In the research conducted with the participation of 1,170 music professionals who are members of MESAM, the effects of artificial intelligence on the music industry, artists' approach to technology and expectations regarding copyrights were discussed. According to the research, 55 percent of the participants stated that they use artificial intelligence tools with certain frequency, while 44.2 percent stated that they have not yet benefited from these technologies. While 46.2 percent of the participants thought that artificial intelligence could support creativity, 42.2 percent shared the opinion that it could negatively affect creativity.
The research, prepared in cooperation with Pro Creative and MESAM and with the contributions of the Ministry of Culture and Tourism, was announced to the public with a launch held at the Atatürk Cultural Center (AKM). In the research conducted between March and July 2026, music professionals' opinions on artificial intelligence technologies; It was examined within the framework of creative production, copyrights, economic transformation and sectoral expectations. The quantitative and qualitative findings of the research and the evaluations of international experts were compiled into a book and published under the name 'Artificial Intelligence and the Turkish Music Industry'.
In the interview, the effects of artificial intelligence on music production processes, protection of human creativity, copyrights and economic rights of authors were evaluated.
Participants discussed the opportunities created by technological developments in the music industry and the legal, ethical and economic problems they brought with them from different perspectives.
'55 PERCENT OF PARTICIPANTS USE ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE TOOLS'
According to the research, 55 percent of the participants stated that they use artificial intelligence tools with certain frequency, while 44.2 percent stated that they have not yet benefited from these technologies. While 46.2 percent of the participants thought that artificial intelligence could support creativity, 42.2 percent shared the opinion that it could negatively affect creativity. 74.1 percent of music professionals said that music produced with artificial intelligence should be compulsorily labeled, and 84.6 percent wanted MESAM and similar professional associations to develop active policies in this field.
'WE DO NOT SEE ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE AS A THREAT'
MESAM Chairman of the Board of Directors, Recep Ergül, stated that artificial intelligence can turn into an opportunity, not a threat, for the music industry, and said that similar concerns were experienced in the past during the transition to records, cassettes and digital music. Stating that technological transformations have not eliminated the music industry, Ergül said, "We do not regard artificial intelligence as a threat personally or as a professional association. Undoubtedly, while every digital and technological innovation offers many good opportunities to our lives, it also takes away some things."
Stating that MESAM closely follows the developments in the field of artificial intelligence, Ergül said that they established a scientific board on this subject and that they are one of the first institutions in the world to explain the principles regarding the intellectual property dimension of artificial intelligence. Ergül said, "Artificial intelligence companies must absolutely pay royalties to professional associations and rights holders. Because artificial intelligence does not create something from nothing. It synthesizes something that already exists and presents it to us again."
Stating that the works produced by artificial intelligence have not yet reached a clear status in terms of copyright, Ergül said, "As of now, if you ask, artificial intelligence is not considered a real work in our professional association. Therefore, if our members have composed a composition with artificial intelligence and the lyrics belong to them, they copyright the lyrics, the composition is pending; until the world names it."
Ergül pointed out that artificial intelligence is mostly used in the demo recording stage in the music industry, and stated that a demo recording cannot be prepared for an average of less than 30 thousand liras with traditional methods, and that artificial intelligence tools significantly reduce these costs. Ergül also noted that they aim to solve copyright problems arising from the use of artificial intelligence with the expanded responsible licensing model.
'Türkiye IS LOCATED IN THE MIDDLE POINT IN THE RESEARCH'
Atty. made evaluations regarding the research on behalf of Pro Creative. Sertaçoğul said that the study was prepared to cover the dimensions of law, economy and communication. Stating that it was completed with 1,170 participants in the March-July 2026 period, Oğul stated that the majority of the participants consisted of music professionals aged 45 and over and with 15-20 years or more experience in their profession.
Stating that Türkiye's approach to artificial intelligence is at a different point compared to international research, Oğul said, "When we look at Türkiye, it is right in the middle of this graph. In other words, they are both integrated, but at the same time, they are aware of their concerns and these legal problems. This was a pleasing outcome for our research."
