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FAQ: Understanding How, When, and If to Use AI for Songwriting at SongU.com

The challenge of responding to the rapid rise of AI in song creation is an ongoing discussion in both the music industry and at SongU. Legal and philosophical considerations enter the conversation, creating differing responses, interpretations, and confusion. Several of the legal implications, including intellectual property rights, the use of AI models trained on copyrighted material, and what constitutes human expression, are still to be determined.

But we do know some things. In late January 2025, the official report by the Register of Copyrights, Copyright, and Artificial Intelligence, Part 2: Copyrightability, released new information and guidelines that help clear up some of the legal questions, including a critical one – “Can my AI-generated songs be copyrighted?” 

Since this is a rapidly changing subject, this document is not meant to be legal advice. Instead its purpose is to explain how and why we’ve adopted our policies regarding AI at SongU. When in doubt, you should always contact a qualified entertainment attorney who specializes in intellectual property or copyright law.

Ok, let’s address the copyright question and other questions that have been commonly asked at SongU.com in recent weeks.

What is copyright, and why does it matter?

Copyright protects your creative work and ensures that you, the songwriter, can control how it is used, performed, and licensed. Without copyright protection, anyone could use your song freely, including for commercial purposes, without your permission. Technically, the moment you create and fix your song in a tangible form (such as writing it down or recording it), it is automatically protected by copyright. However, registering your copyright with the U.S. Copyright Office provides official proof of ownership and strengthens your legal standing in case of a copyright dispute.

If you transfer or assign your copyright ownership to a music publisher, the publisher gains control over how the song is used and licensed. In this case, the publisher receives the publisher’s share of royalties while you continue to receive the writer’s share.

Here’s a real-world example: When Paul Simon wrote, recorded, and published The Sound of Silence in 1964, he had no way of knowing that in 2015, the hard rock band Disturbed would re-record (“cover”) and release it as a single. Their version became a hit and reached #1 on the Billboard Hard Rock Chart. Because Paul Simon was the copyright owner at the time, he received royalties from the song’s performance and mechanical licenses. In 2021, Paul Simon sold his entire songwriting catalog to Sony Music Publishing for approximately $250 million. As a result, Sony now owns the copyright to The Sound of Silence and his other songs. Moving forward, Sony—not Paul Simon—will collect all publishing income and control how his songs are licensed or used while Paul Simon continues to collect the writer’s share of the income.

What’s the correct terminology to use?

Misinformation and incorrect terminology about a song’s copyright often leads to confusion. So, first we need to agree on clear definitions.

  • Music – A sequence of sounds arranged in a melodic structure. When human-authored, a melody is copyrightable as part of a song. Note that production, demos, chords, and arrangements are not copyrightable since copyright protects a melody’s specific expression, not general musical ideas or styles.
  • Lyrics – Words intended to be paired with music. When human-authored, lyrics are copyrightable and may be protected separately from the melody.
  • Song – A composition consisting of both melody and lyrics. When human-authored, the melody, lyrics, or entire song can be copyrighted individually or together. AI-generated melodies or lyrics alone are not copyrightable under current U.S. law.
  • Demo – A demonstration recording of a song (melody + lyrics) to showcase the composition before full production. If AI generates any part of the melody, the result is an AI-assisted composition—not just a demo. In this case, saying that AI was used “only for the demo” is misleading.
  • Production – The instrumentation and arrangement in a recording. While production affects the final sound, it does not determine the copyrightable composition (melody + lyrics). A human-authored sound recording (master recording) can be separately copyrighted, but this is distinct from the song’s underlying composition copyright.
  • Ownership – Paying for an AI-generated song (e.g., via Suno) does not grant copyright ownership. AI platforms may provide usage rights under their Terms of Service, but under current U.S. Copyright law, only human-authored works are eligible for copyright. AI-generated music cannot be legally “owned” in the same way as human-authored compositions.
  • Public Domain – Works free for public use because they are no longer protected by copyright, were dedicated to the public domain, or were never eligible for copyright (e.g., AI-generated works under current law).

What’s the big deal about using AI-generated music and lyrics?

