Warner Records

Musicians Vs. Machines: First Ever Record Contract to AI Music Creator Prompts Panic, Protest

Oliver McCann, 37, who has a background as a visual designer, started experimenting with AI to see if it could boost his creativity and “bring some of my lyrics to life.” Last month, he signed with independent record label Hallwood Media after one of his tracks racked up 3 million streams, in what’s billed as the first time a music label has inked a contract with an AI music creator.

A robot performs at a music talent show at the 2025 WAIC World Artificial Intelligence Con