Sumerian Data founder Ash Avildsen – like the remainder of us – has actually had it with AI music overtaking streaming companies and even some labels like Warner Music Group (who recently merged with known shithawks, Suno). In a lengthy social media post, Avildsen known as for a “velvet revolution of artists and labels” towards the rise of AI in music and welcomed any higher-up that needed to debate him about it.
And for those who’re questioning what a velvet revolution is, the phrase comes from the 1989 non-violent transition of energy in Czechoslovakia which might ultimately turn out to be the Czech Republic and the Slovak Republic in 1992.
“We won’t go quietly into the evening as the company overlords as soon as once more marginalize and decrease the reward of human music,” wrote Avildsen. “The large three and massive tech have all teamed as much as usher in Al bands with open arms. Why? Similar motive they allowed Spotify and YouTube to rape the artist royalty and devalue what enjoying a track on demand is price. As a result of they get to sit down in a closed door convention room, reduce a deal for fairness and an MG (minimal assured up entrance advance) that solely goes to the company.
“They aren’t within the particular person artist enterprise. They’re within the shareholder enterprise. Permitting these Al bands to be uploaded to Spotify is like reserving a door deal for a band and your % of the ticket cash needs to be cut up with a pc who went on stage earlier than you with no beating hearts. That’s how the royalties work with streaming. It’s not a per play price, it’s a numeric meritocracy designed to learn these on the prime of the meals chain. Interval.
“There should be a velvet revolution of artists and labels that refuse to simply accept and adjust to what the previous guard is doing towards our will.
“We won’t begin 2026 off accepting defeat as people who create and domesticate artwork. An answer can be introduced in January that begins a brand new period in how the primary window of music and video releases can launch that attracts a transparent line within the sand on which aspect of historical past musicians and those who work with them can determine to be on.
“With out people creating music and the groups round them who make each day sacrifices for the higher good so the musicians’ artwork can maintain their lives, none of those tech corporations or distributors are price something. It’s time to remind these opportunists. I welcome any CEO or exec from a serious label or tech firm to debate me dwell on the Al disaster. Thanks for studying.
And yeah, I agree with every part Avildsen stated. If we’ll deal with music purely like a commodity that may be streamlined and created in mass quantities, we have misplaced the fucking plot.
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