The 2024 ASCAP Lab “AI and the Business of Music” Challenge just unveiled its newest lineup of innovative startups, and they’re all geared towards making life easier for creators like you.
Connecting creators with cutting-edge tech
Launched in 2020, the annual ASCAP Lab Challenge is an accelerator program operated in partnership with the NYC Media Lab, led by the NYU Tandon School of Engineering. Over a 12-week program, selected startups and university teams receive mentorship and small grants to develop and expand upon their emerging technologies. The ASCAP Lab works closely with each team to optimize their product development for the music creator community. It’s all about exploring the intersection of technology, art, and business to drive value for music creators and users.
This year, they’ve brought together some of the most promising music tech entrepreneurs and early-stage startups to explore how AI can revolutionize music industry workflows and business processes. It’s not just about fancy gadgets—it’s about finding real solutions that can transform the way you create, promote, and protect your music.
Meet the game-changing teams
Let me introduce you to the innovative teams making waves this year:
1 – Music Tomorrow:
Want to boost your visibility on streaming platforms? Music Tomorrow offers analytics tools that monitor and enhance your algorithmic performance. With advanced audience insights, you can improve discoverability and engage listeners more effectively.
2 – RoEx:
Struggling with the final touches on your tracks? RoEx provides AI-driven tools for multitrack mixing, mastering, and audio cleanup. It streamlines the last steps of your creative process, delivering a professional and balanced mix with ease.
3 – SoundSafe.ai:
Worried about piracy or someone using your music without permission? SoundSafe.ai uses state-of-the-art audio watermarking to enhance security and detect real-time piracy or audio deepfakes, ensuring your hard work stays protected.
4 – CRESQA:
Imagine having a personal social media assistant that understands your vibe and audience. CRESQA uses AI to generate personalized post ideas and schedules for platforms like TikTok, Instagram, and YouTube Shorts. No more staring at a blank screen wondering what to post next!
5 – Wavelets AI:
In an age where AI-generated vocals are on the rise, Wavelets AI helps artists reduce IP infringement by detecting AI vocals in music. It’s a tool designed to safeguard your unique voice and creative output
A collaborative effort to shape the future
ASCAP’s Chief Strategy and Digital Officer, Nick Lehman, put it best when he said: “ASCAP’s creator-first, future-forward commitment makes it imperative for us to embrace technology while simultaneously protecting the rights of creators.” This challenge isn’t just about tech for tech’s sake; it’s about making sure that innovations genuinely serve you, the artist.
Join the conversation
Curious to dive deeper? On October 24, the ASCAP podcast VERSED will release an episode titled “The ASCAP Lab Gets Down to Business with AI.” You’ll hear from the entrepreneurs themselves, explaining their innovations and how they can be lesveraged in the industry. ASCAP composer and producer Gregg Lehrman, known for his work on trailers for Avatar and Inglourious Basterds, will share his experiences mentoring these teams.
Building on success
This year’s challenge builds upon the foundation set in previous years. In fact, the ASCAP Lab produced a documentary short titled “Prelude in AI Major: Crafting a Creator-First Future for AI,” which gives an in-depth look at how past teams leveraged AI to build innovative tools for making and experiencing music.
Why this matters to you
As someone navigating the ever-evolving music landscape, these advancements are poised to impact your career positively. Whether it’s making mixing and mastering effortless with RoEx or protecting your music with SoundSafe.ai, these tools are designed with your needs in mind.
As you navigate the competitive landscape, leveraging these AI tools can significantly enhance your promotional efforts. For instance, integrating strategies from platforms like Music Tomorrow with actionable tips on supercharging your music career in 2024 can set you apart from the crowd.
Wrapping it up
The intersection of music and technology is becoming more collaborative and exciting than ever. The ASCAP Lab’s efforts to foster innovation while keeping creators at the forefront mean that you can focus more on making music and less on the hurdles that come with it.
So, keep an eye on these emerging technologies—they might just be the key to unlocking new opportunities in your music journey. And don’t forget to tune into the VERSED podcast on October 24 to get the inside scoop straight from the innovators themselves.
Here’s to embracing the future of music, together!