MusicTech Insights #3 | Curated by Drew Thurlow
MusicTech Insights #3 | Curated by Drew Thurlow & MusicTech Lab
AI in Music: Hype, Hope, and a Human Touch
Hi, my name is Drew. I’ve spent over two decades at the intersection of music and technology, working with record labels, streaming platforms, and startups aiming to redefine the future of sound. Each revolution promised to transform everything instantly. Some did. Others just left us with new buzzwords.
In partnership with MusicTech Lab, I’ve put together a selection of AI-in-music stories that I believe are timely, useful, and relevant for anyone navigating this space. From new research and business models to the ongoing debates about ownership and creativity, the goal is simple: to keep the human voice at the center while finding harmony with technology.
Darren Hemmings: Let’s cut the AI hysteria
Founder of Motive Unknown argues that we need less hysteria around AI. His latest Network Notes post acknowledges AI’s power and reach but reminds us that its limits matter too. In a sea of hype, Darren’s take is a calm reality check.
Deezer warns: 1 in 3 uploads is now AI-generated
Nearly a third of new tracks uploaded to DSPs are fully AI-generated. Still, they barely register in royalty payouts and most listeners ignore them. As the noise grows, it’s worth noting: low-quality filler has always existed, and humans are no strangers to producing it.
The rise of “Artist Inc.”: artists as full-blown businesses
Nate Fisher explores a shift in how artists partner with capital. Instead of transactional deals, firms like Firebird invest holistically while leaving artists in control. It’s a model that reframes the artist not as a roster entry but as a standalone business.
New study reveals how to detect AI vocals in music
A new academic paper co-authored by Gabriel Levine, Drew Thurlow, Sarah Ita Levitan, and Jon Arfa tackles the challenge of spotting AI-generated vocals. With voice being one of the most human and fragile elements of music, the study highlights how detection tools are crucial for trust and authenticity.
Mike Pelczynski: The three rules every music business needs
In his Forms + Shapes Substack, Mike Pelczynski strips the industry down to essentials: ownership, boundaries, and freedom. Drawing on years of experience shaping royalty models, he argues that clarity on these basics is the best way to avoid being boxed in by contracts or platforms.
Dave Godowsky: Why true partnerships start with the artist
On a recent Music Tectonics podcast, Dave Godowsky explains why true partnerships keep creativity at the core. With years of experience bridging artists and business, his perspective is a reminder that without artists, there is no industry. Something too often lost in corporate talk.
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MusicTech Insights #4 | Curated by Amanda Schupf
Handpicked articles, updates, and insights from the fast-moving world of music and entertainment technology, curated just for you.