SAG-AFTRA's New Deal on AI and Singer Rights

Navigating the Future of Artificial Intelligence in Music

SAG-AFTRA, the union representing actors and other media professionals, has announced a pivotal new agreement with major record labels that sets a precedent for the ethical use of artificial intelligence in music production. This agreement, involving giants such as Warner Music Group, Sony Music Entertainment, Universal Music Group, and Disney Music Group, aims to responsibly integrate AI technology in replicating singers' voices without compromising artists' rights and compensations.

Details of the Tentative Agreement

The agreement, part of the broader Sound Recordings Code, was unveiled following intensive negotiations and is pending ratification by union members by April 30. It specifically addresses the conditions under which a singer’s voice can be replicated using AI technology, ensuring that artists retain significant control over their digital likenesses.

Key provisions of the agreement include:

- Consent Requirement: Singers must explicitly consent before their voices can be used to generate AI-driven audio tracks.

- Compensation Structure: The agreement stipulates minimum session rates for vocal performers, particularly session singers, who will be compensated with the equivalent of three "sides" per project—each "side" represents one audio track up to four minutes and 30 seconds. Notably, there is no AI minimum payment for royalty artists who typically earn through sales rather than session fees.

- Royalty Protections: Even if labels use synthetic voices derived from AI, royalty payments to artists are safeguarded through contributions to a union distribution fund, which collects revenues from music streaming platforms.

Implications for AI in Music Production

This agreement comes in the wake of last year’s broader AI agreement in the TV and film sectors, reflecting a growing trend across entertainment industries to define ethical frameworks for AI usage. The focus of the Sound Recordings Code is not to prohibit the use of AI but to establish a fair practice framework that prevents exploitation of artists and ensures they are compensated for the use of their voice, whether directly or in AI-generated adaptations.

Concerns and Protections

One significant concern addressed is the potential use of artists' performances to train synthetic voices that do not audibly resemble them. While the current agreement does not require consent for AI training nor sets a minimum payment for such use, it ensures that artists benefit from royalties if their replicated voices are used in released music.

Contractual Increases and Future Outlook

Aside from AI-specific provisions, the agreement also updates other critical financial aspects for artists, including an immediate 14.5% increase in minimum session fees, the first since 2021, with subsequent annual raises planned through 2027. Additionally, there are increased contributions into the pension and health fund from revenues earned through streaming platforms, marking a significant win for artists in terms of long-term benefits.

Duncan Crabtree-Ireland, SAG-AFTRA’s executive director, emphasized the importance of this agreement in ensuring that using a synthetic voice doesn’t become a cost-cutting substitute for genuine artist performances. He also reassured that labels currently have no plans to create entirely synthetic voices.

This landmark deal not only sets a new standard in the music industry but also serves as a model for other sectors grappling with the implications of AI technology on professional creatives.

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Source: Variety

Photo Credit: Michael Buckner

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