Published: May 2025 | Sunset Music Advocacy
On May 9, 2025, the U.S. Copyright Office released the final installment of its comprehensive three-part report addressing the intersection of copyright law and artificial intelligence (AI)—a topic rapidly transforming the landscape of creative work. At the heart of this final chapter is a crucial question: Is it fair use to train generative AI models on copyrighted works without permission or compensation?
The answer? Still unfolding—but the implications are already sending ripples through the music industry.
At Sunset Music, we believe this moment is pivotal for songwriters, producers, composers, and artists navigating a world where human creativity and machine learning increasingly collide. Here’s what you need to know—and why it matters to you.
AI & Copyright: A Creative Crossroads
Generative AI technologies—capable of producing lyrics, melodies, full compositions, and entire performances—are fueled by large datasets. These datasets often include copyrighted music, lyrics, and other creative works, raising legal and ethical concerns about unauthorized usage.
The U.S. Copyright Office’s final report delves deep into this practice, focusing specifically on whether the unauthorized ingestion of copyrighted materials by AI systems can be legally justified under the doctrine of fair use. While the Office didn’t rule definitively, it laid out the current legal frameworks and acknowledged the complexities at stake.
In essence, this report sets the stage for future court cases and legislative decisions that will ultimately define how AI-generated content is treated in the eyes of the law—and what protections creators are afforded.
Why This Matters to Sunset Music Artists and the Creator Community
At Sunset Music, we stand with the principle that human creators must be protected, credited, and compensated. The output of generative AI models, no matter how advanced, would not exist without the massive contributions of artists whose original work formed the foundation of the training data.
This is not just a legal battle—it’s a fight for creative recognition and economic fairness.
Here’s how the Copyright Office’s report supports that:
- 🔍 Transparency and Accountability: The report encourages greater transparency from AI developers regarding the data used to train their systems. For music creators, this means pushing for rights to know—and challenge—how your work is being utilized.
- 🛡️ Creator-Centric Policy Goals: The report emphasizes the need for policies that don’t leave creators behind in a rapidly evolving technological world. This aligns with our values at Sunset Music, where creator-first innovation is at the core of our advocacy.
- ⚖️ No Blanket “Fair Use” Exemption: Critically, the Copyright Office did not endorse a blanket fair use defense for AI training. Instead, it noted that determining fair use must be case-by-case—giving hope that legal recognition for misuse of copyrighted material is still within reach.
The Path Ahead: A Call to Action for the Music Community
We’re entering a defining era where lawmakers, courts, and companies will shape the future of creativity. The Copyright Office’s report is a strong signal that AI cannot be allowed to operate in a legal gray area at the expense of working musicians and composers.
At Sunset Music, we are committed to making sure that your voices are not only heard but respected in every AI-related policy conversation. We support legislation that:
- Requires informed consent before copyrighted works are used in training datasets.
- Establishes compensation mechanisms for artists whose work fuels AI-generated output.
- Prioritizes ethical technology that enhances, rather than exploits, human creativity.
What You Can Do Today
Here’s how you can take action and stay ahead:
✅ Stay Informed: Read the full Copyright Office AI Report to understand your rights and the policy trends.
✅ Speak Up: Join creator-led advocacy efforts. Share your concerns with your local representatives, join petitions, and support organizations pushing for ethical AI practices in music.
✅ Be Aware of AI Tools: If you’re using or being approached by AI platforms, ask questions about how your data is being used—and whether you’re being properly credited or compensated.
✅ Engage with Sunset Music: Subscribe to our newsletter and follow our updates to get involved in grassroots campaigns that fight for your rights as a creator.
In Closing: Human Creativity Is Not Replaceable
The rise of AI is not inherently bad—it offers exciting possibilities. But the soul of music lies in its humanity. Our melodies, our stories, our struggles and triumphs—they cannot be artificially replicated. And when technology crosses ethical boundaries, it’s our responsibility to push back.
At Sunset Music, we’re not anti-tech—we’re pro-artist. We believe in a future where music technology empowers human creativity, not erases it.
Let’s shape that future together.
🎯 Opportunities & Submission Deadlines
🎵 SYNC REQUESTS
🎤 Gritty Music for Boxing Match Promo
We’re seeking a raw, high-energy track that captures the tension, adrenaline, and aggression of a boxing match. Open genre—just make it powerful, fast-paced, and emotionally charged. Themes like strength, power, and victory are great, but please avoid lyrics referencing death.
- Reference Track: LL COOL J – Mama Said Knock You Out
- Deadline: June 9, 2025
- Setting: Studio production
🎸 Uplifting Indie for UK TV Show
We’re on the lookout for cheerful, upbeat indie music from UK-based artists. Think feel-good guitar vibes, youthful energy, and optimistic lyrics about life getting better.
- Reference Track: Declan McKenna – Brazil
- Deadline: May 19, 2025
- Vocal Style: Open
🎧 Cool Instrumentals for Clothing Campaign
Looking for groovy, soulful instrumentals with a laid-back, modern R&B/hip-hop feel. Must sound fresh and effortless—sample-based vibes welcome. This campaign features a rising football star, so bring that cool factor.
- Reference Track: KAYTRANADA – Well I Bet Ya
- Deadline: June 2, 2025
- Instruments: Guitar-based and/or sample-inspired
🎸 Building Rock for Film Scene
We need emotionally charged rock music with a dramatic crescendo. Songs should convey tension and intensity without being overly melancholy or romantic. Only male vocals will be considered.
- Reference Track: The Beatles – A Day In The Life
- Deadline: May 26, 2025
🏆 Scholarships, Awards & Competitions
May 22, 2025 – Application Deadlines:
- 🎼 The ASCAP Foundation Alan & Marilyn Bergman Lyric Award
For emerging songwriters whose lyrics reflect timeless songwriting craft. - 📰 The ASCAP Foundation Deems Taylor/Virgil Thomson Awards
Recognizing excellence in writing about music (books, articles, liner notes). - 🎤 The ASCAP Foundation Leiber & Stoller Scholarship
Supporting young aspiring songwriters, musicians, and vocalists.
May 30, 2025
🎶 30th Annual USA Songwriting Competition
Compete for a $50K top prize, music gear, and national airplay.
June 15, 2025
🎬 2025 World Soundtrack Awards Submissions
Global film music composers can submit for one of six prestigious categories.
June 20, 2025
🎭 ASCAP Plus Awards
For ASCAP writers in children’s music, concert music, jazz, and musical theatre.
🧘 Ongoing Wellness & Support
- Weekly Cyber Support Groups
In partnership with MusiCares – free, confidential support sessions for music creators.
🎟️ Upcoming Event
🎶 May 22, 2025 – Bear McCreary: Themes and Variations Tour
📍 New York, NY
🎟 Use promo code ASCAP2025 for $30 tickets while supplies last.
