‘Responsible AI Futures’ Hybrid Seminar Series – Universal Music Group

AI in the service of artists and creativity is a wonderful thing. But AI that uses, or worse yet, appropriates their work – or their name, image, likeness, or voice – without authorisation is not.

Throughout all the technological revolutions, Universal Music Group has had a long history of embracing innovation. AI is no different, with UMG working to empower artists with AI’s benefits, while at the same time protecting their rights.

This talk will examine recent developments in the field of AI and how they impact artists and the creative industries at large. While focused on music, key opportunities and threats can be extrapolated across multiple arts-led sectors. The lecture will also seek to define what Responsible AI means for the creative industries and what AI developers, policy makers and other practitioners can do to help shape an ecosystem that balances innovation with rewarding human artistry.

About Universal Music Group:

Universal Music Group’s mission is to shape culture through the power of artistry.

A community of entrepreneurs committed to creativity and innovation, UMG owns and operates a broad array of businesses engaged in recorded music, music publishing, merchandising, and audiovisual content in more than 60 countries.

UMG identifies and develops recording artists and songwriters, and produces, distributes and promotes the most critically acclaimed and commercially successful music to delight and entertain fans around the world.

Its vast catalog of recordings and songs stretches back over a century and comprises the largest, most diverse and culturally rich collection of music ever assembled.

As digital technology refashions the world, UMG’s unmatched commitment to lead in developing new services, platforms and business models for the delivery of music and related content empowers innovators and allows new commercial and artistic opportunities to flourish.

Knowing that music, a powerful force for good in the world, is unique in its ability to inspire people and bring them together, UMG works with artists and employees to serve our communities.

UMG is the home for music’s greatest artists, innovators and entrepreneurs.

Bio

Casandra Strauss, Director, New Digital Business & Innovation, Global Digital Strategy, Universal Music Group

Casandra joined UMG’s Global Digital Strategy team in Apr 2022, and works in a dual remit. As part of the Digital Innovation team, she engages with tech startups and the wider ecosystem to drive new business opportunities and support entrepreneurs developing music projects. As part of the Strategic Technology team, Casandra focuses on AI, with an emphasis on research, internal policy and community engagement.

Prior to UMG, Casandra served as Director of Innovation & Special Projects at the BPI, UK’s recorded music industry trade body, where she spearheaded the Music & Tech Springboard Programme and developed partnerships in this space, among others. Earlier in her career, Casandra held roles at INgrooves and Sony Music, developing digital partnerships and supporting music partners including Apple and Spotify, among many others.

Running Order

16.00 – Welcome by Ewa Luger

16.10 – Talk by Casandra Strauss

16.40 – Q&A

17.00 – End

In-person: Inspace, 1 Crichton St, Newington, Edinburgh EH8 9AB
Online: Zoom

Please note limited seats are available at Inspace for in-person audiences, so please book tickets in advance. For those joining online please visit the online event page for the Zoom joining link and password.

For inquiries about accessibility, please contact the DI team at designinformatics@ed.ac.uk or visit the Access webpage for more information about the venue: https://inspace.ed.ac.uk/venue-access/