Music, Capitalism, and AI

We are pleased to announce an interdisciplinary conference hosted by The Research in AI, Arts, Frontiers and Thought (RAAFT) group, formally the College of Liberal Arts Data Science Initiative (CLA-DSI). The conference will bring together prominent thinkers in various disciplines (Music Studies, Media and Communication Studies, Journalism, Law, Cultural Studies, American Studies)  to explore the role of AI in the production, circulation, and dissemination of music, as well as recent and dramatic changes to the political economy of music associated with streaming platforms, rent extraction, automation, and oligopolies. 

Dates: May 11 to 12, 2026 

Location: In-Person | Minneapolis, MN

This event will facilitate vital dialogue between music academics, journalists, lawyers, local musicians, and other artists and researchers regarding the role of AI in the modern musical economy.

Speakers and Invited Guests:

• Liz Pelly (Journalist, NYC) 

• Eric Drott (Music Faculty, UT Austin)

• Ginger Dellenbaugh (Music Adjunct, Columbia Univ.)

• Xiyin Tang (Law Faculty, UCLA)

• Jeremy Wade Morris (Communication Studies Faculty, UW Madison)

• Olufunmilayo Arewa (Law Faculty, George Mason)

• Thomas Hodgson (Ethnomusicology / Musicology, UCLA)

• Jordan Brown (CSCL Grad, UMN)

• Elliott Powell (American Studies Faculty, UMN

• Charles Kronengold (CSCL, UMN)

• Additional speakers to be announced