Now that we understand copyright and the correct terminology, let’s talk about what happens when AI-generated music and/or lyrics enter the picture. As of January 28, 2025, the U.S. Register of Copyrights ruled that AI-generated works (lyrics or melody) cannot be copyrighted unless there is a “sufficient amount of human expression.” If AI generates any part or all of your melody based on your lyrics, the AI-generated portion is not eligible for copyright. Even if an AI Platform’s Terms of Service allow you to use AI-generated material commercially, according to the U.S. Copyright Office, you cannot claim ownership or copyright on that material because it lacks human authorship.

Back to Paul Simon. If generative AI existed when Paul Simon wrote The Sound of Silence, and rather than writing his own original music, he let AI generate the music, the resulting music would not have been eligible for copyright protection. Since there would be no human author, it would have no legal owner and, like an uncopyrightable work, could be used by anyone without restriction.  Anyone could use that music for their own purposes and profit. They could even add their own human-authored lyrics to it, in which case their new lyrics would be eligible for copyright protection, but the underlying music still would not be since it was rendered by AI, not written by a human.

Does re-working AI-generated music or lyrics make them mine and eligible for copyright?

Making edits to AI-generated material does not grant full copyright ownership, nor does “putting your own spin” on the production. Only the portions that you change with significant human transformation are eligible for copyright protection—AI-generated portions remain ineligible. Modifications or rearrangements are not enough to establish human authorship.

What If I used prompts to get the music or lyrics exactly how I want? According to the U.S. Copyright Office, if you write only the lyrics and AI generates the music, you can only copyright the lyrics, not the melody or the full song (lyrics + melody). Similarly, if you compose the melody but use AI to generate the lyrics, only the melody is copyrightable. Prompting AI to generate a melody or lyrics—no matter how detailed —does not qualify as human-authored.

An analogy: Let’s say you’re a woodworker who designs and handcrafts furniture. Your handcrafted furniture, designed, shaped, and built by a human, is considered an original work of craftsmanship and can be copyrighted. Compare this to a person using a computer-controlled furniture-making machine (a CNC) that automatically carves, shapes, and assembles furniture based on digital instructions. While you provide input, the machine is doing the creative execution.

In the same way, writing lyrics or a melody yourself is like handcrafting furniture—you’re the creator, and it’s copyrightable. However, prompting AI to generate a melody or lyrics is like inputting a design into a CNC machine. It follows your instructions, but you are not considered the creator under copyright law.

I’m a lyricist who does not write the music. When can I claim a copyright to a song?

Is there a problem with using AI to demo my song?

This question has both legal and philosophical considerations. A demo is a recorded version of a song (melody + lyrics) used for pitching or reference. If AI is used only for demo production (e.g., AI-generated vocals or backing tracks), but a human (or humans) wrote the underlying song (melody + lyrics), the song itself remains copyrightable. However, the AI-generated elements of the demo are not eligible for copyright protection as a sound recording because they lack human authorship.

Using AI to create a demo for a song you wrote (melody + lyrics) is generally acceptable, much like hiring session musicians to record a demo. The key distinction is that the AI-generated elements cannot be copyrighted as a sound recording. AI simply provides instrumentation or vocalization for your composition, which does not affect your copyright to the melody and lyrics. However, if AI generated any portion of the melody or lyrics, it is misleading to claim you “demoed” a fully human-written song. In such cases, you must disclose AI’s involvement in the songwriting process).

The philosophical dilemma. Many songwriters use AI to generate demos because the process is cost-effective and efficient. AI allows songwriters to experiment with production, tempo, and arrangement quickly. Some people argue that using AI reduces opportunities for real musicians and vocalists. Others note that technological advancements—such as Digital Audio Workstations (DAWs) like ProTools and Cubase—have also changed the industry. Some songwriters choose to have real musicians recreate their AI demos in the studio for industry credibility.

Can I pitch a song that uses AI at SongU?

Yes, with exceptions. A pitch guest will not accept AI-generated material in certain situations, such as when sync licensing restrictions apply.

However, for any pitch that does accept AI, you must clearly state how AI was used in your submission. This information must be included in the “notes to pitch guest” field and/or on the “lyric sheet” to ensure full transparency regarding AI’s role in your song. Use the following guidelines:

  • If you used AI for ANY portion of the lyrics or melody, you must specify which parts were AI-generated and which were authored by you.
  • If you and/or another human wrote all of the lyrics and melody but used AI to create a demo, state that your song was fully human-authored and that AI was used only for demo production.
  • If you supply lyrics to any AI Platform and allow AI to generate any part of the melody or lyrics, you must disclose it (e.g., ‘I wrote the lyrics, but Suno generated the melody and the demo’). If AI-generated both the melody and lyrics, this must also be clearly stated.

