What the AMFA, AI, and SoundExchange Mean for Indie Musicians — A Conversation with Jay Gilbert on the Your Morning Coffee Podcast

Photo by Igor Omilaev on Unsplash

I recently had the pleasure of joining my friend Jay Gilbert on the Your Morning Coffee Podcast for an in-depth conversation about the shifting landscape of the music industry. From the American Music Fairness Act (AMFA) to the rise of generative AI and the evolving role of SoundExchange, we covered topics that aren’t just trending — they’re defining the future of music. For independent musicians, these developments aren’t abstract policy debates or tech buzzwords — they’re decisions and technologies that will shape careers, revenues, and rights for years to come.

The American Music Fairness Act: Leveling the Playing Field

One of the focal points of our discussion was the AMFA — a long-overdue legislative push to ensure that artists are paid when their music is played on AM/FM radio. Unlike digital platforms, terrestrial radio in the U.S. has historically been exempt from paying performance royalties to the actual musicians and vocalists. That’s an absurd gap in the system, and for indie artists, it represents both a financial injustice and a symbolic dismissal of their value.

If passed, the AMFA could level the playing field. It would mean that whether you’re an unsigned songwriter or a chart-topping act, you get compensated for the art you create. That’s not just fairness — it’s survival.

Generative AI: A Double-Edged Sword

We also dove into the growing impact of generative AI in music creation. On one hand, it’s an exciting tool for independent musicians — lowering barriers to production, expanding creative potential, and enabling experimentation without the need for a full studio setup. On the other hand, it raises critical questions about authorship, originality, and compensation.

Who owns an AI-generated song trained on decades of human creativity? How can indie artists protect their sound from being mimicked or mined without consent? As the legal and ethical frameworks around AI continue to evolve, it’s essential that independent voices are included in the conversation.

SoundExchange: The Backbone of Digital Royalties

Lastly, we talked about SoundExchange, the nonprofit organization that collects and distributes digital performance royalties. For indie musicians who rely on platforms like Pandora, SiriusXM, and internet radio, SoundExchange is a critical piece of the ecosystem. But with new technologies and changing revenue models, the way royalties are tracked, calculated, and paid out must continue to evolve — especially to serve artists without major label backing.

For independent musicians, the message is clear: stay informed, stay involved. Whether it’s through advocacy for legislation like the AMFA, exploring how to responsibly use AI in your creative process, or ensuring your digital royalties are being properly tracked through SoundExchange, now is the time to engage with the bigger picture.

🎧 Listen to the full conversation here: Your Morning Coffee Podcast

The music industry is changing fast, and the artists who thrive will be those who not only adapt but help shape what comes next. Indie musicians, your voice matters — don’t let it go unheard.

— Almighty Sonoxo