Music News (7/15/26)

Music Community Introduces New Labeling Program To Distinguish Generative AI In Sound Recordings

IFPI, RIAA, A2IM, WIN, IMPALA, The Grammys, SAG-AFTRA and Human Artistry Campaign have announced a unified approach to voluntary track labeling to give fans clearer information about the use of generative AI in sound recordings.

Distinguishing between “AI-Generated” and “AI-Assisted,” the labels are conceived with broad, global adoption in mind, across digital music services and other partners. The labeling is designed to evolve as technology and requirements change.

“Fans want to know whether and how generative AI has been used in the music to which they listen. Given how important human artistry and authenticity is to music lovers all over the world, these labels will provide an immediately understandable and easily scalable approach to transparency. We acknowledge the many ways AI is being used creatively, so we expect to offer fans additional information as adoption of generative AI labeling grows and technology evolves,” says Vikki Oakley, IFPI CEO and Mitch Glazier, RIAA Chairman & CEO in a joint statement.

In April, the music streaming service Deezer reported that AI-generated tracks comprised 44% of all new music delivered to its platform while Apple Music has said that more than one-third of the tracks uploaded to its platform are “100% AI.”

The AI-Generated will be given to songs if “generative AI was used to generate the entirety or the primary portion of the creative elements of the recording.” An AI-Assisted label will be used if “the recording was created substantially by humans and expresses human creativity; however, generative AI was used for some expressive elements. Humans performed the lead vocal and primary instruments.”

These labels apply to the use of generative AI in sound recordings and will be available for use in the near future. The system does not cover the use of generative AI in lyrics, composition, music videos or cover art at this point.

 

Songwriter Joe Melson Passes

Nashville Songwriters Hall of Fame member Joe Melson has died at age 91.

Melson is best known for his 1960s collaborations with Nashville pop star Roy Orbison (1936-1988), including standards such as “Blue Bayou,” “Crying,” “Only the Lonely” and “Running Scared.”

“Only the Lonely” went into the Grammy Hall of Fame in 1999, and “Crying” joined it in 2002. Also in 2002, Melson was inducted into the International Rock-A-Billy Hall of Fame, located in Jackson, Tennessee. He was elected to the Nashville Songwriters Hall of Fame in 2018.

Click here to read his full obituary. 

 

Kruse Brothers Sign With Sony Music Publishing Nashville

The Kruse Brothers have signed with Sony Music Publishing Nashville.

“It is rare when you meet artists for the first time and their incredible talent moves you to the point where you know you want to work together, and that’s what happened when we met Chandler and Miles,” shares Sony Music Publishing Nashville Vice President, Creative A&R Tom Luteran. “We couldn’t be more excited to join these amazing brothers for the next chapter of their musical journey.”

The duo, composed of Chandler and Miles Kruse, have amassed over 6.8 million streams on Spotify on their 2025 single, “White on the Ground.” After touring alongside Dylan Gossett and Larry Fleet last year, the duo has upcoming dates in Oregon, Utah, Texas and more. They released their debut album Heartbreak & Honky Tonk earlier this year.

“We’re extremely grateful for the opportunity to continue to chase great songs with such a great team at Sony Music Publishing,” the duo says. “We started writing songs together in high school, and it has become one of the most important parts of Kruse Brothers. We can’t wait to get to work!”

“Chandler and Miles have undeniable talent, but their bond as brothers gives them a level of authenticity and musical chemistry that’s impossible to manufacture, making them truly stand out. Their songwriting and musicianship are going to take them to the next level,” adds Sony Music Publishing Nashville Manager, Creative A&R Emily Carignan.

 

Jordan Merrigan Signs With Ern’s Cadillac Music Via Big Loud Publishing

Jordan Merrigan has signed a publishing deal with ERN’s Cadillac Music via Big Loud Publishing.

Born and raised in South Dakota, Merrigan learned to play guitar and pen his first songs as a teenager. Influenced by Brand New, Taking Back Sunday and The Spill Canvas, Merrigan joined a pop rock band with his childhood friends in high school before relocating to Nashville. Before landing his deal, Merrigan was on the road as a guitarist and tour manager for the likes of Dylan Schneider and Mason Ramsey and is currently still on the road with ERNEST.

Merrigan’s songwriting credits include ERNEST’s “Blessed,” “Take Me To Montgomery,” “Why Dallas (feat. Lukas Nelson)” and “Ain’t Too Late.”

“I’ve been in the Cadillac Music/Big Loud universe as a touring musician for years, and it’s always been apparent that they embraced artists and writers in a special way,” shares Merrigan. “I’ve been especially fortunate to experience that working with ERNEST. His belief in me as a songwriter is something I’m beyond grateful for. I couldn’t be more excited to join the family as a songwriter.”

“Jordan’s journey has been incredible,” ERN’s Cadillac Music Founder and CEO ERNEST adds. “From having a band in Minneapolis that recorded with Dane and Jordan Schmidt before moving to Nashville over 12 years ago, to tour managing for Mason Ramsey who I opened for…and then tour managing for me, until I finally just said, ‘Hey grab your guitar. You’re in my band.’ He has been with me ever since. All along he has been writing cool songs, songs that live on the fringe. He brings singer-songwriter / indie rock to the table, as well as production / musicianship … which is a healthy recipe in today’s scene. The timing of it is perfect. I love that he not only is in my band / my longest lasting band member but has the hunger for so much more and he will be a valuable tool for our crew and Music Row.”

Category: Music News