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De Minimis AI Use for Musicians

The use of Artificial Intelligence (AI) as a research assistant is permitted for creators of Proudly Human™ certified music. For example, you may use AI to search for technical data, analyze sound frequencies, generate ideas or song structures, or suggest directions for further creative development.

AI must not be used for the generation of non-trivial audio or lyrical content that is directly incorporated into the final work. All creative expression, performance, and composition must remain the original contribution of the human creators.

Specifically, your use of AI must be limited to de minimis levels. That is, uses so minor or mechanical that they do not affect the copyrightable authorship of your work and, in practical terms, do not alter its human-created nature.

Acceptable De Minimis AI Use

For your guidance, examples of acceptable de minimis AI use typically include:

  • Checking lyrical spelling and grammar

  • Generating ideas, prompts, song structures, or high-level melodic concepts

  • Producing short phrases, song titles, metadata, or other non-copyrightable text

  • Formatting assistance such as file conversion, sample rate adjustments, or organizing track stems

  • Technical tasks such as noise reduction, equalization (EQ) assistance, balancing levels, or removing background clicks and pops

Unacceptable AI Use (Beyond De Minimis)

By contrast, unacceptable AI use beyond de minimis would include:

  • Using AI to draft substantial portions of lyrics or melody

  • AI-generated instrumental performances or vocal synthesis that meaningfully contributes to the final work

  • AI-generated musical material that would be copyrightable if created by a human

  • AI-generated album art, visualizers, or promotional imagery (unless separately disclosed)

  • AI-generated musical compositions, arrangements, or synthesized lead tracks