The takeaway: A human-authored song may utilize AI to create the demo, but if any part of the lyric or melody is AI-generated, the song must not be misrepresented as fully human-written in any pitch submission.

Why wouldn’t sync agents, music publishers, or artists want to hear an AI song?

  • Sync Agents – AI-generated songs create legal uncertainty for licensing in film, TV, and advertisements. Since AI-generated content lacks clear copyright ownership, securing rights for use can be risky.
  • Music Publishers – Publishers typically require clear ownership of songs to manage rights and collect royalties. If part of a song is AI-generated and lacks copyright protection, it complicates the ability to monetize the work.
  • Recording Artists – Many artists avoid AI-generated songs due to legal uncertainties, rights management issues, and ethical concerns about AI in creative works.

Full transparency is required when pitching AI-assisted songs at SongU.com so pitch guests can make informed decisions based on legal, financial, and other considerations.

Can I bring my AI-generated (or partially AI) song to a SongU song feedback course and/or submit it to a coach for a song evaluation?

Some instructors in our live Song Feedback Courses (FDBK) may be open to discussing AI-generated songs as part of the educational process. However, they may choose not to provide detailed feedback on AI-generated portions of a song. Some may only offer general comments on the overall feel, while others may decline to evaluate AI-generated material entirely.

Our song evaluation coaches generally focus on human-authored songwriting. While some may provide feedback on AI-assisted songs, they are not required to review AI-generated portions. We have asked all our coaches to add a note in their coaching philosophy area about how they intend to handle AI-generated content.

If you submit a song with AI-generated elements, you must disclose this upfront so the instructor or coach can determine how to proceed.

What if I register an AI-generated song without disclosing AI’s involvement? Who’s going to know?

Falsely claiming AI-generated content as human-created when registering a work with the U.S. Copyright Office can lead to serious legal and professional consequences. Music publishers and licensing agents require clear copyright ownership, and misrepresentation can permanently damage your credibility and future opportunities in the music industry.

In addition, knowingly submitting an AI-generated work as fully human-created is considered a false statement on a federal form and can result in:

  • Cancellation of your copyright registration – If the Copyright Office discovers AI-generated portions were misrepresented, they can invalidate your registration.
  • Civil penalties, including fines and potential lawsuits, especially if you attempt to monetize the falsely registered work.
  • Legal liability under U.S. law – knowingly falsifying a government form violates federal law.
  • Criminal penalties in extreme cases – If the misrepresentation is part of a broader fraudulent scheme, you could be charged under 18 U.S.C. § 1001, which carries fines of up to $250,000 and a maximum prison sentence of five years.

The takeaway: Misrepresenting AI-generated work as human-authored is not worth the risk.

Will AI-generated songs become more accepted in the future?

Possibly. But as of now (February 2025), music publishers, sync agents, and labels still rely on traditional copyright protections. AI-generated songs remain difficult to license because they lack clear ownership and cannot be copyrighted, making rights management uncertain for commercial use.

The U.S. Copyright Office is preparing a third report, which may address the legal implications of AI training on copyrighted works and how AI-assisted content should be handled. Additionally, ongoing lawsuits against AI companies could set legal precedents that influence copyright policies for AI-generated music.

Some companies, such as Monarrch and Humanable, are developing systems to track AI-generated content and identify copyrighted material used in AI training. If widely adopted, such systems could lead to new licensing models for AI-assisted songwriting that ensure compensation for original copyright holders. Currently, the long-term adoption and use of these solutions remains to be seen.

Where can I find reliable information about copyright and AI?

For the most up-to-date and legally accurate information, we recommend:

  • U.S. Copyright Office – The primary authority on U.S. copyright law, including AI-related rulings.
  • Copyright Alliance – A nonprofit organization providing expert copyright law resources and advocacy.
  • Stanford Copyright & Fair Use Center – A legal research center offering clear explanations of copyright law.
  • Qualified Music and Copyright Attorneys – Consulting a qualified entertainment attorney is the best course of action if you have specific legal concerns.

