The Recent BMI AI Announcement

This week, BMI released a statement about artificial intelligence and songwriting that I found grounded and progressive at the same time. It confirmed something I’ve felt in my gut for a while now: this new world of AI-assisted music doesn’t erase the artist; it reveals the artist’s intent.

BMI stated that while AI-generated elements such as vocals or instrumentals created by platforms aren’t eligible for copyright under current U.S. law, human contributions still are. That includes lyrics, structure, storytelling, and creative direction. If you write your own words and guide the shape of the song, you’re still a songwriter. You’re still the author of your truth. Even better: you’re a music creator.

That’s exactly how I work.

I use tools like Suno and ChatGPT, but I write my stories myself. I start with a pad and pencil. I shape the song’s emotional arc. I, alone, have creative control. The technology helps bring the music to life, but I’m the one at the vibe dashboard directing the composition and adjusting the knobs.

My works are registered with BMI. I’ve done it both as a songwriter and through my independent publishing company, You Rock Studio. I don’t hide how I create. I’m proud of it.

Not everyone in the music world is ready to embrace this approach. I get it. Some see AI as a threat. Some assume it replaces the artist. But I know what I’ve lived through to write these songs. I know what it took to learn guitar in my sixties. I know how much energy it takes to understand music rights, distribution, and publishing from the ground up. 

I’m not the musician’s enemy or opponent. I’m just a fellow music creator. And in short order, most OG musicians will be using AI in some regard— if they’re not already.

So when BMI affirms the value of the human in this process— when it uses the phrase “music creator” to describe people like me— I feel seen.

I’m not outside the system. I’m part of pioneering where it’s going.

I’ll keep writing. I’ll keep building. I’ll keep showing others how to do this ethically, honestly, and without shame.

This is what a second act sounds like.

Songs that are human-built, AI-assisted, and rooted in real life.

I’m here for all of it.

And yes— I’m proud to call myself a music creator. Even if I have to include an em-dash to make that point.