Whether we like it or not, AI generated content is likely here to stay, though record labels and music distributors are certainly putting up a fight to make it less prevalent.
In a recently released white paper, Digital Music News discusses the legal implication of AI generated music. More specifically, the legal and ethical implications of such music, and the impact it has on the artists whose voices are used.
Reporting for DME, author Paul Resinikoff writes: "For an industry that revolves religiously around monetization and IP protection, the tigerish response from music labels, publishers, and industry bodies against AI giants is hardly surprising. The music industry's early position on the matter of copyright places human artistry, creativity, and authorship at the pinnacle of eligibility and value. Generative AI, on the other hand, has a massive appetite for artist data, but little inclination to pay for it."
Many artists who have had their voices utilized by AI for music projects that they have not themselves been involved in have voiced their concerns and frustration with usage of the emerging technology. Earlier this year, Puerto Rican rapper Bad Bunny blasted a fan-made song that used artificial intelligence to mimic his trademark crooning. The popular artist took to his official WhatsApp channel, a place for fans to congregate and discuss his music, to voice his anger with the viral AI song. Complex reports the singer stated: "If you guys liked that s** of a song that's viral on TikTok, leave this group right now...You don't deserve to be my friends and for that [reason] I made the new album, to get rid of people like that. So then 'chu chu' out of here. ... My God, I don't want you at the tour either." Many fans were disheartened by the comments, though others remarked that the artist was right to be upset with others using his voice without consent.
Other artists, however, have embraced the new technology and have openly encouraged fans to use their voices for their own projects. A vocal proponent of AI and other new technologies, artist and singer Grimes is allowing fans and artists to legally use her voice. Forbes reports: "Artists and fans of Grimes can legally create and have songs professionally distributed using an AI-produced version of the artist's voice, following a partnership secured between a music distributor and Grimes' artificial intelligence platform-marking one of the first vetted processes that allows AI-generated songs as many artists remain wary of the technology." The software, dubbed Elf.Tech will allow fans to use the GrimesAI voice for their own original projects, which in turn will have the GrimesAI credited as either a main or featured artist and will be subject to a 50% royalty split between the songwriter or producer and Grimes herself.
Much of the use of AI is centered on the use of well-known celebrities and artists in order to gain exposure-music listeners are often reluctant, or do not possess the resources, to search for undiscovered artists. Those who use AI generated voices meant to mimic popular musicians often do so in order to instantly capitalize on the musician's fame, as the use of voice listeners are familiar with and and it comes with the benefit of a built-in fan base and effortless promotion. Many feel as though the artists being used for these songs lose out on potential royalties, and find the lack of consent to be both disrespectful and problematic. Others, as illustrated with GrimesAI, seem to understand that the technology is likely here to stay, and have moved to capitalize off its usage by making their voices easily accessible and legal.
There is no doubt that AI will have a lasting impact on music for years to come, both artistically and legally, though it is unclear what those implications may be.
