In a Music Business Worldwide op-ed, John Meller, a Partner in the Entertainment practice at law firm Manatt, Phelps & Phillips, sets out principles for ethical AI music licensing, built on consent, fair compensation and transparency. Meller notes that generative AI has been used in recordings for a while, but the real story is the progress of licensing arrangements between rightsholders and AI companies, including Suno, Udio, Klay and Spotify’s AI platform. He argues that generative AI use must put songwriters and recording artists first, and that recording artist and songwriter permissions are essential to any ethical, commercially viable AI offering. Meller cites recent news of Universal Music Group and Spotify’s deal for an on-platform AI service, reporting that UMG writers and artists will have to affirmatively opt-in to participate. He states that the real test will be how those companies and other players follow through on that mandate, and the details of the approval and compensation structure.