©AP Video: Rodrique Ngowi, Allen Breed, Sophie Bates
Pre-reading Questions:
I will read each question. Then, please answer them.
- What do artists need to protect their music?
- How can new technology change the music industry?
Vocabulary:
I will read the words, meanings, and sample sentences. Then, repeat after me.
- negotiate /ni-GOH-shee-eyt/
[verb] – to have formal discussions in order to reach an agreement
The two sides will negotiate a new contract. - dispute /dih-SPYOOT/
[noun] – an argument or disagreement
The dispute lasted for several months. - generate /JEN-uh-reyt/
[verb] – to produce or create something
The program can generate a short melody. - license /LAHY-suhns/
[noun] – an official permission to use or own something
The company received a license to use the song. - concern /kuhn-SURN/
[noun] – a worried feeling
There is concern about job safety
Article Reading:
Please read the whole article. Then, I will check your pronunciation and intonation.
Artificial intelligence music companies Suno and Udio are negotiating with major record labels in the United States after serious legal disputes about copyright. In 2024, Sony Music, Universal Music and Warner Records sued the startups, saying systems were trained on protected songs without permission. Since then, millions of AI-generated tracks have appeared online. The companies now want to secure a license to use music legally and reduce the ongoing dispute.
Suno has reached a settlement with Warner, while Udio has signed agreements with Universal, Warner and Merlin. Sony’s case is still moving forward in federal court. Company leaders say AI can help artists generate new ideas and experiment with sound. However, many musicians show strong concern and argue that training systems without clear consent is unfair. Both startups continue to negotiate with labels in hopes of building long term partnerships and changing how music is created and shared in the digital age.
Suno has reached a settlement with Warner, while Udio has signed agreements with Universal, Warner and Merlin. Sony’s case is still moving forward in federal court. Company leaders say AI can help artists generate new ideas and experiment with sound. However, many musicians show strong concern and argue that training systems without clear consent is unfair. Both startups continue to negotiate with labels in hopes of building long term partnerships and changing how music is created and shared in the digital age.
Comprehension Questions:
I will read each question. Then, please answer them based on the article.
- Which companies are involved in the negotiations?
- Why did record labels sue the startups?
- When were the lawsuits filed?
- What appeared online after AI tools became popular?
- Which label settled with Suno?
Discussion Questions:
I will read each question. Then, please answer them.
- Have you ever used an online tool to create music? If so, how was it? If not, would you like to try?
- Have you ever seen technology change a job? If so, what happened? If not, what job might change?
- Do you agree that AI can support musicians?
- What is the best way to protect artists’ rights?
- How could AI change music in the future?