The SAG-AFTRA Executive Committee unanimously approved a tentative agreement on April 10, which will now be sent to members for ratification. SAG-AFTRA, representing a significant portion of the US creative workforce and involved in Hollywood strikes last year, negotiated the deal. The agreement, spanning from 2021 to 2026, involves major music labels such as Warner Music Group, Sony Music Entertainment, Universal Music Group, and Disney Music Group.
It provides protection for audio recordings made before today, extending back to 2021, ensuring artists’ consent before releasing any recordings featuring a digital reproduction of their voice. Artists will get a minimum level of compensation and a detailed description of how companies will use their digitally replicated voice. The agreement forms part of a new contract for the SAG-AFTRA National Code of Fair Practice for Sound Recordings, though it doesn’t cover instrumental musicians, who fall under the American Federation of Musicians.
SAG-AFTRA National Executive Director Duncan Crabtree-Ireland described the agreement as groundbreaking, ensuring ethical treatment of singers and recording artists in the use of artificial intelligence in the music industry. The Record Label Negotiating Committee also expressed positivity, emphasizing their commitment to embracing new opportunities while protecting human artistry.
What Next for Musicians and AI?
Meanwhile, musicians and performers face threats from AI-generated text-to-music tools like Udio and Suno, which have produced music remarkably similar to copyrighted works. These tools, although potentially using thousands of copyrighted songs for training, often operate without consultation or consent from creators. Musicians have been taking action to protect their rights, with 200 artists expressing concerns in an open letter organized by the Artists’ Rights Alliance.
The new deal from SAG-AFTRA and record labels marks an important step towards protecting artists’ rights, particularly with the emergence of Udio. However, considering the rapid advancement of AI tools, renegotiating favorable terms once the agreement expires in 2026 may present new challenges, akin to SAG-AFTRA’s negotiations with film and TV producers.
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