EmuBands is built by humans, for humans.
Artificial intelligence is changing the music industry at an incredible pace.
There is no doubt that AI is an increasingly valuable tool for artists. It can help musicians write, record, edit, mix, master, market and distribute their work more efficiently than ever before. We welcome innovation that empowers artists to create more.
But at EmuBands, we also believe there is an important distinction between using AI as a creative tool and asking AI to be the creator.
Our position is simple; EmuBands will not distribute music that is wholly or predominantly AI-generated.
Supporting artists, not replacing them.
Since 2005, EmuBands has existed to help independent artists, labels and managers release their music to the world.
We’re a company built by humans, for humans.
Everything we do is centered around supporting the people who dedicate themselves to making music – writing songs, recording albums, building audiences, performing live, and growing sustainable careers.
There’s much more to music than a recording you listen to on streaming services. Music is creativity, experience, emotion and human connection. Those are things we want to continue supporting.
AI-assisted music is welcome.
We recognise that AI is becoming part of many creative workflows.
We know that some artists use AI tools to help generate ideas, clean up their recordings, refine their artworks, improve mixes, or assist with their marketing. We have no issue with artists using technology to enhance their creative process.
Our concern is not the use of AI itself. Our concern is music that has been generated predominantly by AI, where the creative contribution of the artist is minimal. That is not the type of music we want to support.
Protecting the integrity of our artists & their catalogue.
To support this policy, EmuBands uses AI detection technology as part of our review process for every release submitted for distribution.
This helps us assess whether recordings appear to be wholly or predominantly AI-generated.
No automated system is perfect, so detection results are considered alongside our existing, human-led content review processes. Where necessary, we may request additional information from artists before making a decision.
Our aim isn’t to create barriers for genuine musicians, it is to protect the integrity of the catalogue we distribute.
Why are we doing this?
Every day, digital streaming platforms receive enormous volumes of new music.
A significant and growing proportion of that content is generated almost entirely by AI.
We believe this creates challenges for artists, listeners and the wider music ecosystem.
From our perspective, an overwhelming volume of AI-generated recordings risks making it harder for genuine artists to be discovered, while contributing to diluting streaming royalty pools that we believe should reward human creativity.
We recognise that the wider industry continues to debate these issues, but we believe distributors have a responsibility to think carefully about the catalogue they choose to represent, and the artists they choose to champion.
A higher standard for AI-generated content.
Because of the challenges associated with AI-generated music, we will apply a higher level of scrutiny to releases that appear to rely on AI generation. Where we cannot be satisfied that a release aligns with our policy, we may decline to distribute it.
Looking ahead
AI will continue to evolve, and so will the music industry.
We welcome the ongoing work being undertaken across the music industry to protect artists’ rights, recognise human creativity and ensure that AI is used responsibly.
Technology will continue to evolve, and so too will our policies. However, one thing won’t change; EmuBands is a company built by humans, for humans. And we’ll continue to champion the artists who make music with something no algorithm can replicate: genuine human creativity.
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About EmuBands
Formed in 2005, EmuBands is the trusted partner of thousands of artists, labels and managers across the world. With supercharged release features and expert support, we provide a low-cost solution to distribute your music, allowing you to retain control of your copyright and keep 100% of your royalties. Review our Pricing, Services, and Sign-Up today.