Latest news with #CISAC
CTV News
08-07-2025
- Entertainment
- CTV News
‘We're AI,' popular indie rock band admits
John Vennavally Rao reports on AI-created songs going viral and the accompanying debate over whether they should be clearly labeled for music fans. Paris, France -- An indie rock band with more than a million monthly listeners on Spotify has owned up to being an AI-generated music project following days of speculation about whether the group was real. Named Velvet Sundown -- seemingly a nod to Lou Reed's band The Velvet Underground -- the digital group has become a viral hit, generating ferocious online discussion after racking up hundreds of thousands of listens. An updated Spotify profile, consulted on Tuesday by AFP, admitted that the group was an 'ongoing artistic provocation.' 'All characters, stories, music, voices and lyrics are original creations generated with the assistance of artificial intelligence tools employed as creative instruments,' Velvet Sundown's profile added. Recently created social media profiles, featuring photos of the group that look suspiciously fake, have teased readers about the group's origins, offering often contradictory information. Experts have long warned about the dangers of AI-image, video and music generators blurring the lines between the real and fake. A major study in December by the International Confederation of Societies of Authors and Composers (CISAC), which represents more than five million creators worldwide, warned about the danger of AI-generated music. It forecast that artists could see their incomes shrink by more than 20 percent in the next four years as the market for AI-composed music grows. Stockholm-based streamer Spotify declined to comment directly about Velvet Sundown when contacted by AFP. Spokeswoman Geraldine Igou wrote that the platform does not 'prioritize or benefit financially from music created using AI tools.' 'All tracks are created, owned, and uploaded by licensed third parties,' Igou insisted. Rival music streaming service Deezer displayed a warning for 'AI-generated content' for Velvet Sundown. 'Some tracks on this album may have been created using artificial intelligence,' it said. The Spotify rival has an AI-music detection tool that is able to identify songs generated using popular software models such as Suno and Udio. Deezer said in April that it was receiving more than 20,000 fully AI-generated tracks on a daily basis, comprising 18 percent of all uploaded content, an increase from the previously reported 10 percent in January. Reports on Tuesday said an imposter posing as U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio had been using AI-generated voice and text messages to high-level officials and foreign ministers.
France 24
08-07-2025
- Entertainment
- France 24
'We're AI,' popular indie rock band admits
Named Velvet Sundown -- seemingly a nod to Lou Reed's band The Velvet Underground -- the digital group has become a viral hit, generating ferocious online discussion after racking up hundreds of thousands of listens. An updated Spotify profile, consulted on Tuesday by AFP, admitted that the group was an "ongoing artistic provocation". "All characters, stories, music, voices and lyrics are original creations generated with the assistance of artificial intelligence tools employed as creative instruments," Velvet Sundown's profile added. Recently created social media profiles, featuring photos of the group that look suspiciously fake, have teased readers about the group's origins, offering often contradictory information. Experts have long warned about the dangers of AI-image, video and music generators blurring the lines between the real and fake. A major study in December by the International Confederation of Societies of Authors and Composers (CISAC), which represents more than five million creators worldwide, warned about the danger of AI-generated music. It forecast that artists could see their incomes shrink by more than 20 percent in the next four years as the market for AI-composed music grows. Stockholm-based streamer Spotify declined to comment directly about Velvet Sundown when contacted by AFP. Spokeswoman Geraldine Igou wrote that the platform does not "prioritise or benefit financially from music created using AI tools". "All tracks are created, owned, and uploaded by licensed third parties," Igou insisted. Rival music streaming service Deezer displayed a warning for "AI-generated content" for Velvet Sundown. "Some tracks on this album may have been created using artificial intelligence," it said. The Spotify rival has an AI-music detection tool that is able to identify songs generated using popular software models such as Suno and Udio. Deezer said in April that it was receiving more than 20,000 fully AI-generated tracks on a daily basis, comprising 18 percent of all uploaded content, an increase from the previously reported 10 percent in January. Reports on Tuesday said an imposter posing as US Secretary of State Marco Rubio had been using AI-generated voice and text messages to high-level officials and foreign ministers. © 2025 AFP
Business Wire
10-06-2025
- Business
- Business Wire
Llama Group: Bridger Officially Confirmed as a CISAC RME Client, Marking a Major Milestone in Global Copyright Management
BRUSSELS--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Regulatory News: Llama Group (Paris: ALLAM) (Brussels: ALLAM): Bridger, a leading and innovative copyright management company and part of Winamp, has proudly been confirmed by CISAC (the International Confederation of Societies of Authors and Composers) as a Rights Management Entity (RME) client, following a positive recommendation made at CISAC's General Assembly on May 28. This represents a key milestone in Bridger's business development. This confirmation marks an important step in Bridger's evolution as a recognized Rights Management Entity (RME) client of CISAC. It reflects that Bridger meets the necessary criteria to access CISAC services, in line with the organization's procedures for RME clients. This status enables Bridger to further its mission of supporting creators through transparent and efficient royalty management on a global scale. Bridger collects rights on behalf of its members globally and recently announced a strategic partnership with BMI (Broadcast Music, Inc.). This collaboration empowers