SoundCloud | Beyond the Beat: AI, Law, and the Future of Sustainable Music Careers
Conference
SoundCloud | Beyond the Beat: AI, Law, and the Future of Sustainable Music Careers
Speakers: Ama Walton (EVP & General Counsel, SoundCloud), Jack Bridges (Electronic Music Lead, SoundCloud)
Moderator: Thomas Smith
Artificial Intelligence is rapidly reshaping the music industry from how tracks are created and discovered to how rights and royalties are managed. For artists, AI brings both opportunity and uncertainty: new creative tools, but also complex questions about ownership, ethics, and sustainability. In an era where big tech platforms frequently shift algorithms and loosen moderation policies — often putting artists at risk of losing visibility or having their narratives distorted — SoundCloud’s Artist First approach prioritizes stability, authenticity, and creative ownership. Join Ama Walton, SoundCloud’s Chief General Counsel, legal strategist and advisor specializing in music and IP rights, and Electronic Music Lead, Jack Bridges, for a timely conversation on how AI intersects with artist careers today and in the future.
Together, the fireside chat will explore:
- Legal frameworks in the age of AI: Who owns AI-generated music? How can artists protect their IP and ensure fair compensation?
- AI as a creative partner vs. competitor: How artists can embrace new tools without diluting authenticity.
- Platforms and distribution: The role of companies like SoundCloud in supporting AI-driven creation while safeguarding human artistry
- Audience building and artist storytelling: How shifting algorithms on other platforms put control at risk, and why SoundCloud’s consistent safeguards and AI approach empower artists to grow and maintain their fanbases.
- Sustainability in the AI era: How artists can balance innovation with long-term financial, creative, and cultural impact.
Conference FAQ
We do not sell ADE Conference only or Day Passes. The only way to get access to the ADE Pro Conference is the ADE Pro Pass.
Tickets for the specialist sessions, such as ADE Lab and ADE Green can be found on the ticket page closer to the date of ADE 2026.
✓ Valid all five days
ADE Pro conference takes place from Wednesday through Saturday, but the ADE Pro Pass benefits go well beyond those four days. The ticket grants access to ADE’s full offering, including all conference programs as well as all ADE Festival and Arts & Culture events* — read on below to get an impression of everything included with your ADE Pro Pass.
✓ Full access to all conference keynotes, panels and locations
ADE Pro is the ultimate business and inspiration gathering for the electronic music industry. The four-day conference returns to live action at our iconic home base Felix Meritis and features dedicated programming at the forefront of our industry. In addition, ADE will also continue to host conference programs dedicated to young creators and aspiring professionals.
✓ Year round access to ADE Pro's networking platform & database
Get a head start on connecting with fellow music professionals and companies with the ADE Pro networking database, available throughout the year. The online networking tool enables you to find and connect with all ADE Pro delegates, showcase your business with a dedicated profile page, plan meetings during ADE and much more. Over 50.000 messages are being sent on the platform yearly, with new professional connections being made on the regular.
✓ Join dedicated networking events and sessions
With over 11.000 music professionals from around the globe gathering in Amsterdam, you’re almost guaranteed to find who you need. An abundance of networking events and opportunities with fellow ADE delegates and industry leaders provides an advantageous base for dealmaking and career advancement.
✓ Access to all official Business Hubs
Whether you’re planning a meeting with fellow delegates, looking for a comfortable spot to work or simply want to hang out between conference events, your ADE Pro Pass grants access to all of ADE’s official Business Hubs.
✓ Access to the complete ADE Festival and Arts & Culture program*
With the entirety of ADE Festival and ADE Arts & Culture accessible with the ADE Pro Pass, your ticket enables you to explore the full spectrum of electronic subgenres in over 200 of Amsterdam’s finest music and nightlife spaces — with 2.500+ artists performing at 1.000+ events during five days and nights.
* Limited capacity at high-demand venues – read more at our FAQ.
✓ Receive the official ADE 2026 Bag
Your ADE Pro Pass comes with the limited edition ADE 2026 Bag, an ADE Pro Pass exclusive included with your ticket.
Our conferences are accessible for all ages in general. Do note that when alcoholic beverages are served, access can be denied.
If you want to apply for ADE 2026, you can fill in the form here. If you're interested in contributing to ADE Pro or Lab, whether through a keynote, panel, workshop, or proposal for a relevant speaker or topic, we’re open to ideas with clear focus and industry value.
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