Music Next 2025

In December 2025, BumaStemra, NVPI Muziek and Sena brought together the Dutch music industry at TivoliVredenburg for the second edition of Music Next: AI & the Music Industry.

From copyright to streaming, from creativity to compensation—creators, labels, publishers, platforms and policymakers are still seeking answers to the questions AI raises.

A day full of perspectives

55 speakers were present at Music Next to illuminate AI from different angles: technical, creative, ethical, legal and policy-based. In keynotes, panels, workshops and showcases, crucial themes were addressed: How can I use AI responsibly in my own practice? How do I prove as a creator that my work is protected by copyright? And how do I receive compensation if my music is used for AI training?

BumaStemra in action

We’re not standing on the sidelines. BumaStemra colleagues Kees Bulder and Michiel Laan made clear that BumaStemra is working on concrete solutions to protect and support creators: We’re running pilots with tech companies to detect and analyze AI-generated work. Through MyMusicSafe, creators can now document their creative process as evidence of their creative choices and authorship.

Transparency and collaboration as foundation

The conclusion was clear: strong transparency obligations and effective enforcement for AI companies are essential. New attribution technologies and licensing models must ensure that creators remain fairly compensated.

While AI licenses are still in an experimental phase, rapid collaboration—both nationally and internationally—is necessary.
As James Frostick, manager of online licenses at BumaStemra, emphasized: “At BumaStemra, we recognize that while the market is fragmented, collaboration and consolidation are critical—especially as AI developments are rapidly transforming the landscape.”

Thanks to all speakers, participants and partners who made Music Next possible. We continue to closely monitor developments. Because one thing is certain: human creativity is invaluable. Together we shape the future of music.

View and download the photos from MusicNext 2025 here. Photographer credit is mandatory when using.