About this episode

Harvey Mason Jr. discusses the role of AI in music and the importance of regulations to protect human creativity.

Harvey Mason Jr., CEO of the Recording Academy, joins the Peggy Smedley Show at Think 2026 to share his candid take on AI and the future of music. From how producers are already using AI as a creative collaborator in the studio, to the 75,000 AI-generated songs hitting streaming platforms every day — Harvey breaks down why AI is a powerful tool, not a replacement for human creativity, and why legislation, transparency, and proper crediting are non-negotiable. Topics covered: How artists are using AI iteratively in the studio The disruption AI is bringing to streaming and distribution Why younger creators see no limits — and what that means for the industry Who should set the boundaries for AI in music Will we ever have a truly "soulful" AI? Recorded live at IBM Think 2026. https://PeggySmedleyShow.com

People in this episode

Host: Peggy Smedley

Guest: Harvey Mason Jr.

Topics covered

• AI in music
• creativity
• streaming disruption
• legislation
• transparency
• crediting

Keywords

• AI
• music
• creativity
• streaming
• legislation
• transparency
• crediting
• producers
• artists
• collaboration

Mentioned in this episode

Organizations: Recording Academy, IBM

More episodes of Peggy Smedley Show

• The Workforce of 2030, Skills, AI, and the Future of Work · July 15, 2026 · 15 min
• Reshaping Railroad with AI · July 1, 2026 · 29 min
• Model Context Protocol 101 · July 1, 2026 · 32 min
• 7 Lies about AI · June 24, 2026 · 14 min
• Data Inspired · June 24, 2026 · 30 min
• Navigating without a Map · June 24, 2026 · 15 min

Explore listener stats, chart rankings, contacts and more on the Peggy Smedley Show podcast page.