Bridger to collect performance royalties in the United States, further advancing its mission to serve music creators worldwide. Through this partnership, Bridger can now collect royalties not only from digital platforms but also from physical venues throughout the U.S. ' Bridger is dedicated to helping songwriters and composers claim the royalties they deserve through an intuitive platform that simplifies registration and rights management—especially for those outside traditional collective management organizations,' said Alexandre Saboundjian, CEO of Bridger. ' Since our launch in 2022, our goal has been to provide a new, more efficient model for thousands of authors, composers, and publishers to manage their rights globally. Being recognized by CISAC is a proud moment for us, validating our approach and vision. And this is just the beginning—we are committed to building the future of copyright management. ' Next Meeting About Bridger – Bridger is committed to supporting songwriters and composers with innovative royalty collection solutions. Designed as an intuitive and easy-to-use copyright management platform, Bridger enables songwriters to register their musical works within minutes and unlock additional revenue streams beyond their digital distributor. About CISAC – CISAC – the International Confederation of Societies of Authors and Composers – is the world's leading network of authors' societies. With 228 member societies in 111 countries, CISAC represents more than 5 million creators from all geographic areas and all artistic repertoires; music, audiovisual, drama, literature and visual arts. CISAC protects the rights and promotes the interests of creators worldwide. It enables collective management organisations to seamlessly represent creators across the globe and ensure that royalties flow to authors for the use of their works anywhere in the world. Founded in 1926, CISAC is a non-governmental, not-for-profit organisation with headquarters in France. About Winamp – Winamp is redefining the music experience by creating an innovative platform that strengthens the connection between artists and fans. We provide powerful tools that empower creators to manage their music, grow their audience, and maximize their revenue—all while delivering a seamless listening experience through the Winamp Player. Winamp for Creators is our dedicated platform designed to give music artists everything they need to succeed. From monetization tools to music management services, it brings together essential resources to help creators take control of their careers. About Llama Group Llama Group is a pioneer and leader in the digital music industry. With extensive expertise across various sectors, the group owns the iconic Winamp platform, the Bridger copyright management company, and the Jamendo music licensing company. Llama Group's ambition is to build the future of the music industry through sustained investment in a range of innovative solutions and in the talent and skills of people who love music. The group stands by its brand values: empowerment, access, simplicity, and fairness. Winamp's vision is a world where a cutting-edge music platform connects artists and their fans like never before. Bridger's mission is to support songwriters and composers by providing a simple and innovative solution for collecting royalties. Jamendo enables independent artists to generate additional income through commercial licenses. Finally, Hotmix offers a bouquet of more than sixty thematic and free digital radio stations.
Yahoo
10-06-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Llama Group: Bridger Officially Confirmed as a CISAC RME Client, Marking a Major Milestone in Global Copyright Management
BRUSSELS, June 10, 2025--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Regulatory News: Llama Group (Paris: ALLAM) (Brussels: ALLAM): Bridger, a leading and innovative copyright management company and part of Winamp, has proudly been confirmed by CISAC (the International Confederation of Societies of Authors and Composers) as a Rights Management Entity (RME) client, following a positive recommendation made at CISAC's General Assembly on May 28. This represents a key milestone in Bridger's business development. This confirmation marks an important step in Bridger's evolution as a recognized Rights Management Entity (RME) client of CISAC. It reflects that Bridger meets the necessary criteria to access CISAC services, in line with the organization's procedures for RME clients. This status enables Bridger to further its mission of supporting creators through transparent and efficient royalty management on a global scale. Bridger collects rights on behalf of its members globally and recently announced a strategic partnership with BMI (Broadcast Music, Inc.). This collaboration empowers Bridger to collect performance royalties in the United States, further advancing its mission to serve music creators worldwide. Through this partnership, Bridger can now collect royalties not only from digital platforms but also from physical venues throughout the U.S. "Bridger is dedicated to helping songwriters and composers claim the royalties they deserve through an intuitive platform that simplifies registration and rights management—especially for those outside traditional collective management organizations," said Alexandre Saboundjian, CEO of Bridger. "Since our launch in 2022, our goal has been to provide a new, more efficient model for thousands of authors, composers, and publishers to manage their rights globally. Being recognized by CISAC is a proud moment for us, validating our approach and vision. And this is just the beginning—we are committed to building the future of copyright management." Next Meeting July 31, 2025 – Publication of 2025 S1 turnover About Bridger – Bridger is committed to supporting songwriters and composers with innovative royalty collection solutions. Designed as an intuitive and easy-to-use copyright management platform, Bridger enables songwriters to register their musical works within minutes and unlock additional revenue streams beyond their digital distributor. About CISAC – CISAC – the International Confederation of Societies of Authors and Composers – is the world's leading network of authors' societies. With 228 member societies in 111 countries, CISAC represents more than 5 million