Over 50 music companies join Roland and Universal in campaign to promote musicians amid generative AI growth

The music industry is taking a stand on artificial intelligence in music creation.

Over 50 music organizations have thrown their support behinf the Principles for Music Creation with AI, a campaign spearheaded by Roland Corporation and Universal Music Group to safeguard musicians’ rights in the era of generative AI.

Introduced in March, these principles provide a framework for the responsible use of AI in music creation, emphasizing the protection of the “human spirit” and creativity in music. Among the organizations endorsing the Principles are the National Association of Music Merchants (NAMM), Sydney University, BandLab Technologies, Splice, Native Instruments, Focusrite, Output, Beatport, Waves, Soundful, LANDR, Eventide, GPU Audio, and others.

The core commitments under the Principles for Music Creation with AI include:

• We believe music is central to humanity.
• We believe humanity and music are inseparable.
• We believe that technology has long supported human artistic expression, and applied sustainably, AI will amplify human creativity.
• We believe that human-created works must be respected and protected.
• We believe that transparency is essential to responsible and trustworthy AI.
• We believe the perspectives of music artists, songwriters, and other creators must be sought after and respected.
• We are proud to help bring music to life.

“We are at a pivotal moment in the evolution of music creation. As leaders, it is our responsibility to thoughtfully ensure that AI supports artists and respects their creative integrity. As we develop new tools, we must remember that technology is at its best when it enhances, not overshadows, human creativity,” said BandLab Technologies CEO and Co-Founder Meng Ru Kuok.

“we must remember that technology is at its best when it enhances, not overshadows, human creativity.”

Meng Ru Kuok, BandLab Technologies

The launch of the new guidelines comes as the industry seeks to leverage AI’s potential while still adhering to ethical standards that protect human creativity and artist rights.

The focus lies on transparency, fairness, and leadership in shaping a future where AI supports artists without diminishing their artistic integrity, according to a press release on Monday (June 24).

Roland, UMG, and other endorsing members encourage additional organizations across the globe—including manufacturers, educators, associations, and labels—to officially adopt these principles.

“It’s great to see the music industry recognizing the need for an urgent response to the risks Generative AI poses toward human creativity,” said Paul McCabe, VP of R&D and Strategic Partnerships at Roland.

“The Principles are proving to be a timely solution for a wide spectrum of music organizations, some with robust AI strategies already in place, and many more in various stages of discovery.”

“The scope of support reflected by all of these participating organizations clearly indicates emerging consensus about the importance of strongly advocating a thoughtful approach to AI adoption.”

Chris Horton, Universal Music Group

Chris Horton, SVP, Strategic Technology at UMG, added: “We are pleased to see the growing list of Principle supporters from across the ecosystem of tools, services, educators, and services addressing the needs and interests of current and future artists. The scope of support reflected by all of these participating organizations clearly indicates emerging consensus about the importance of strongly advocating a thoughtful approach to AI adoption.”

Leaders from endorsing organizations echoed this sentiment, with Splice CEO Kakul Srivastava saying, “AI brings new opportunities to our industry and many musicians are being inspired by these tools. But this is a critical time to support responsibility around new technology and respect for the rights of creators everywhere. This is about the human at the center.”

Gil Weinberg, Georgia Tech’s Founding Director of the Center for Music Technology, added: “I support the AI for Music Initiative where academia and industry could collaborate to create ways for AI to continue supporting human creativity, expression, and artistry.”

NAMM President and CEO John Mlynczak said: “For 124 years, NAMM has emphasized the importance of our industry working collectively to embrace new technologies. With AI being the newest technology in a long history of innovations and potential threats, we must work together to embrace principles that support human artistic expression, promote ethically trained technology, and ensure that new technologies and tools are used to strengthen our industry.”

Music Business Worldwide