local
Nashville musician discovers AI companies using his songs without permission
By Steve Mehling at WSMV 4 News (NBC affiliate)
· June 22, 2026
· 1 min read
NASHVILLE, Tenn. (WSMV) - A Nashville musician has discovered that 71 percent of his discography is being used by AI companies to train music generation models without permission.Adam Paddock, a Cincinnati-born musician who has been making music for close to a decade, found out through a newly re...
Key takeaway (WSMV) - A Nashville musician has discovered that 71 percent of his discography is being used by AI companies to train music generation models without permission.
Why this matters in The Nashville
The discovery that AI companies are using local musician Adam Paddock's songs without permission raises concerns about the impact on Nashville's thriving music community. With many independent artists like Paddock calling Nashville home, the city's economy and creative landscape are closely tied to the music industry. The fact that 71 percent of Paddock's discography is being used to train AI models without his consent or compensation is a stark reminder of the challenges faced by local artists. As the city continues to grow and attract new talent, it is crucial that the rights of musicians like Paddock are protected. The issue also highlights the need for greater transparency and accountability in the use of music by AI companies, and the importance of supporting local initiatives that promote fair compensation for artists. With thousands of artists signing petitions and class action lawsuits underway, Nashville's music community will be watching closely to see how this issue unfolds.
About this story
Original reporting by WSMV 4 News (NBC affiliate) . The Nashville surfaces reporting from trusted publishers and adds local editorial context so readers can quickly understand what a story means for their community. We attribute every source, link to the original report, and follow a documented editorial standards policy. To understand how stories are selected and reviewed, read our about page .
For the complete original report, visit WSMV 4 News (NBC affiliate) . Have a tip or correction? Contact our newsroom .
Category: local ·
Published: June 22, 2026 ·
Source: WSMV 4 News (NBC affiliate) ·
Reading time: 1 min
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Frequently asked about this story
What is this story about? NASHVILLE, Tenn. (WSMV) - A Nashville musician has discovered that 71 percent of his discography is being used by AI companies to train music generation models without permission.Adam Paddock, a Cincinnati-born musician who has been making music for close to a decade, found out through a newly re...
When was this published? This article was first published on June 22, 2026 by WSMV 4 News (NBC affiliate) and curated for The Nashville readers.
Who reported this story? This story was reported by Steve Mehling at WSMV 4 News (NBC affiliate). To learn more about how The Nashville selects and reviews stories, see our editorial standards .
Where can I find related coverage? See more local coverage from The Nashville, or browse our daily briefing and topic hubs .
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