Provenance Is Coming #1: Why It Matters

12:20 - 12:50 UTC | Tuesday 10th November 2026 | Bristol 1

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As AI-generated music becomes increasingly difficult to distinguish from human performance, how can artists prove that a recording is genuinely theirs?

Join representatives from Roland and Universal Music Group to explore why provenance is becoming critical to the future of music. Learn how provenance standards can help artists document the creative process, protect their rights, and provide credible evidence of human authorship and performance. The session will also examine emerging streaming-service policies and AI transparency laws, and what they could mean for artists, audio developers, and the next generation of creative tools.

NOTE: Part 2 of this talk will take place Wednesday @ 12.20 in Bristol 1.

Chris Horton

EVP, Strategic Technology

Universal Music Group

Chris Horton, EVP Strategic Technology, leads Universal Music Group’s Strategic Technology team, which oversees the technology aspects of digital partner deals and long-term strategic technology initiatives and policies. Chris reports to Michael Nash, UMG’s Chief Digital Officer and head of the Digital Strategy division. Chris has worked on UMG’s digital distribution deals for more than 25 years, including the first successful download and subscription services. His team collaborates with companies on the development of new music-related products and services, including high-resolution audio, stem-based formats, AI, Web3, AR/VR, and anti-piracy technology. Chris co-founded several music industry standards, including DDEX. Most recently, he has focused on UMG’s AI strategy, working on deals with consumer-facing services, artist tools, research collaborations, and related standards and policy initiatives like C2PA and the first voluntary AI labeling guidelines from a media industry. He is also responsible for UMG’s patent development initiative. He holds B.S. and M.Eng. degrees in computer science from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology.

Jeremy Uzan

Director, AI & Advanced Technology

Universal Music Group

Jeremy Uzan is Director of AI and Advanced Technology at Universal Music Group. Before UMG, he worked in applied audio research at IRCAM and Sony CSL on generative audio, signal processing, model compression and embedded ML, with a focus on making advanced models practical for instruments and real-time music workflows. At UMG, he works across artist-centric AI and related audio technologies with a focus on digital identity and provenance, and co-chairs the C2PA Audio Task Force. Alongside this work, he produces electronic music with Ableton and hardware including his MPC1000 and synthesizers, collects and digs for records, and has a particular interest in live dub effects and hands-on hardware workflows. This combination of research, engineering and music-making shapes how he approaches creative technology today.

Paul McCabe

SVP Research & Innovation

Roland Future Design Lab

Paul McCabe is the SVP of Research and Innovation and leader of Roland Future Design Lab, Roland’s horizon-scanning R&D group. In more than 30 years with Roland, Paul has held positions in product management and marketing, and served as the President & CEO of Roland Canada before relocating from Vancouver to Los Angeles in 2017. As the leader of Roland Future Design Lab (RFDL), Paul oversees a growing team of engineers, data scientists, and technologists exploring the frontiers of emerging tech, trends, and shifts in creative culture around the world. Paul is a composer and sound designer, and at ADC he will be happy to talk with you about future opportunities with RFDL and your thoughts on Tron: Ares.