October 29, 2025
Can Musical Instruments Have Rights?
As rivers, animals, and even robots gain legal personhood, the idea of musical instruments having rights no longer feels far-fetched. The article explores how historic violins, AI-powered instruments, and traditional worldviews all point to a future where instruments are seen not just as tools, but as entities with spirit, memory, and cultural value. From the sacred drums of the Mapuche to AI collaborators like Holly Herndon’s "Spawn," the question emerges: should some instruments be granted legal or symbolic recognition—especially as technology and tradition reshape how we relate to them?
