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Dr Rachael Drury

Music industry researcher, lecturer and policy advisor, specialising in generative AI and copyright law.

I am University Teacher in Music Industry and Performance at the University of Liverpool, MusicFutures Research Associate, and Senior AI Researcher and AI Policy Advisor at the Independent Society of Musicians (ISM). My work spans higher education, research, policy, and public engagement, with a particular focus on how generative AI is reshaping music, creativity, and creators’ rights.

Awarded a PhD by the University of Liverpool in 2025, my research explores the impact of generative AI on the UK music industry and on music creators, with particular attention to copyright, authorship, licensing, remuneration, and the future of creative labour.

The Music and Copyright Blog

What I Do

Research
My work examines the legal, economic, and cultural implications of generative artificial intelligence (AI) for musicians, composers, songwriters, and the wider creative industries.

Teaching
I teach across music industry, digital media, music performance and copyright-related subjects, with a particular interest in connecting legal and policy debates to real-world creative practice.

Policy and Public Engagement
I contribute to policy and public debates on AI and creators’ rights through my work with the ISM, including engagement with the IPO, DSIT, and DCMS, as well as through conference presentations, invited talks, keynote speeches, and wider public commentary on the future of the creative industries.

Featured Work

PhD awarded in 2025
Algo-rhythmic creativity: the legal and economic challenges of generative AI in the UK music industry

Author of Brave New World? Justice for Creators in the Age of GenAI
A major cross-sector report on the impact of generative AI on the UK’s creative workforce.

Research, writing, and advocacy
Exploring how legal and industry frameworks can respond to technological change without undermining human creativity.

Explore

Find out more About Me, explore my Research, read my Publications, or get in touch via the Contact page.