In the quiet town of Galena, Illinois, a burgeoning AI-security company, SoundSafe.ai, is poised to disrupt two critical sectors: music copyright protection and physical security. As the company prepares for its first round of seed funding, its innovative technologies could reshape how the music industry safeguards its intellectual property and how law enforcement agencies respond to threats.
SoundSafe.ai’s journey began with a shared passion for music and a frustration with the industry’s inability to protect artists’ copyrights. Founders Johnny Stevenson and Hamad Dada, both seasoned professionals in the music industry, met in 2021 and discovered a shared vision. Dada, with his expertise in record production, computer science, and neural networks, had developed a method to embed data into audio recordings imperceptibly, much like the security measures on modern currency. This technology could verify the authenticity of a recording and track its origins, even after modification. Stevenson, a music producer and manager, saw the potential in Dada’s technique and the pair collaborated on a product.
However, their plans were revolutionized with the launch of ChatGPT in 2022. Recognizing the potential of AI, they pivoted and incorporated SoundSafe.ai in 2024. The company’s first product is an AI-powered system that protects copyrighted audio, a timely solution as AI deepfakes disrupt the music industry. The technology embeds an imperceptible watermark into audio recordings, allowing for easy verification of authenticity and tracking of origins.
But SoundSafe.ai’s ambitions extend beyond the music industry. The company has developed an AI-powered physical security alert system that’s currently in its trial phase with several law enforcement agencies. The technology is a software that enhances existing camera and audio systems, using AI to recognize specific sounds or visuals that indicate a threat. For instance, it can detect the sound of a lock being tampered with or the visual of a person threatening someone with a weapon. The system then sends an automated alert to 911 dispatch, aiming to reduce response times.
The company’s choice to base its operations in Galena was strategic. The low cost of living allowed for lower development costs, and the area proved to be a fertile testing ground for the technology. SoundSafe.ai is currently doing a trial run of the software with the Jo Daviess County sheriff’s department and working on investigative audio and video tools for a pro bono beta with the Illinois State police.
SoundSafe.ai’s technology could have significant implications for the security sector. The company plans to launch a dedicated line of hardware housing the product and work on drone-based software able to autonomously detect threats at events. Stevenson notes that local municipalities are also potential clients, as they have extensive digital infrastructure that could be enhanced with AI technologies.
In the music industry, SoundSafe.ai’s audio watermarking technology could set a precedent for how copyrighted material is protected in the age of generative AI. Dada emphasizes that the company is creating a solution that makes the process fairer for everyone, providing transparency that didn’t exist before.
As SoundSafe.ai prepares for its seed funding round, it’s also focusing on education and workforce development. The company is working with local colleges to develop AI internship programs, exposing students to direct industry experience and preparing them for the new world of AI.
The company’s success could have a ripple effect on the AI security sector. If SoundSafe.ai’s technologies prove successful, they could set a standard for how AI is used in security and copyright protection. Moreover, the company’s focus on education and workforce development could help bridge the skills gap in the AI sector, ensuring that there’s a pipeline of talented professionals ready to drive innovation in the field.
In the coming years, as AI continues to evolve and disrupt various sectors, companies like SoundSafe.ai will play a crucial role in shaping how we navigate this new landscape. Their work could not only protect intellectual property and enhance security but also pave the way for a more transparent and fair digital world. As Dada puts it, “We’re creating a precedent before the dust (from AI’s entry) settles.”
