Local 802 Hosts Zoom Meeting on Artificial Intelligence

August 28, 2025

During a “Musicians & Generative AI: How the Musicians’ Union Is Working to Protect Your Livelihood” meeting, hosted by Local 802 (New York City), the AFM reaffirmed its dedication to protecting musicians’ work from the growing threat of artificial intelligence (AI). The July Zoom event, moderated by Local 802 Recording Vice President Dan Point, attracted both AFM members and nonmembers.

AFM Electronic Media Services Division Director John Painting and Government Affairs Director Ben Kessler discussed the AFM’s engagement with lawmakers and industry leaders. They emphasized the need for new legislation to ensure musicians receive proper consent, credit, and compensation when their work is used to train AI models.

The discussion also included contributions from AFM Freelance Services and Membership Development Director Wages Argott and Field Organizer Leni Kreienberg, who addressed the specific needs of the freelance musician community. They highlighted how the union is developing resources and strategies to empower this vital segment of the membership.

The conversation centered on the issue that AI technology threatens to replace the unique human touch in music, and underscored the need for collective action in a rapidly evolving industry. By working with musicians and legislative bodies, the union is building a defense against this threat, ensuring that musicians can continue pursuing their careers. The meeting wrapped up with a lively question and answer session, showing the music community’s engagement and interest.