Panel Discussion: Music, Copyright & AI
Recent reporting on AI and music, including Unmixed’s conversation with Nhii, has highlighted the need to bring more light and clarity to this seemingly complicated topic.
On October 16th, the discussion will continue at Signal NYC.
Understanding copyright processes and registration for royalty collection is essential, particularly for independent musicians and rights holders. The first segment of the panel will cover these topics by reviewing current mechanisms, how they operate, and relevant registration procedures.
Following the keynote presentations, a panel will examine the evolution of royalty streams and copyright law in music, spanning from the first U.S. Copyright Act in 1790 to the present day in 2026. The discussion will also address the impact of artificial intelligence on the already complex relationships among artists, rights holders, venues, and intermediary institutions.
Nina Katashvili, founder and editor-in-chief of Unmixed, will moderate the panel. Drawing on her experience tracking music lawsuits, recent reporting, and expertise in U.S. copyright law. Her knowledge of recent AI licensing developments gives her a comprehensive understanding of the latest music tech advancements.
Nina Katashvili studied at the Tbilisi State Academy of Arts–the most prestigious fine arts school in Georgia. She moved to the Polk School of Communication at Long Island University’s Brooklyn campus, which houses Roc Nation, the music school co-founded by Jay-Z. By then, Nina had already earned certificates in Music Business and Copyright Law from Berklee. Therefore, Roc Nation’s affiliation enabled her to pursue coursework in Music Business and Artist Management even further.
As a member of Investigative Reporters and Editors (IRE), Nina Katashvili applies the same investigative rigor to the legal aspects of the music industry. She is widely regarded as a leading contemporary figure in this journalism.
Before founding Unmixed, Nina Katashvili co-founded a music label, Beat On Time, with her partner, Saqib, in Brooklyn, NY, in 2021. Through this label and related ventures, she has collaborated with over 50 artists, including many debuting their work, by guiding them through copyright law and offering consistent support within the independent music ecosystem.
Currently, Nina Katashvili runs Unmixed, an ad-free platform that highlights stories often excluded from public relations materials, marketing strategies, and mainstream media. Unmixed promotes open dialogue, critical thinking, and accountability among its audience.
The event is brought to you by Unmixed, in collaboration with:
NYC Office of Nightlife (ONL) - the central point of contact among the nightlife industry, community, and city agencies, working to ensure a more vibrant, viable, safe, fair, and well managed nightlife environment in New York City.
Tiny Table Radio - an independent media platform and interview series based in Williamsburg, featuring intimate conversations and DJ sets with underground electronic music artists.
Signal NYC - a music-forward cultural space built on inclusivity, curiosity, and quality, cultivating a respectful, engaged crowd and a hospitality-driven experience where people can engage with music, ideas, and each other.
