SXSW Producers Debate Ethics of AI Music Creation

Panelists discuss the role of AI in music production and the need to protect artist rights.

Mar. 15, 2026 at 3:59pm

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At a SXSW panel on the ethics of AI in music, producers and researchers discussed the benefits and challenges of incorporating AI into music creation. While some saw AI as a tool to enhance the creative process, others raised concerns about the potential for AI to exploit artist work without proper compensation. The panelists debated issues around ensuring fair payment for artists, the role of human artistry, and whether AI-generated music can truly be considered creative.

Why it matters

As AI technology continues to advance, the music industry is grappling with how to ethically integrate these tools into the creative process. This panel discussion highlights the ongoing tensions between the efficiency and capabilities of AI versus the need to protect the rights and livelihoods of human artists.

The details

The Ethical and Unethical AI in Music panel at SXSW featured producers and AI researchers who discussed the incorporation of AI into music creation. While some panelists saw AI as a useful tool to enhance the creative process, others raised concerns about platforms that have allegedly scraped artists' work without permission. The panelists debated issues around ensuring fair payment for artists whose work is used to train AI models, as well as the role of human artistry in an increasingly automated music landscape. Producers KXVI and Kato on the Track shared how they've used AI in their own workflows, with Kato arguing that 'flaws and vulnerabilities' are what make music appealing. However, the panelists agreed that true artists will need to differentiate themselves by bringing unique perspectives and creative decisions to the table, even as AI makes music production more accessible.

  • The Ethical and Unethical AI in Music panel took place on Saturday morning at SXSW 2026.

The players

Michael 'MJ' Jacob

Co-founder of the Lemonade platform, which he positioned as an ethical standard for AI music creation.

KXVI

A music producer who discussed how he has incorporated AI into his workflow, arguing that 'it's about what you bring to the table as a musician or producer.'

Kato on the Track

A music producer who believes that 'perfect music is boring' and that 'it's the flaws and vulnerabilities that make it appealing' to him as a producer.

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What they’re saying

“Perfect music is boring. It's the flaws and vulnerabilities that make it appealing to me as a producer.”

— Kato on the Track, Music Producer (The Austin Chronicle)

“It's about what you bring to the table as a musician or producer.”

— KXVI, Music Producer (The Austin Chronicle)

What’s next

The panel discussion highlighted the ongoing need for the music industry to establish clear ethical guidelines around the use of AI in music creation, particularly when it comes to protecting the rights and compensation of artists.

The takeaway

As AI technology continues to advance, the music industry must find a balance between embracing the efficiency and capabilities of these tools while also ensuring that human artistry and the rights of artists are protected. This panel discussion underscores the complex ethical considerations that will shape the future of music creation.