Posted Updated Media Release

*7 January, 2020
*2 January 2021
*4 January 2022
*2 January 2023
*5 January 2024
*3 January 2025
*19 February 2026

19 February, 2026

Decree of Rule and Submission Format Release

Attention All Members of the Homegrown Under Ground Sounds show (HUGS):

As we embark into a new format of giving Unsigned Artists a platform to be heard, this information or disclaimer to all artists submitting song material for the show is understood as being binding.  It has been brought to our attention that certain entities find it necessary to attempt or invoke rights to submitted music by you, the artists, and  HUGS, HUGS 24/7 Radio and/or the Master Station Recordings; Let it be known: 

It is and will always be stated, that your music, is your music, but submitting your tracks for ON AIR RADIO PLAY, does not entitle the submitter to any financial compensations from airing said music or any other rebroadcast of the show in any fashion or means.  WCVI-FM 88.1, HUGS 24/7 RADIO and HUGS are the sole proprietors of the master copies of the show and the contained data. 

It is important to understand the simple facts surrounding the HUGS Format and the Decree about submitting your tracks to HUGS, HUGS 24/7 RADIO, or to WCVI-FM for air play.  This process will remain the same as the day of its inception of the show, with the emphasis surrounding the request of submitting your tracks in a particular manner.  If changes or updates are required, the changes will be stated without any legalese, or fine print. It will be understood that when you submit a track to the HUGS show, it is also your electronic signature that you accept the responsibility surrounding the following facts and agree to them. 

1.  The material:  All material within the submitted file is yours, or you have the right to distribute said material, song, and or other information. Period. 

   IF NOT YOU WILL BE HELD ACCOUNTABLE FOR COPYRIGHT INFRINGEMENTS.

2.  The material that has been submitted remains under the HUGS Program Manager’s discretion, any submission may, or may not, in whole, or in part, be used for air play, or be used for any aired show within the HUGS Platform Structure.

3.  It will be at the discretion of HUGS as to the use of the material submitted, with the understanding that the material submitted will not be used in any ill fated manner, or such as, to be put in a distasteful view.

4.  Any HUGS related show retains the rights to use the tracks for repeated shows and or rebroadcasts without limitations. Such as: i.e..music videos, advertising the HUGS show, marketing WCVI-FM, or in any manner it deems necessary to expand the show popularity for all artists’ exposure.

5. WCVI-FM, HUGS 24/7 RADIO and HUGS have not, nor will, enter into any monetary arrangements of any kind, for materials submitted to HUGS 24/7 RADIO, or the Homegrown Under Ground Sounds platform (HUGS).

6. Any infractions resulting in legal issues will be decided in the state of Pennsylvania, with in the Fayette County of Pennsylvania, District Courts.   

** 19 February 2026 
A STATEMENT and POLICY on generative AI in Music on the HUGs platform

Since its inception, the mission of HUGS has been to support the unsigned independent artist. It is the cornerstone of why we do what we do. We have worked hard to build a community of artists that thrive through direct contact with their fans, and we believe that human connection through music is more than a “consumable product” but a vital part of society and culture worldwide.

Musicians and artists are more than makers of sound. They are part of our global social fabric. We will ALWAYS support the creations of unsigned independent artists that just want to be heard for as long as we are able.

But it would be disingenuous not to acknowledge the latest technological disruptor, Generative AI in the music industry. While still considered “the wild west” in a lot of ways without clear guidance or direction, the struggle with how to view and use AI is real.  Therefore, we are clarifying and articulating our policy on generative AI to create a framework and guideline for the HUGS platform. Is it perfect? Nope. Will it satisfy all the opinions on AI? Nope. But this is our way to clarify how we will continue to support and foster the independent artist community, so musicians can keep making music.

Our guidelines for generative AI in music and audio are as follows:

  • Music and audio that is generated wholly or in substantial part by AI is not permitted on HUGs. Examples Include:
    • Using platforms like Suno or Udio to enter text prompts and generate complete songs without adding original human-created lyrics, melodies, or instrumentation.
    • Generating a full composition by repeatedly refining prompts in an AI music tool, without contributing any human-authored musical or lyrical elements.
    • Creating a song entirely from AI-generated outputs, including lyrics, melody, harmony, and production, with no human editing and creative input beyond prompt selection.
  • Certain aspects of a composition that use AI to assist the human creation, such as the addition of certain sounds, tracks, etc. are generally acceptable.
  • The use of AI as a tool of production, such as mixing and mastering is acceptable.
  • We reserve the right to remove any music on suspicion of being AI-generated.

This is not perfect policy. Duh. And we will do the best we can to adhere to this policy in the face of the significantly rapid pace of change. But this is a way to present some semblance of guidance and expectation for our indie artist community. We anticipate that this policy will evolve as we move forward and potential legislation advances into the great unknown, and we will communicate any updates to the rapidly changing generative AI space.

If you encounter music or audio that appears to be made entirely or with heavy reliance on generative AI, please let us know by email (DO NOT CALL ANYONE OUT IN PUBLIC) for review by our team. 

Thank you. 

The HUGS team