With the market for artificial intelligence expected to reach $184 billion this year, there has been increasing public uncertainty about the technology’s potential effects on our lives. The impact is highly visible in the creative industries, with the music industry being among the most vulnerable.
The article from How Music Charts, authored by Sonia Chien, delves into the impact and implications of artificial intelligence (AI) on the music industry. With AI expected to reach a market value of $184 billion this year, its influence on various sectors, including music, is profound and controversial.
Key Points
- Artist Concerns and Legal Protections:
- British musician FKA twigs testified to the US Senate in support of the NO FAKES Act to protect artists from unauthorized AI-generated likenesses. She also plans to use her own AI deepfake to manage social media interactions.
- The article questions the extent to which artists should accept or resist AI, with music historian Ted Gioia warning about the oversaturation of AI-generated music that often sounds identical.
- AI Applications in Music:
- AI can increase efficiency in music production and promotion but also takes revenue from real artists. Examples include platforms like Spotify’s Creator Technology Research Lab and SoundCloud’s acquisition of Musiio for trend prediction.
- Companies like Amper, AIVA, Endel, and BandLab use AI to create mood-based playlists and songs, while royalty-free music libraries employ generative AI for game and ad music.
- Industry and Legislative Responses:
- Federal regulations such as the NO FAKES Act, No AI FRAUD Act, and Music Modernization Act aim to protect artists, though enforcement varies. Tennessee leads with state-level protections.
- The closed nature of AI music development makes it challenging to ascertain the extent of AI’s use of existing music, raising concerns about copyright and intellectual property.
- Future Prospects and Solutions:
- Despite AI’s current dominance, its future is uncertain, with historical precedents showing previous AI trends that did not meet expectations.
- Legal precedents like the 1942 American Federation of Musicians case suggest that AI companies could be taxed to support artists, funding benefits such as healthcare, scholarships, and career resources.
- Human Connection in Music:
- The unique relationship between artists and their fans remains irreplaceable by AI. Even if AI can generate high-quality music, it lacks the personal connection that artists like Taylor Swift have with their audiences.
- Supporting real artists and fostering creativity is essential for the music industry’s continued innovation and resilience against AI’s encroachment.
The article highlights the dual-edged nature of AI in music, balancing its potential benefits against the need for robust legal frameworks to protect artists’ rights and livelihoods.
