DIMA Digest Newsletter – August 2024
DIMA President and CEO, Graham Davies
1. Spotlight: DIMA President & CEO on Protecting Creators and Preserving Freedom of Expression in the Age of Generative AI
This month, DIMA President & CEO Graham Davies penned an Op-Ed on the importance of balancing the needs of artists, fans, and music streamers in generative AI discussions. The piece discussed how the pace of development and utilization of AI raises important questions around the attribution of human artistry, artistic integrity, consent, freedom of expression, and creators’ and performers’ ability to make a living. Some key highlights from the piece include:
- On the Importance of Controls on Digital Replicas: DIMA and its members – the leading music streaming services – want effective controls around digital replicas, so they can continue to provide listeners with compelling experiences based on content they can trust. Our members believe in empowering listeners with genuine music experiences, and do not condone misleading them with deceptive content.
- On Protecting an Individual’s Personhood from Harmful Synthetic Replications: DIMA supports a federal right that dissuades bad actors from abusing an individual’s personhood rights and discourages dissemination of harmful replications, while properly balancing liability and exposure. In Davies’ April testimony before the Senate Judiciary Committee on Chairman Coons’ then-draft legislation, the NO FAKES Act, Davies emphasized the importance of a federal approach that supports the existing successful supply chains.
- On Crucial Industry Partnerships: DIMA’s members, as trusted partners in the music industry, will continue to work with Congress and all stakeholders to find tailored approaches that protect creators, preserve freedom of expression, and ensure that services can continue to effectively deliver the best of musical creativity to audiences around the world.
Click here to read the full piece.
2. In Action: DIMA Comments on Colombia Draft General Culture Law
Earlier this month, DIMA participated in the Colombian Ministry of Culture’s public consultation on its draft reform document on the General Culture Law. Writing to the Minister of Culture, Juan David Correa, DIMA President & CEO Graham Davies acknowledged that the Ministry of Culture’s efforts in promoting initiatives aimed at strengthening the cultural sector in the country are laudable. However, after a thorough analysis of the draft proposal, Davies presented several observations and recommendations including highlighting the already complex nature of the licensing system, and the importance of not adding additional complexities and hurdles.
DIMA believes these considerations are critical to consider in order to avoid an adverse effect on the entire music industry. Read the full letter and recommendations here, available in both English and Spanish.
3. Rewind: DIMA Comments on Court’s “Eight Mile Style” Decision
This month, the Tennessee District Court issued its opinion on the Eight Mile Style v. Spotify case. DIMA previously filed an Amicus Brief on January 19, 2024 in support of Spotify’s position, which can be read in full here.
In response to the issuance of the court’s opinion in August, DIMA President & CEO Graham Davies released the following statement:
“We are pleased at the Court’s decision in the Eight Mile Style case. The licensing system for digital streaming is working well for all stakeholders after the passage of the Music Modernization Act, a law that we continue to vocally support for the many improvements it has made. DIMA’s members will continue to play a crucial role in growing the industry for all.”
4. Tune In: 2024 Summer Playlist Roundup
This summer, DIMA celebrated several events and highlighted cultural contributions through the creation of specially curated playlists, often in collaboration with key Members of Congress and leaders at DIMA member companies. Check them out below:
- Black Music Month: In celebration of Black Music Month in June, DIMA recognized the Black community’s invaluable contributions to music and culture, through continuing its interview series featuring enlightening conversations about “Black Music And Leadership In Politics and Entertainment”. Our 2024 conversations between key Members of Congress and leaders at DIMA member companies featured Rep. Don Davis (NC-01); Rep. Robin Kelly (IL-02); Rep. Cherfilus-McCormick (FL-20); Rep. Gabe Amo (RI-01); Lauren D. Williams (SiriusXM Pandora); Sierra Lever (Amazon Music); and Joe Hadley (Spotify). Based on the songs and artists highlighted in the conversations, DIMA curated a Black Music Month playlist for 2024, which included iconic tracks such as “I’ll Be There” by The Jackson 5, “Her” by Megan Thee Stallion, and “Let’s Stay Together” by Al Green. Give the playlist a listen here!
- National Day of the Cowboy: Western Caucus Chair Sen. Cynthia Lummis (R-WY) and her Caucus colleagues collaborated with DIMA in celebration of National Day of the Cowboy to curate a playlist featuring a selection of their favorite tracks about cowboys, life on the ranch, and the American West – including tunes such as “Cadillac Cowboy” by Chris LeDoux, and “Big City” by Merle Haggard. Check it out here
- Olympic Games 2024: In celebration of the Olympic Games in Paris this summer, DIMA curated some music highlights from the event to get everyone into the Olympic spirit. The playlist included Lady Gaga’s performance of “Mon Truc en Plumes” at the opening ceremony, and Taylor Swift’s “…Ready For It?”, the track used in U.S. gymnast Simone Biles’ winning floor routine. Listen here!
Follow DiMA (@dimastreaming) on Twitter to follow the conversation.
