Composing, publishing music remains one of complex challenges

Observer

16-05-2025

Composing, publishing and distributing music remains one of the most complex challenges facing cultural production globally — not only due to protecting musical works, but also in ensuring fair compensation for all contributors to the creative process. This includes composers, translators, publishers, distributors and supporting technical professionals, as well as the protection of a nation's artistic heritage, which is deeply tied to its cultural and civilisational identity.
Modern technologies have played a transformative role in promoting and distributing musical content across various platforms. Music, in particular, has benefitted significantly — gaining exposure and generating increasing financial and economic returns. The global interest in music today is not solely cultural or social, but also profoundly economic. Within the growing knowledge economy, music is recognised as a dynamic industry, linked to production, consumption and shifting audience preferences. Thus, music contributes not only to cultural preservation but also to economic stability for musicians, composers and producers.
According to the Global Music Report 2025 by the International Federation of the Phonographic Industry (IFPI), recorded music has steadily grown over the past decade. However, the past year saw slower growth, impacting related creative industries and delaying recovery. Still, the report remains optimistic, noting significant potential for further expansion through innovation, emerging technologies and investment in both talent and infrastructure in developing music markets.
The report underscores the vital role of production companies in sustaining and advancing the music sector. These companies are essential partners in identifying and nurturing talent, generating new revenue streams and connecting artists with audiences. Their work facilitates the commercial and creative success of artists at various stages of their careers. Moreover, they provide the resources for artistic development, innovation and technological support, allowing artists to fully express themselves and engage with their audiences.
As intellectual property rights become a central concern for music-producing countries and companies, the rise of artificial intelligence poses a dual challenge. On one hand, AI fosters creativity and enhances artistic experiences; on the other, some AI firms — according to the IFPI — "consume" protected works by using copyrighted music to train their models, threatening the ownership and uniqueness of musical content.
This raises serious concerns about copyright violations. The IFPI warns of widespread issues involving unauthorised downloads, redistribution, remixing, or alteration of protected works, posing challenges to digital broadcasting integrity and online protection. These infringements ultimately affect the financial viability of the music sector and undermine equitable income distribution among artists.
Music, while being a historical expression of civilisations and traditions, also represents an economic asset that has long supported the livelihoods of creators. From instrument makers to composers, sound engineers to producers, the music community fosters cultural taste and appreciation. Many governments now recognise music's role as a pillar of cultural development and are investing accordingly.
In response to the growing threat of AI-related copyright breaches, the World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO) has dedicated World Intellectual Property Day 2025 to music, under the theme 'IP and Music: Sensing the Rhythm of Creativity.' This initiative affirms the rights of composers as central to the music industry and emphasises fair compensation for their intellectual contributions.
Protecting music is not limited to standalone compositions or songs; it extends to all creative forms involving sound, including audiovisual works, video games, film scores and more. Ensuring these rights includes safeguarding those of publishers, broadcasters and distributors.
Music is a core component of the audio-visual industries. Its protection demands coherent legal frameworks, effective policies and ethical practices that secure the rights of creators. This, in turn, fosters trust in the system, ensures financial fairness and provides a secure environment for artistic innovation.
Oman, with its rich and diverse musical heritage, has actively worked to develop this sector through legislation and policy. It has implemented frameworks for intellectual property protection, encouraged musical institutions, supported creative talent and facilitated investment opportunities, particularly in traditional music groups across the governorates.
However, the rapid advance of digital platforms and AI technologies poses new challenges. Music is increasingly vulnerable to exploitation and safeguarding it requires not only legal protection but also a shared ethical commitment. Upholding these rights is a collective responsibility — between institutions and individuals alike.
Aisha al Darmaki is a researcher specialising in semiotics and a member of the State Council.
The original version of this article was published in Arabic in the print edition of Oman newspaper on May 11, 2025. — Translated by Badr al Dhafari