AI-generated music has been hitting the headlines recently. While AI tools have been around for a while, helping artists to innovate, create, and breakthrough creative blocks, the landscape has profoundly shifted in the wake of tracks generated using AI that’s been trained on an artist’s existing back catalog.
This has resulted in tracks appearing that sound exactly as if they’ve been recorded by an artist that, in reality, has had nothing to do with them. The fake Drake and The Weekend song is a case in point – and the subsequent legal questions this has raised are still being worked through.
If you’re a creator and are considering – or already using – an AI tool to make music, there are some important caveats to be aware of, especially if you’re hoping to generate revenue from your creations. Below, you’ll find the most important things to keep in mind.
The Legalities
The issue of copyright, when it comes to generating and distributing AI music, is a contentious one and could land creators in some seriously hot water. The problem remains that the tech is developing faster than the legal frameworks required to manage it, meaning that AI music is, at the moment, something of a gray area. It’s important for creators to be very wary regarding this – and this is a reason that many people choose to use stock music to stay on the right side of the law.
As well as potential copyright infringement issues and breaches of intellectual property rights, there could also be a storm coming regarding rights of publicity (also known as personality rights). This relates to the legal rights of the individual to control the commercial use of their identity – as well as their name. This also protects image, likeness, and other identifiers, such as the sound of their voice.
Avoiding a Formulaic Feel
While using AI can be an effective way to remove creative blocks and come up with new ideas, there is the risk that over-reliance on AI to generate music could result in a loss of the ‘human touch.’ The impossible-to-define magic that comes from a musician being guided by their inspiration and intuition can’t be replaced by an AI tool. Doing so may lead to a lack of authenticity and a formulaic feel to the track that an audience will be able to sense.
Nuance and the emotion that comes from personal experiences being recounted in music are things that even a textbook ‘perfect’ track can’t replicate. Yet.
Resistance From Fans
As a potential threat to traditionally-produced music, there’s a real chance that fans could be resistant to that created by AI. There’s a tangible feeling of unease around AI-generated tracks that could have fans less willing to patronize artists who use this form of music creation. While AI tools make it easier than ever before for creators to identify and specifically target their potential audience, it’s vital that a human connection is maintained to build a strong, loyal fanbase.
What About Streaming Platforms?
Music creators using AI will be keen to know how the major music streaming platforms are reacting to this new digital landscape. Currently, platforms like Apple Music, Spotify, and YouTube have some legal protection, meaning they can’t be sued for copyright infringement if an illegal track is uploaded to the site. However, if a copyright holder requests a track be taken down, it must comply.
However, even this is becoming more complicated in the wake of the rise of AI-generated music. Universal Music Group weighed into the fray earlier this year, urging Apple Music and Spotify to block AI platforms that scrape lyrics and melodies from artists represented by the label. This could well be a sign of things to come.
The Takeaway
AI has precipitated seismic shifts in the music industry, with creators making the most of the tools and opportunities it offers to generate innovative tracks, speed up processes, and connect directly with potential fanbases. However, with the legal system being tested with recent copyright infringement cases that have involved the use of AI, creators need to be aware of where they stand with regard to the law.
It’s not just legalities that creators should be mindful of, however. Finding the balance is key. An over-reliance on AI tools risks a loss of the unique human element intrinsic in traditionally created music – the nuances, sense of heartbreak, euphoria, and even flaws can be what makes a track perfect.