Moderator: Sophie Jones [BPI]
Speakers: Kemi Sulola [Artist], Mack Hampson [Musiio by Soundcloud], Declan McGlynn [VoiceSwap] & Mark Martin MBE [UKBlackTech]
Panel Description
Artificial intelligence (AI) is rapidly transforming the music industry, from the way music is created to the way it is distributed and consumed. While AI has the potential to revolutionize the industry in many ways, it also raises a number of ethical concerns.
This panel will discuss the latest updates in the ethical debate of AI in music. The panelists will explore the potential benefits and risks of AI, and they will discuss how the industry can ensure that AI is used ethically and responsibly, what organisations like BPI is doing to protect and promote human creativity, how artists are using AI tools creatively, as well as the existing AI tools that most of us are using every day, without really considering it.
Some of the topics that will be discussed include:
The ways in which AI and AI powered solutions are making music easier to find, search and discover
The ways in with creatives and artists could use AI tools to explore new soundscapes and push boundaries
The potential for AI to devalue human creativity and artistry and the role that organisations such as BPI are playing in protecting creativity, copyright and human endeavour
The need for transparency and accountability in the development and use of AI in music, and the need for us to get involved in the debate, even if its challenging or uncomfortable
The panel will also discuss how artists and music industry professionals can use AI to their advantage in a responsible and ethical way.
This panel is essential for anyone who is interested in the future of music and the ethical implications of AI. It is also essential for artists and music industry professionals who want to learn how to use AI to their advantage in a responsible and ethical way.
Panelist Bios:
Sophie Jones (Chief Strategy Officer - BPI)
Sophie Jones is the BPI’s Chief Strategy Officer – she was promoted to the role in January 2023 having served as the BPI’s Director of Public Affairs for nearly three years after joining the trade association in April 2020.
Sophie was also the BPI’s Interim Chief Executive between January 2023 and 17 July 2023.
Sophie’s role as Chief Strategy Officer gives the BPI a strategic and co-ordinated focus around its core public-facing and membership activities, and, as such, incorporates the BPI’s Public Affairs, Communications, Independent Member Services and Research and Insight remits.
Sophie leads the BPI’s strategic, policy and public affairs work and engagement across the recorded music sector aimed at promoting British music at home and globally. This includes work on a range of key music industry matters and issues, such as the reviews into the economics of music streaming and associated work; music education (including a proposed new creative arts school in Bradford, West Yorkshire – BRIT School North); UK music exports; music and technology; IP, copyright and content protection; the BPI’s work on EDI and tackling bullying and harassment, among many others. Her role also encompasses strategic support given to BPI events such as The BRIT Awards and the Mercury Prize.
Sophie has accumulated nearly 25 years’ experience leading strategic communications, public policy and regulation, and public affairs for a number of high profile organisations in media and the creative industries. Prior to joining the BPI she was Head of Corporate Relations at Channel 4, working on a number of major public affairs and communications campaigns and was closely involved with the organisation’s 4 All the UK regional strategy and work on inclusion and diversity. She has also held similar senior roles ITV and ITN. Sophie holds a number of non-executive posts, including on the advisory boards of the Policy and Evidence Centre, the AHRC Creative Industries Advisory Group, the British Screen Forum Board and Creative Industries Federation Council.
Mack Hampson [Director, Commercial, Music Intelligence - SoundCloud by Musiio]
Mack has over a decade of experience in sales, marketing and video production working in the UK and Asia. Currently UK-based, Mack is Commercial Director for SoundCloud’s music AI division, known externally as Musiio by SoundCloud. He also holds a degree in commercial music production and has toured as a DJ playing festivals and clubs internationally. This experience gives him unique insights into the needs of musicians, curators and the wider music industry
Kemi Joy Sulola [Artist]
Kemi Sulola is a singer songwriter and artist born in East London. With a sound linked to the golden era of RnB, Kemi sound gives you a warm nostalgia , as well as introduces you to new sounds as she blends and extrapolates from different styles such as hiphop, reggae, rock and soulful pop. Her light vocal tone allows her to create colourful melodies making her songs infectious to listen to. With co-signs and support from the likes of Capital Xtra, DJ Target, Emeli Sande and Janet Jackson. As well as performing alongside notable artists such as PJ Morton, Teedra Moses and Stormzy at their live shows.
Impressively, she has won community awards for her music, hosted her own sold out events, taught and trained both children and adults in music and songwriting, as well as collaborated with many other artists both locally and internationally. These include her work with the Soulfest Collective based in Canada, and other independent artists she has worked with in America and other parts of the world. She is a member of the Brit Awards voting academy and a council member of two groups in the Ivors Academy, all to support music artistry.
She has used her music to support health charities and is even a patient ambassador for SarcoidosisUK . Despite developing a life changing health condition known as Neurosarcoidosis, Kemi has continued to pursue her music and develop herself. Being invited to song writing camps, writing for other artists. Also opening her very own studio which is open to the community , where she has held artist development programmes and rented out the studio space for hire.
As of 2023 Kemi has got involved in the world of AI, learning on how it works with researchers in the field. As of recent she has created her first AI song called Vertigo entered in international AI song contest and coming in at 3rd place in the competition. which will be out on streaming soon. She is expanding her knowledge in the field of AI as well as generally expanding her musical skills in tech and songwriting.
She performs at corporate and private events, as well as recently joined a popular lve residency band at a poplar live venue in Brixton, setting her up for more opportunities in the new year.
Furthermore to that she is taking her studio space to another level, through developing more artist programmes and taking on one to one artists especially working with female independent artists to explore and develop their potential. Finally for her own artistry making collaborations with new producers and other artists to release a fresh and exciting body of music. . Read more at www.kemisulola.com/kemi and join her mailing list.
Mark Martin MBE [UKBlackTech]
Mark Martin aka @Urban_Teacher is an Advanced Skills Teacher in Education and Computer Science. Mark is a thought leader in #EdTech and a hugely popular speaker, sharing his expertise and insights to educators around the world.
He is a teacher/advisor for the major global tech brands and continues to advocate for home-grown talent, digital skills and education equity.
In February 2019, he was awarded the London Business Award for Paying It Forward. A few months later, he was awarded an MBE for services to education, technology and diversity in UK technology.
Declan McGlynn
Declan McGlynn is an experienced music technology journalist and consultant with 16 years experience for the likes of Rolling Stone, Google, DJ Mag, Resident Advisor, UMG, DJ Mag, Splice, Native Instruments, DAZED, Water and Music and many more. Declan has been reporting on AI tools and platforms for music makers since 2018, and more recently he’s joined AI vocal transformation platform Voice-Swap as Communications Director.