Author: Ashley Di Buduo

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A New Approach To AI-Generated Vocals

The music industry is constantly adapting to new technologies and trends, however, with the rise of artificial intelligence and AI-generated music, the industry is now facing a whole new challenge: AI-generated deep fakes.

As we’ve seen, this technology can be used to create convincing fake voices of real people. While this can be a creative way for musicians to experiment with new sounds and styles, it also raises major concerns about ethics, copyright infringement, and authenticity. Most recently, the AI-generated Drake and The Weeknd track, “Heart on My Sleeve,” spread like wildfire over the internet, leading to mass takedowns. But what happens to the thousands in streaming royalties the track earned? And what do we do when the inevitable next AI-deep fake vocal track goes viral? Issue takedowns over and over while streaming royalties continue to build and be held? Well, Canadian musician Grimes has a potential solution that could create a new model for the industry.

Grimes recently announced on Twitter that she will allow artists to use her AI-generated voice to make songs, and she will give the creator a 50% split of the royalties. She and her team are also working on a program that will simulate her voice, making it easy for artists to use. Could Grimes’ plan help solve the problem of AI-generated deep-fake vocals? She is “interested in being a Guinea pig” for the process, so time will tell. Ultimately, by partnering with artists like Grimes, AI-generated music could be made with the explicit permission and collaboration of the artist, making it clear that the vocals are not authentic.

By embracing AI and working with other artists to create new music, not only is Grimes changing the way we think about creativity, but also aiming to solve a problem. This could open the door for the industry to view AI-generated vocals as an opportunity instead of a cause for concern. With this model, it could introduce additional income streams, increased artist awareness, and even assist in breaking emerging artists and producers. It remains to be seen how artists and the industry as a whole will respond, but one thing is for sure: the rise of AI-generated music is a trend that’s not going away anytime soon, and the industry needs to find a way to embrace it while also protecting the rights of its artists.

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Artist Advice News

The Importance of Sync Licensing

Hey there, music lovers! Today at HAULIX Daily, we’re going to be talking about the importance of sync licensing in the music industry. If you’re thinking, Wait. Sync licensing? What’s that? Well, friends, it’s when your music gets matched up with visuals like TV shows, movies, commercials, and video games. And it’s a big deal.

So, how can independent artists get in on the action? It’s not as hard as you might think… especially if you follow some of these steps:

Step 1: Make sure your music is top-notch

No one’s going to consider low-quality, poorly-produced music. So, before you even think about submitting your music for sync placements, make sure it’s mixed and mastered to a professional standard.

Step 2: Do your research

There are tons of sync agencies and music libraries out there, all with their own unique preferences. Do your homework and find the ones that specialize in your genre of music. Don’t waste your time sending your death metal album to a library that only licenses lullabies.

Step 3: Build your portfolio

A portfolio of your music is like a resume for your tunes. You want to showcase your best work and show off your range as an artist. And don’t forget to include both instrumentals and vocal versions, because sometimes a sync placement requires an instrumental and yours could be perfect if you provide an option without a vocal.

Step 4: Submit your music

Many sync agencies and libraries have online submission forms that you can use to send in your music. Follow their guidelines to the T, and give them as much information as possible about your music and your beautiful self. Sell yourself and put your best foot forward.

Step 5: Network, network, network

Getting a sync placement isn’t just about submitting your music and crossing your fingers. You need to network with industry professionals, like music supervisors and other sync agents. Attend industry events, schmooze like a pro, and make those connections. Who knows? Maybe the person you’re chatting with at the bar is secretly a music supervisor for a big-time movie, and they’re just waiting for the perfect song to drop in.

Step 6: Be patient

Rome wasn’t built in a day, and neither is a successful music career. It takes time to get noticed and get those big sync placements. So, don’t lose hope if you don’t hear back right away. Keep working on your craft, building your reputation, and submitting your music to different agencies and libraries. The more you put yourself out there, the more likely you are to get those sweet, sweet sync placements.

