Episode 112: How The Creator Economy Is Changing Music Licensing (With Chordal CEO Grayson Sanders)

In this episode, Chordal CEO Grayson Sanders joins me, Jonny Amos, for a discussion on the complexities of music licensing in the digital age, the potential of AI in rights management, and the future of micro-licensing for the creator economy. We explore how technology is transforming the industry and what it means for artists, rights holders, and content creators.Keywordsmusic licensing, AI rights management, micro-licensing, digital content, creator economy, rights clearance, TikTok music, music industry innovationKey TopicsMusic licensing complexities in the internet ageAI's role in rights management and licensingMicro-licensing as a scalable revenue modelThe future of music licensing by 2035TikTok's music licensing innovationsThe role of human curation vs algorithms in music discoveryChallenges faced by independent artists in licensingThe impact of AI on music rights and discoveryTakeawaysMusic rights are owned by multiple parties, making licensing complex.AI is used for rights cleaning, matching, and discovery, not for generating music.Micro-licensing is becoming essential due to internet content volume.Traditional blockbuster licensing will coexist with micro-licensing.Platforms like TikTok are pioneering scalable licensing solutions.Human curation remains vital despite AI advancements.Independent artists often lack knowledge about licensing requirements.AI can help manage rights more efficiently and fairly.Guest NameGrayson Sanders - CEO of ChordalSound bites"Music licensing is more complex than ever.""AI helps manage rights, not just create music.""Community curation will outpace algorithms."Chapters00:00 Introduction to music licensing challenges in the digital age01:57 How music rights are owned and the complexity of licensing03:53 The impact of the internet on licensing speed and scalability06:10 Chordal's platform and its role in licensing and rights management07:57 Expanding licensing to independent artists and creators11:02 The rise of micro-licensing and its importance13:58 The influence of AI in rights management and licensing17:04 Future of licensing in 2035: human vs. platform transactions20:00 The cultural shift back to human curation and community-based discovery22:52 The role of AI in managing rights and enhancing discovery25:56 The impact of platforms like TikTok on licensing and music use33:01 The importance of fair remuneration and rights holder control36:00 Final thoughts: coexistence of traditional and new licensing modelsResourcesChordal Platform - https://chordal.comMusic Ally Article on TikTok Commercial Music Library - https://musically.com/2026/05/11/chordal-got-5bn-tiktok-views-for-commercial-music-library-tracks/