creators from all geographic areas and all artistic repertoires; music, audiovisual, drama, literature and visual arts. CISAC protects the rights and promotes the interests of creators worldwide. It enables collective management organisations to seamlessly represent creators across the globe and ensure that royalties flow to authors for the use of their works anywhere in the world. Founded in 1926, CISAC is a non-governmental, not-for-profit organisation with headquarters in France. About Winamp – Winamp is redefining the music experience by creating an innovative platform that strengthens the connection between artists and fans. We provide powerful tools that empower creators to manage their music, grow their audience, and maximize their revenue—all while delivering a seamless listening experience through the Winamp Player. Winamp for Creators is our dedicated platform designed to give music artists everything they need to succeed. From monetization tools to music management services, it brings together essential resources to help creators take control of their careers. About Llama Group Llama Group is a pioneer and leader in the digital music industry. With extensive expertise across various sectors, the group owns the iconic Winamp platform, the Bridger copyright management company, and the Jamendo music licensing company. Llama Group's ambition is to build the future of the music industry through sustained investment in a range of innovative solutions and in the talent and skills of people who love music. The group stands by its brand values: empowerment, access, simplicity, and fairness. Winamp's vision is a world where a cutting-edge music platform connects artists and their fans like never before. Bridger's mission is to support songwriters and composers by providing a simple and innovative solution for collecting royalties. Jamendo enables independent artists to generate additional income through commercial licenses. Finally, Hotmix offers a bouquet of more than sixty thematic and free digital radio stations. View source version on Contacts Investors Relations Olivier Van Gulckinvestors@
Yahoo
05-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
ABBA's Björn Ulvaeus says he is writing a musical with AI at SXSW London
ABBA's Björn Ulvaeus was at the inaugural edition of London's SXSW festival yesterday and revealed he is writing a new musical using AI. He referred to artificial intelligence as 'such a great tool' and discussed his project during a talk at SXSW London. 'It is like having another songwriter in the room with a huge reference frame,' he said. 'It is really an extension of your mind. You have access to things that you didn't think of before.' Ulvaeus discussed the technology's limitations, saying that it is 'very bad at lyrics' and that he believed AI's most useful application was to help artists overcome writer's block. 'You can prompt a lyric you have written about something, and you're stuck maybe, and you want this song to be in a certain style,' he explained. 'You can ask it, how would you extend? Where would you go from here? It usually comes out with garbage, but sometimes there is something in it that gives you another idea.' Ulvaeus previously warned of the 'existential challenge' AI represents to the music industry. He is the president of the International Confederation of Societies of Authors and Composers (CISAC), a non-profit organisation that represents songwriters and composers around the world, collecting and paying royalties to its members whose music has been used in broadcasts and on streaming services. The organisation has produced reports on AI use in music. Most recently, one of their studies suggested that music creators could lose nearly a quarter of their income to AI by 2028. Regarding this report, Ulvaeus stated that governments have the power to step in and give a helping hand to creatives. 'For creators of all kinds, from songwriters to film directors, screenwriters to film composers, AI has the power to unlock new and exciting opportunities — but we have to accept that, if badly regulated, generative AI also has the power to cause great damage to human creators, to their careers and livelihoods.' 'Which of these two scenarios will be the outcome?' Ulvaeus continued. 'This will be determined in large part by the choices made by policy makers, in legislative reviews that are going on across the world right now. It's critical that we get these regulations right, protect creators' rights and help develop an AI environment that safeguards human creativity and culture.' During the SXSW discussion in London, Ulvaeus also noted that he was 'three quarters' of the way through writing the follow-up to the Swedish legends' hologram-based ABBA Voyage concert series. ABBA has just celebrated the third anniversary of their acclaimed virtual concert experience 'Voyage' by introducing new songs to the setlist. ABBA Voyage first kicked off in May 2022, and was due to wrap in November 2024, but has since been extended to January 2026 due to overwhelming demand. Elswehere, SXSW London has faced intense criticism after former UK prime ministers Tony Blair and David Cameron were among the unannounced speakers. Screenshots were leaked of the un-shared programme that included Blair talking on a panel called Government and AI, which also featured Technology Secretary and Labour Friends of Israel member Peter Kyle. Blair spoke at the conference's opening day, saying that Britain needs to fully embrace artificial intelligence in public services and that we 'could have AI tutors' along with 'AI nurses, AI doctors'. The panel appearance, which was not announced to the public or artists, prompted many artists to cancel their planned performances at the festival. Sam Akpro, Rat Party, Magnus Westwell, Saliah and LVRA were amongst the artists who pulled out, with the latter accusing the festival of 'artwashing', saying that 'whilst the music team were pulling together a diverse, 'cool' lineup, the conference team were booking speakers from multiple organisations deeply complicit in the current genocide of Palestinian people.' 'I implore artists to engage, rather than ignore, those things that affect us and strive to protect the most marginalised voices in the world,' LVRA added. 'I urge us as a community to think bigger, and better, than the scraps offered to us today.
