In a new episode of the Blinding Talent Music Industry Podcast, Dr Jo Twist OBE, Chief Executive of the BPI, has called for artificial intelligence developers to pay for the copyrighted music used to train their generative models.
Speaking with host and
Blinding Talent founder Mark Adams, Twist drew a firm distinction between AI as a tool of disruption versus destruction. She argued that technology companies building generative AI models on existing creative works must be held to the same commercial standards as any other essential input, comparing intellectual property to physical resources such as land, power, or water.
The conversation also tackled structural changes within the UK music industry, including major award ceremonies moving outside London. Twist highlighted the significance of relocating the BRIT Awards to Manchester and the Mercury Prize to Newcastle, framing the regional shifts as vital recognition of the broader UK cultural landscape.
Addressing the pathways behind breakthrough acts, Twist emphasized the essential ecosystem that underpins perceived "overnight successes." She noted that grassroots venues, music education, and early-stage funding serve as the critical foundation for rising stars before they reach mainstream platforms.
Despite shifting global dynamics, British acts such as Sam Fender, RAYE, Olivia Dean, and YUNGBLUD continue to achieve widespread international success. Twist pointed out that these artists are breaking globally precisely because they retain their distinct cultural identities rather than diluting their style for international audiences.
The full episode featuring Dr Jo Twist OBE is available now across major streaming platforms, including
YouTube and
Spotify.
