AI:OK & Martin Clancy

About Martin Clancy

Martin Clancy is a multitalented musician, author, artist manager, and AI expert. He rose to fame as a founding member of the Irish rock band In Tua Nua. He has since expanded his expertise to become one of the few Certified Ableton 11 Live Trainers and chairs the IEEE Global AI Ethics Arts Committee. He also serves as an IRC Research Fellow at Trinity College Dublin.

Clancy is a leading voice in advocating ethical use of generative AI in music. He has spoken on AI policies at the UN, G20, OCED, and EU as part of his work with the IEEE. In 2021, he earned his PhD for his research on “Financial and Ethical Implications of Music Generated by AI.” He followed this with the release of “Artificial Intelligence and Music Ecosystem,” published by Routledge. The book features Clancy’s chapters on law, ethics, and philosophy, along with contributions from industry leaders including Scott Cohen, Holly Herndon, Miller Puckette, and more. The book was edited by Clancy.

Clancy’s music career began with co-writing “Take My Hand” with Sinead O’Connor. The track was featured in the documentary “Nothing Compares.” He went on to success with In Tua Nua, signed to labels like U2’s Mother, Island Records, and Virgin Records. In 2009, he became Artist in Residence at Seaport Music Festival in New York, supporting acts like Yacht, charting on CMJ, and earning two Top 40 hits on the Billboard Dance Charts. He continues to make music as both a member of the melodic-techno group Valleraphon and the electronic jazz ensemble Embassy Gutters. He was featured on the release “Pathos-II,” performing spoken word on AI.

Clancy also manages Irish singer Jack Lukeman, who tours regularly in the U.K. with artists such as Jools Holland, Sting, and Imelda May and recently played his most significant live show at Dublin’s 3 Arena in November 2022. Clancy co-wrote the songs “Georgie Boy” and “When the Moon Is High” with Lukeman.

An in-demand public speaker, Clancy has spoken and appeared on panels at major music conferences such as MusicAI, as well as colleges and institutions such as KTH Stockholm, Queens Mary University London, Science Gallery Dublin, and Oxford University UK. He has also been featured in publications such as the Sunday Times, Brooklyn Vegan, Irish Times, Filter Magazine, the Irish Daily Mirror, CMJ, Irish Daily Star, No More Workhorse, and Hot Press. Clancy has also appeared as a guest on radio shows and podcasts such as Moncrieff with Sean Moncrieff, the Dave Fanning Show, and Switched On with Louise Tighe.

Clancy resides in Dublin, Ireland, with his Newfoundland dog, Billie. In his spare time, he is learning the trumpet and plays poor golf.