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 extensive experience reviewing music lawsuits, recent reporting, expertise in U.S. copyright law, and knowledge of recent AI licensing developments, she will ask the panelists relevant questions.
Nina Katashvili studied at the Tbilisi State Academy of Arts and the Polk School of Communication at Long Island University’s Brooklyn campus, which also houses Roc Nation, the music school co-founded by Jay-Z. This affiliation enabled her to pursue coursework in Music Business and Artist Management alongside musicians. She also holds certificates in Music Business and Copyright Law from Berklee.
As a member of Investigative Reporters and Editors (IRE), Nina Katashvili applies the same investigative rigor to the legal aspects of the music industry. Her academic distinction, reflected in the highest honors on her graduation paper, has contributed to her reputation as a leading contemporary figure in the field.
Prior to founding Unmixed, Nina Katashvili co-founded a music label with her partner, Saqib, in Brooklyn, NY, in 2021. Through this label and related ventures, she has collaborated with over 50 artists and musicians, 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 dedicated to highlighting stories often excluded from public relations materials, marketing strategies, and mainstream media. Unmixed promotes open dialogue, critical thinking, and accountability among its audience.
This 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.
Format:
07:00 PM Doors
07:30 - 07:40 PM Opening remarks by SBS NYC Office of Nightlife
07:40 - 07:50 PM Keynote presentation by Nina: an overview of copyright laws.
07:50 - 08:50 PM Moderated panel discussion
08:50 - 09:20 PM Open-mic Q&A
09:20 - 09:30 PM Wrap
09:30 - 10:00 PM Mixer
10:00 PM Music Begins (Courtesy of Signal)
