The Web3 Music Association (W3M), a new global music industry trade body that aims to “facilitate industry-wide research and development” has officially launched.
W3M brings together prominent entities from the music, finance and technology sectors to “collaborate, explore and harness advanced technologies” including artificial intelligence, blockchain and mixed reality.
Sergio Mottola, described by W3M as an executive “with expertise in finance, advanced technologies, and international regulation frameworks” will be leading the org as President & CEO.
Charlie Rapino, record industry veteran and currently VP of A&R and Communications at Artist First, has been appointed Vice President.
W3M’s Executive Vice President of Music, Giulia Maresca, Chief of Staff and Katy Campbell, EVP of Ecosystem, are also joining the leadership team.
The association has brought together various individuals and companies in the music industry to form what it says will be “a discussion network and the testing panels for some of the newest progressive technology ideas orbiting the music space”.
This group includes [PIAS], Beggars Group, Blue Raincoat Music, EGA Distro, Hospital Records, Russells Solicitors, Tileyard, Artist First, Karta, Le Son, Public Pressure, Roba Music Publishing, Toco Music.
W3M’s advisory board includes other respected industry executives such as Ted Cockle, former President of Island Records, VirginEMI and Hipgnosis Song Fund; Andy Saunders, founder of Velocity Communications; Andrew Hale, producer and Sade band member; Claudio Ferrante, President of Milan-based record company and distributor Artist First; and Paul Sears, founder & CEO of music management company Visionary Sapiens.
In a press release announcing the launch, W3M said that “the digital landscape is constantly evolving, so is how we all create and consume music”.
The announcement added: “The music industry has also made positive strides towards the digital integration of copyright and licensing while understanding the need to adapt to new ideas and develop new solutions.”
To that end, the association is also introducing the ‘Music Protocol’, described as “a digital infrastructure designed to transform music rights into dynamic assets that adapt to the evolving digital environment”.
According to W3M, this framework combines technical solutions that can support the music industry, such as Generative AI and game licensing.
“The Web3 Music Association offers a bold step towards navigating these unchartered waters and we are looking forward to being involved.”
Adrian Pope, [PIAS]
Adrian Pope, Chief Digital Officer at [PIAS], said: “We are excited by the possibilities offered for music by Web3. Key to the success of these new innovations will be an unprecedented level of cross-industry collaboration, experimentation, and a foundational adherence to the principles of copyright and protection of creative IP.
“The Web3 Music Association offers a bold step towards navigating these unchartered waters and we are looking forward to being involved.”
“The plan is to create a collaborative platform where companies and creators can collectively learn, share and innovate.”
Ted Cockle
Ted Cockle added: “The plan is to create a collaborative platform where companies and creators can collectively learn, share and innovate.
“We want to help everyone navigate the complexities of progressive and advancing tech and ensure it can be used really well to best help artists with the distribution and promotion of their music, the buzz building in their campaigns, and the growth and support of their fanbases.”
“We are not just adapting to new technologies; we are actively shaping – with the music industry – the infrastructure that will support the industry’s digital future.”
Sergio Mottola
Sergio Mottola said: “Our goal is to cultivate a fertile ground for discussion, comprehension, and practical application of advanced technologies.
“We aim to ensure the music industry is not only a participant in the digital age but a driving force behind it. Our goal is to elevate the worries around the current impact advanced technologies—such as AI—are having on the industry.”
Added Mottola: “We are not just adapting to new technologies; we are actively shaping – with the music industry – the infrastructure that will support the industry’s digital future.
“Music Protocol uses technology to make it easier and faster to use and share music legally. This new system helps more people make money from music by streamlining how it’s licensed and tracked.”
Mottola continued: “The launch of W3M and Music Protocol is a call to action for all music industry stakeholders to engage with and contribute to a future where music is more interactive, rights are automatically managed, and creators are systematically compensated. The association offers a platform for education, innovation, and collaboration, empowering industry professionals to lead in adopting these technologies.”Music Business Worldwide