For industry perspectives on AI and licensing, you may also check:

  • ASCAP (American Society of Composers, Authors, and Publishers)
  • BMI (Broadcast Music, Inc.)

Be cautious of outdated, misleading, or non-authoritative online sources. Some websites promote false claims about AI disclosure rules or suggest ways to bypass legal requirements, which could put you at risk of copyright violations or legal consequences.

As of February 2025, the most recent guidance on AI-generated music and copyright law is found in the U.S. Copyright Office’s report, Copyright and Artificial Intelligence, Part 2: Copyrightability, which provides the current legal stance on AI-generated music and lyrics. We recommend staying informed on new developments since AI copyright laws may continue to evolve.

How should I proceed?

Songwriting has always been about human creativity and originality. The rise of AI does not change that—it remains the songwriter’s role to craft meaningful lyrics and melodies that resonate with listeners. Generative AI is a powerful tool, and like any tool (e.g., rhyming dictionaries), it can assist in the creative process. However, AI should enhance, not replace, human ingenuity. The most successful songwriters develop their craft through experience, emotion, and originality—qualities AI cannot replicate.

AI makes it easy to generate music at the push of a button, but the Copyright Office report clearly states that copyright protection requires human authorship. True artistry comes from human creativity and experience. Those who dedicate time and effort to honing their craft bring value to the music industry and should be rewarded for their originality.

Author’s note: I couldn’t have written this document without the help and assistance of my long-time creative collaborator and co-founder of SongU.com, Danny Arena. In addition to being a professional songwriter, he also happens to be a Professor of Computer Science at Vanderbilt University (where he’s currently helping to design their Generative AI minor).


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Navigating AI in Songwriting: What SongU.com Members Need to Know

The rapid rise of artificial intelligence (AI) in music creation has sparked conversations throughout the songwriting community. For SongU.com members, the question isn’t just about the technology itself but how AI-enhanced songs fit into SongU.com’s educational and pitching landscape. The following article is based on the insights and opinions regarding AI from our SongU faculty and mentors, comprised of music publishers, song pluggers, and producers, as well as personal experiences and questions from SongU members.* Let’s delve into the heart of the matter: Can you pitch AI-enhanced songs at SongU.com?

The Short Answer

Here’s a brief summary of how we handle AI-enhanced songs specifically and solely for pitching at SongU.com by our members:

If the listing on our site states the pitch guest is not accepting AI-generated material, you may not pitch an AI-generated song to that listing or brief. However, if the listing does not mention AI, you may pitch your AI-enhanced songs, but you must disclose in the note to the pitch guest the exact way you used AI. Here are some examples: “I wrote the lyrics, but the music and instrumentation are fully generated by AI.” Or, “My co-writer and I wrote the lyrics and melody, but AI created the track for this genre.” Or, “This is my demo, but it’s an AI vocal.”

Note that, in general, the sync agents can not accept AI-generated music or vocals because it adds a layer of complexity in clearing the song for licensing. For artist pitches, the publisher or song plugger guests can go either way. Some are willing to hear what you’ve got. They can contact you if they love the song but need a “real” demo. Or, if you’re using AI for vocals only, sometimes those can work. Other publishers are adamantly opposed to AI for copyright and other business reasons.

Because of legal and copyright ambiguities, the best way to use AI is as a tool to enhance your songwriting. Using it to completely generate the melody and track is trickier (again, for copyright reasons). You should at least check that the AI program you’re using states that the vocals used for the music are not recordings or representative files of actual artists and that the music tracks are not taken directly from pre-existing copyrighted material. 

The Comprehensive Answer

Here’s a more detailed exploration of what SongU’s understanding and perspective regarding AI-generated songs.

Full disclosure: I asked AI to summarize 65 pages of my personal email correspondence to the SongU faculty (pitch guests, music publishers, song pluggers, sync agents, and producers) and our members to use as source material regarding this subject, and it did a great job. Our faculty and member input gives us a clear, informative, and actionable list of what you need to know about working with AI. (I double-checked the results to ensure the content is correct and accurate.)

