This episode is with Jay Ahern, Chief Strategy Officer at the Association For Electronic Music (AFEM), a trade body that represents and connects the global electronic music community, with a member base of over 300 companies. With a career that’s spanned production, radio, licensing, and music tech, Jay has a true passion for the creativity of this industry and a deep understanding of the way digital innovation continues to shape dance music culture.
In this conversation, we explore the impact of AI on the music industry, from creation to rights management, and what it means for independent artists, A&Rs, and the wider ecosystem. Jay shares AFEM’s work in developing four core principles to safeguard creators in the age of generative AI, and why consent, collaboration and attribution must remain at the centre as the landscape shifts. We also unpack how electronic music has always been at the forefront of technological change, and how artists can protect and empower themselves through the next wave.
NB. Before getting deep into the AI conversation, we explore Jay’s background which has shaped his point of view. I think this is valuable to understand, however if you want to just get straight into the meat on the AI debate, you can jump ahead to around the 20min mark.
