These models, which use machine learning, allow artists and users to transform their voices or collaborate with established singers in ways that were previously unimaginable. However, concerns over privacy, deepfakes, and fair compensation have also arisen.
Several companies are actively addressing these and developing platforms by prioritizing ethical practices and artist rights. One notable example is Holly Herndon's project, where users can create voice models and collaborate with her. Grimes has also made waves by giving away a model of her voice, working in collaboration with TuneCore and CreateSafe.io to ensure proper compensation and consent.
As the music industry continues to navigate the potential of AI voice models, these platforms offer glimpses into the possibilities of this technology. With responsible implementation and ongoing discussions, artists and creators can harness the power of AI while maintaining control over their creative output and receiving fair compensation for their contributions.
#3. Next Level for Music Discovery
In a significant stride for music enthusiasts and professionals, a new update to Shazam introduces the ability to discover songs played on popular apps like TikTok, Instagram, and YouTube. The updated Shazam App Store description proudly declares, “Now, you can effortlessly identify songs within these apps.” While the activation process may require a few additional steps, Digital Music News covered it with a user-friendly guide to unlock this exciting feature.
This news not only showcases the powerful capabilities of Shazam but also reminds us of the profound importance of metadata in facilitating accurate song recognition.
#4. OpenAI and Meta Facing Copyright Infringement Lawsuit
It was bound to happen at some point. Comedian Sarah Silverman has taken legal action against OpenAI and Meta over allegations of copyright infringement in the field of generative AI training. The lawsuit highlights Silverman's claims that her voice was used without permission to train AI models developed by OpenAI and subsequently used by Meta.
Silverman argues that OpenAI and Meta violated her intellectual property rights by using her voice recordings to train their AI systems, generating new content that imitates her voice without her consent. She further asserts that this unauthorized use of her voice has resulted in potential harm to her professional reputation and the commercial value associated with her distinct vocal style.
Silverman's legal action brings attention to the growing ethical and legal concerns surrounding the use of generative AI models and the ownership of creative content. The case highlights again the need for clear guidelines and regulations to protect the rights of artists and performers in the digital era.
#5. New Spotify Streaming Record
After a dispute over rights with her former record company, Big Machine, and executive Scooter Braun, Taylor Swift embarked on re-recording her first six albums. "Speak Now (Taylor's Version)" is her third re-recorded studio album.
Just two days after its release, "Speak Now (Taylor's Version)" broke two Spotify records by becoming the most-streamed album on Spotify in a day in 2023 and being the most-streamed country album in a single day in Spotify's history.
