Shaping the Future of Music Creation: Politics, AI and Contract Negotiation
Political initiatives that affect author rights, contracts, licenses and revenues of musicians and composers are one focus at SoundTrack_Zurich. This year’s edition will feature four dedicated panels on these issues.
As more AI providers in the music industry look for "ethical" ways to train their algorithms, a key question arises: how can authors be fairly compensated when their works are used as training data? "How to Train the AI Dragon" brings together Michael Egli (Swissperform), Noah Martin (SUISA), Andreas Weidinger (Composer, GEMA Board Member) and Benjamin Graf (Managing Director of AI firm Accentize) to discuss about models and solutions for rights holders, publishers, labels and collecting societies.
The SRG plays a vital role in commissioning Swiss audiovisual productions and therefore supporting composers, labels and publishers. But with the planned reduction of broadcasting fees and the looming "Halving Initiative", the financial foundation of many Swiss composers and the wider creative sector could be at risk. Andreas Wegelin (SUISA), Cécile Drexel (SONART), and Jacqueline Badran (Nationalrätin SP) will discuss in "Halbierung für alle?" the potential consequences, strategies for composers, and possible countermeasures from SUISA and politics to safeguard culture as an essential part of public service.
"Update AI Tools workshop": Composers Martin Villiger and Yevgeni Birkhoff will explore the latest developments and practical applications of AI in music creation - with a significant side focus on ethical considerations. This hands-on session aims to introduce useful tools for composers, musicians and sound designers and look ahead at what’s next for AI in the creative process.
Composer Michael Künstle and legal expert David Burger (SONART) will discuss strategies for negotiating contracts and ensuring fair remuneration in their panel "Vertragverhandlung". This session, held in cooperation with SONART, will provide participants with practical insights into protecting their rights and building a strong professional reputation.
Wednesday, October 1, 2025, at Publicis (Stadelhoferstrasse 25)
10:30 - 11:30
How to Train the AI Dragon - Legaler Erwerb von Trainingsdaten für generative und nicht-generative KI
Noah Martin, Michael Egli, Andreas Weidinger and Benjamin Graf.
Mod.: Dr. Kerstin Bäcker
This panel will be in German
12:00 - 13:00
Halbierung für alle? Was die SRG-Initiative für Film- und Werbemusik bedeutet
Jacqueline Badran, Cécile Drexel and Andreas Wegelin.
Mod.: Marielène Froidevaux
This panel will be in German
Thursday, October 2, 2025, at Publicis (Stadelhoferstrasse 25)
10:30 - 11:30
Update AI Tools
Martin Villiger and Yevgeni Birkhoff
16:00-17:00
Vertragverhandlung
Michael Künstle and David Burger
This panel will be in German
