AI in Music & Protecting Human Creators: Billboard Latin Music Week

The intersection of artificial intelligence and music creation has become a pivotal topic within the Latin music community, highlighted during a recent panel at Billboard Latin Music Week. Industry leaders and legal experts convened to address the challenges and opportunities presented by AI-generated music, focusing particularly on the implications for human artists and the frameworks needed to safeguard their contributions.

Cristina Perpiñá-Robert, heading the Spanish Society of Authors and Publishers (SGAE), brought forward concerns from Spain regarding the rapid advancement of AI in music production. She emphasized the risk of AI-generated content overshadowing human creativity and the potential marginalization of human composers and songwriters within the industry’s economic structures. The conversation underscored a critical tension: while AI can enhance creative processes, there is apprehension about it becoming a substitute rather than a complement to human artistry.

During the session, moderated by Tatiana Cirisano, vice president of music strategy at MIDiA Research, the discussion revealed that Spain views existing regulations as insufficient to address the evolving landscape. Perpiñá-Robert highlighted that creators face the danger of exclusion from licensing and revenue models as synthetic music gains ground. The concern extends beyond copyright to the very livelihood of artists, with calls for robust policies to ensure that the human element remains central to music production.

Pierre Hachar Jr., managing partner of The Hachar Law Group, contributed a legal perspective rooted in the current dynamics of the U.S. market. He noted a widespread adoption of AI tools among his clients, including some of the most talented songwriters and producers, who leverage AI to augment their workflow. Hachar stressed that resistance to technological shifts is a common historical pattern in music, recalling initial skepticism towards digital streaming platforms and production software such as Pro Tools and Logic.

The panelists drew parallels between these past disruptions and the present AI integration, suggesting that rather than signaling the end of musicianship, AI could enable new forms of creativity and accessibility. However, they acknowledged the need for frameworks that balance technological innovation with fair recognition and compensation for human creators.

The debate also touched on broader ethical and geopolitical considerations. Notably, the U.S. administration’s stance on AI development, driven by competition concerns with China, reflects the complex interplay between technological progress and global power dynamics. This context adds layers to the conversation about the pace and governance of AI in creative industries.

Billboard Latin Music Week, coinciding with the upcoming 2026 Billboard Latin Music Awards set to be broadcast live from Miami, provided a timely platform for these discussions. The event underscored the music community’s awareness of AI’s transformative potential and the urgency of crafting policies that protect artistic integrity.

While the panel illuminated key issues surrounding AI’s role in music, details about specific regulatory proposals or industry-wide standards remain limited. The discourse signals an ongoing negotiation between embracing innovation and preserving the essential role of human creators in shaping musical culture.