The fight for artists’ rights does not cease. Despite the fact that generative artificial intelligence has brought much joy to certain sectors, others find themselves in the midst of a difficult dilemma to resolve. After actors and screenwriters raised their voices in defense of their rights, it may now be the turn of musicians to do the same.
The American Federation of Musicians (AFM) is the union that represents musicians working within the entertainment industry. According to CNN, the union will meet on Monday to negotiate a new contract with the Alliance of Motion Picture and Television Producers (AMPTP).
AI and streaming will be the points on which both parties will have to reach a consensus. AFM wants to achieve, above all, an improvement in salaries and working conditions, as well as protecting creators against AI and improving residual payments from streaming services.
Currently, musicians working on soundtracks receive 75% less income from streaming services. This is due to the already low amount they receive from royalties. The AFM is clear: “the entertainment industry has changed profoundly” and musicians “are not being compensated accordingly“.
In addition, they will not be intimidated. Tino Gagliardi, president of the AFM, explained to CNN that the union “will be prepared to do whatever is necessary” to fight for the rights of musicians and thus improve their quality of life.
