Bypass: Music Industry News for Independent Artists

Saturday edition • 3 min read

Congress Wants AI to Wear a Nametag

What's Up

A bipartisan group of senators in Washington just reintroduced the AI Labeling Act. If this one goes through, anything AI (we're talking audio, video, images) gets a label. One that you can see and one that gets baked into the file, so no amount of cropping works.

So What

Big platforms can't strip the labels, and the FTC enforces all of it. The only thing that isn't covered is text, so it's not a full fix. But if this is what's gonna make us know that the slop is definitely slop, we'll take it.

Now What

You've gotta let your senators know what's up. The bill already died once, back in 2023. So it's gonna need a little noise to let it survive this time. Best part is, you're not alone. Half the industry's already pushing.

[Full story at MBW]

From Nothing to $10k

What's Up

Nothing (that's the phone company, by the way) launched the Club Nothing Fund: four creatives get $10K each to start or grow a club night, event series, or festival. It's open now and closes August 9.

So What

To be clear, it isn't for everybody. It's really for DJs and people who're into nightlife. Apart from that, we couldn't find any strings, so don't worry, you're not signing away your kidneys or anything.

Now What

There are only two things between you and that 10k: applying and, yeah, luck. Apply to nothing.tech/club-nothing before August 9.

[Full story at Hypebot]

Before You Say Yes to That Gig, Do the Math First

What's Up

Gas, hotels, and commissions: what every touring artist calls bills. And just like any bill, if you're not careful, you'll be paying to play your shows. GigLogic is a new tool that catches all that before you sign.

So What

It's pretty simple too. All you need to do is punch in the offer, fee, travel, lodging, commissions, and taxes, and it shows exactly what lands in your pocket after everything's said and done.

Now What

You're probably thinking about that gig you got offered. Good, that's exactly what this is for. You can try it free, no card needed, and the paid plans start at $19.99 a month for unlimited checks. Whether the app's worth twenty bucks is your call, though. Budgeting's a skill, and it'll save you that twenty and then some.

[Full story at Hypebot]