AI-generated music is causing a stir in the music industry, with some artists supporting it and others vehemently opposed. The debate has been sparked by recent instances of AI-generated music, such as the entirely artificial collaboration between Drake and The Weeknd, “Heart on my Sleeve,” which was pulled from streaming services after garnering over 600,000 streams on Spotify and hundreds of thousands of views on YouTube and TikTok.
For musicians like Gordon Epperson, the professor of music, music has always been an important way to reflect and influence human emotion. For some musicians, creating music, even when the process is difficult, is essential. However, as generative AI technology becomes more available, music creation is facing dramatic changes.
Some parties are publicly opposing the use of generative AI in music, such as Universal Music Group, while others are in support, such as Grimes. Spotify CEO, Daniel Ek, has called AI in music both “really cool and scary” and has said that it could be “potentially huge for creativity.” Ek envisions AI being used as a tool to enhance human creativity and increase the number of creators on Spotify’s platform, which benefits the company’s engagement and revenue.
I'll split 50% royalties on any successful AI generated song that uses my voice. Same deal as I would with any artist i collab with. Feel free to use my voice without penalty. I have no label and no legal bindings. pic.twitter.com/KIY60B5uqt
— ?????? (@Grimezsz) April 24, 2023
However, some musicians like Daniel Lyon of Spirit Award, an indie band focused on capturing the human spirit, see AI-generated music as devaluing art and music. Lyon argues that music has always featured a powerfully human aspect and serves as a way for emotional connection and furthering communities. He believes that adding a non-human aspect takes something indescribable away from it.
The copyright aspect of AI-generated music is also being called into question. Ek has expressed legitimate concerns regarding what constitutes actual copyright and who owns the right to something, such as a track that is claimed to be Drake’s but is not. Ek is working with Spotify’s partners to establish a position that allows for innovation while protecting all creators on the platform.
The debate over AI in music creation is ongoing, and its implications for the future of music are still unclear. While AI has the potential to enhance human creativity and increase the number of creators on streaming platforms, it also risks devaluing art and music by taking away the powerfully human aspect that has always been an integral part of music’s appeal.