The Topics Covered are:

  1. Industry Resistance to AI-Generated Demos
  2. Sync Licensing Challenges
  3. Ethical and Legal Ambiguities
  4. Diverging Views Among Professionals
  5. Using AI as a Songwriting Tool
  6. Transparency is the Key
  7. Creative Risks With AI
  8. Future Trajectory for AI
  9. Actionable Insights for SongU Members

Industry Resistance to AI-Generated Demos

  • Many music publishers and sync licensing agents reject AI-generated demos, citing concerns over vocal quality and copyright ambiguities.
  • Professionals, such as one of our music publisher mentors, emphasize that AI vocals often lack the polish needed for industry pitching. This risks their own reputations when presenting to A&R teams or sync clients.

Sync Licensing Challenges

  • Sync libraries, including major ones like Crucial Music, do not accept AI-generated tracks due to legal complexities and the inability to guarantee originality.
  • A major issue for sync pitches is that songs must be “ready to use as is,” making AI involvement a red flag for liability and quality control.

Ethical and Legal Ambiguities

  • Legal issues center on whether AI models trained on copyrighted material violate intellectual property laws.
  • Courts are still deciding the legality of AI’s training methods and outputs, creating uncertainty about its widespread adoption.
  • Organizations like American Performing Rights Organizations such as ASCAP, the British Rights Society, MCPS, and others enforce rules that do not allow 100% AI-generated works and require substantial human input for copyrightability. If a musical work is created with partial AI assistance but includes significant human authorship, it may be eligible for copyright protection and registration.

“If a musical work is created with partial AI assistance but includes significant human authorship, it may be eligible for copyright protection and registration with ASCAP.”

–American Society of Composers, Authors, and Publishers (ASCAP)

Diverging Views Among Industry Professionals

  • Some music industry professionals accept AI-enhanced demos for educational or creative experimentation, provided the songwriter discloses AI usage.
  • Others reject AI outright, arguing it undermines the creative process and potentially displaces industry professionals, such as demo singers and musicians.

Using AI as a Songwriting Tool

  • Songwriters are exploring AI tools like Suno.com and Neutone Morpho to generate tracks, test ideas, or improve worktapes, especially for those with limited production skills or budgets.
  • AI is seen as a means to reduce costs and generate and iterate songs quickly, but the results can vary widely in quality. Making them competitive requires significant human intervention—sometimes, as many as 100+ attempts.

Transparency is Key

  • There is consensus that songwriters must disclose their use of AI, especially when pitching to music publishers, song pluggers, or sync agents. Transparency can prevent misunderstandings and maintain trust.
  • Some members use AI-generated demos as templates, later replacing them with live recordings for pitching.

Creative Risks with AI

  • While AI can provide emerging songwriters with access to high-quality production tools, it raises concerns about a flood of mediocre, generic music saturating the market.
  • Authenticity and originality will become increasingly valued as listeners and industry professionals push back against overly polished, AI-driven outputs.

Future Trajectory for AI

  • Integrating AI into the creative process is a moving target, with industry standards and legal frameworks evolving rapidly.
  • We advise songwriters to stay informed about technological advancements, legal rulings, and industry attitudes to make strategic decisions.

Actionable Insights for SongU Members

  • Focus on Disclosure: Clearly indicate how AI is used in the songwriting process when pitching.
  • Leverage AI Strategically: Use AI as a creative assistant rather than a substitute for human contribution to ensure originality and compliance with copyright laws.
  • Adapt to Feedback: If publishers or sync agents request higher-quality outputs, be prepared to replace AI demos with traditional recordings.
  • Invest in Knowledge: Stay updated on industry trends, legal developments, and AI tools to navigate this evolving landscape effectively.

I hope this discussion gives you a better understanding of the opportunities and challenges AI brings to songwriting. It underscores the need to be ethical and intentional as we integrate AI into our songwriting endeavors.

*Thanks to the SongU.com faculty, guest, and members who contributed their thoughts, questions, and expertise to source this article. They are: Danny Arena, Martin Bell, Sherrill Blackman, Benn Cutarelli, Helen Darling, Bob Dellaposta, Diona Devincenzi, Shawn Fitzgerald, Debra Foster, Dallas Gregory, Ronald Jenkins, Kevin Kilberry, Randy Klein, Sara Light, Justin Morgan, Queenie Mullinex, Jeffrey Nelson, Michael Nichols, Lisa Palas, Nancy Peacock, Jon Philibert, Marcia Ramirez, John Schofield, Alan Roy Scott, Michele Vice-Maslin, and Debbie Zavitson