stayc main image

Sampling Like a Pro: How to Flip Samples and Avoid Legal Issues

October 6, 2024

Sampling has been a cornerstone of modern music production, allowing producers to reimagine and breathe new life into old tracks. Whether you're producing hip-hop, EDM, or any genre, knowing how to...

Read more
stayc main image

What Makes an EQ or Compressor VST High-Quality: Insights and Examples from Pros

October 6, 2024

When selecting EQ and compressor plugins, musicians and producers look for more than just a shiny interface or brand recognition. It's all about how these tools perform in real-world scenarios...

Read more
stayc main image

Sound Design 101: Crafting Killer Drum Sounds Using Synthesizers

October 6, 2024

Drum sounds form the backbone of many music genres, and while sample packs are popular, designing your own drum sounds from scratch can elevate your production to a whole new level. Crafting custom...

Read more
stayc main image

Mastering Multiband Compression Sidechaining: A Solution to Clashing Frequencies

October 6, 2024

In modern music production, one of the most common challenges is the clash of frequencies between instruments. For example, bass guitars and drum kits often compete for space in the lower end of...

Read more
stayc main image

Studio One Workflow Tips for Faster Music Production

October 1, 2024

Studio One by PreSonus is an incredibly powerful DAW (Digital Audio Workstation) that offers a variety of tools to streamline your music production workflow. However, like many DAWs, getting the...

Read more
stayc main image

Solving the Issue of Buried Crash Cymbals in the Mix

October 1, 2024

Crash cymbals often get buried in the mix, especially when using complex miking techniques like Glyn Johns, which balances close mics with overheads. While re-recording with higher cymbals may be a...

Read more
stayc main image

GarageBand Hacks: Creating Professional-Sounding Tracks Without Expensive Plugins

October 1, 2024

GarageBand is often seen as an entry-level DAW (Digital Audio Workstation), but it has powerful tools that, when used effectively, can create professional-quality tracks. Many indie musicians and...

Read more
stayc main image

Solving the General MIDI Program Change Dilemma in Ableton

October 1, 2024

When working with MIDI in Ableton, one might notice that although MIDI clips can send program changes, most of Ableton's native plugins don’t seem to respond to these changes effectively. This can...

Read more
stayc main image

Escaping 'Tutorial Hell': Stay Motivated and Actually Progress in Music Production

September 21, 2024

Read more
stayc main image

Should You Write Music or Lyrics First? Solutions from Famous Creators

September 20, 2024

One of the most common challenges for songwriters is deciding whether to write the music or lyrics first. This can feel like a "chicken-or-egg" situation, but there's no one-size-fits-all answer...

Read more
stayc main image

How to Plan the Perfect Release Day for Your Single or Album

September 20, 2024

Releasing a new single or album is a huge milestone for any musician. However, without proper planning, your work may not get the attention it deserves. It’s not just about putting the song online...

Read more
stayc main image

Mastering the Low End: Compression Tips for a Tight Mix

September 20, 2024

When it comes to music production, getting the low end right can be tricky. Many producers face a common issue: after the initial mix sounds perfect, a few days later, the low end starts to feel...

Read more

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

stayc main image

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.