Whoa, whoa, whoa. Slow down, you might be thinking. I’m just an independent artist trying to make it in the big, bad music industry. How am I supposed to do all of this? Well, you’ve got to believe in yourself. Believe in your music. And don’t be afraid to put yourself out there. It may be scary, but it’s worth it.

Remember, music licensing is just one piece of the puzzle when it comes to building a successful music career. Keep creating, keep networking, and keep being awesome. Now go forth and make some amazing music!

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News

PlaylistAI: The Ultimate Playlist Curation Tool

If you’re tired of spending hours scrolling through your music library trying to create the perfect playlist for your next party or workout session, say hello to PlaylistAI – the ultimate playlist curation tool.

PlaylistAI, a newly launched app, uses the same OpenAI GTP-3 technology that powers ChatGPT to help you create the perfect Spotify or Apple Music playlists. With PlaylistAI, you can create playlists from AI prompts, images, videos, and even your most-listened-to music with a selection of features:

AI Prompt

With the AI Prompt feature, you can simply describe what you’re in the mood for and PlaylistAI will do the rest. Want a playlist of “pop music from the early 2000s” or “upbeat dance music for working out”? PlaylistAI’s got you covered. And if you’re feeling stuck, PlaylistAI will even suggest prompts based on your connected music service.

Image

You can also use the image feature to transform music festival posters or any other image of artist names into a playlist. We tested this out with a Just Like Heaven festival poster and loved it. It may not always identify the artists correctly, but once the kinks are worked out, it will be one of your favorite features.

Rewind

PlaylistAI lets you rewind and relive your listening history with personalized playlists featuring your top tracks and artists. You can even choose to omit certain artists or tracks that you don’t want to hear.

Video

The video feature lets you select a video with multiple songs in it, and creates a playlist from the songs playing in the video – TikTok videos included!

Currently, the app can only connect with Spotify and Apple Music, but don’t worry, YouTube and other services are on the way. PlaylistAI is available for iOS and is free to download, with a pro version available for $2.99/m. So what are you waiting for? Download PlaylistAI today and say goodbye to boring playlists forever!

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Industry News News

The Future of Music Royalty Rates is Here: What You Need to Know About Settlement 2

The CRB has approved new royalty rates, set to take effect in 2023. What does this mean for songwriters and how do you make sure you’re getting paid properly?

Change is an inevitable part of life, and the same is true in the music industry. Earlier this month, the US Copyright Royalty Board (CRB) announced that it had approved a new settlement agreement for royalty rates on physical products, permanent downloads, ringtones, and music bundles. This settlement agreement—which has been dubbed “Settlement 2”—will take effect on January 1st, 2023, and will be part of Phonorecords IV.

Under this new settlement, songwriters will earn a higher rate of 12 cents per track or 2.31 cents per minute of playing time (whichever is larger) for physical products and permanent downloads, with the option for inflation-based adjustments in subsequent years. Ringtones will maintain their current rate of 24 cents per track or 4.62 cents per minute of playing time, until 2026.

What Does This Mean For Songwriters?

This news comes as a welcome surprise to many musicians and songwriters who have long been advocating for better royalty rates. The CRB estimates that these higher rates will result in an approximately 20% increase in payouts to songwriters over the next five years. Additionally, this new settlement also includes provisions that would allow for inflation-based adjustments each year after 2026.

How Can I Make Sure I’m Getting Paid Properly?

It is important that all musicians and songwriters review their contracts carefully before signing them to make sure they are getting paid properly according to Settlement 2’s guidelines. It can be difficult to keep track of all the changing laws and regulations related to copyright law so it may be helpful to seek advice from an experienced attorney or professional consultant if you are having trouble understanding any aspect of your contract or royalties payments structure, or seek out information from one of the many online resources available.

The CRB’s announcement regarding Settlement 2 is great news for musicians and songwriters across the country who have been advocating for better royalty rates for years now. With this new settlement in place starting on January 1st, 2023, songwriters should expect to see an increase in their income which could translate into more opportunities for creativity and collaboration down the line!

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