AI-Generated Music: A Rising Trend Raises Concerns for Industry

As artificial intelligence (AI) technology continues to advance, a new trend in the music industry has emerged—AI-generated music is gaining significant traction among listeners and raising serious questions about its implications for traditional artists. The phenomenon is exemplified by the rise of the virtual band, The Velvet Sundown, which has garnered over one million monthly listeners on Spotify. This band, primarily created through generative AI, has sparked debates regarding copyright issues, the authenticity of musical expression, and the potential displacement of human artists.

The Velvet Sundown describes itself as a 'synthetic music project' that blends human creative direction with AI capabilities. Its Spotify bio states, 'This isn’t a trick - it’s a mirror. An ongoing artistic provocation designed to challenge the boundaries of authorship, identity, and the future of music itself in the age of AI.' This innovative approach has led to the creation of music that some experts believe rivals that of human musicians.

According to Jason Palamara, an Assistant Professor of Music Technology at the Herron School of Art and Design, 'The Velvet Sundown is much better music than most of what we’ve heard from AI in the past.' He notes that this new generation of AI music has evolved beyond simple catchy hooks and now features more complex structures, including verses, choruses, and bridges. This evolution indicates that AI-generated music could soon become indistinguishable from human-created music.

Keith Mullin, Head of Management and Music Industry at the Liverpool Institute for Performing Arts, echoes these sentiments, emphasizing that generative AI is a significant topic within the industry, especially concerning copyright and the role of digital service providers like Spotify. Major record labels, including Sony Music, Universal Music Group, and Warner Records, have initiated lawsuits against AI platforms like Suno and Udio, accusing them of copyright infringement due to their facilitation of AI music generation. Mullin warns, 'I don’t think we can turn the clock back,' indicating that the integration of AI into music is likely a permanent shift.

The rise of AI-generated music has raised concerns among human musicians. Tilly Louise, a U.K.-based alternative pop artist, expressed her frustrations about competing against non-existent bands that can gain social traction and revenue. Despite her own success with millions of streams, she struggles to earn a sustainable living from streaming platforms, stating, 'For a band that doesn’t even really exist to then get all that social media traction, it’s so discouraging.' This sentiment is shared by other artists who fear that AI-generated music could further complicate their ability to earn a livelihood.

To adapt to this changing landscape, music educators are incorporating AI into their curricula, aiming to teach students how to leverage this technology as a tool for enhancing creativity rather than viewing it as a threat. Notably, Grammy-winning artist and producer Timbaland has launched an AI-focused venture, Stage Zero, which will feature an AI-generated pop star, illustrating how established artists are embracing this trend.

Despite the potential benefits of using AI in music production, critics caution against the implications for music consumers and the industry at large. Anthony Fantano, a prominent music critic, remarked, 'Music fans should be worried because the proliferation of AI music and content clogs our social media feeds and algorithms, making it difficult for us to connect with one another.' He argues that AI art does not offer anything superior to human creativity, framing the situation as a potential means for 'greedy capitalists' to undermine actual artists.

In response to these concerns, Tino Gagliardi, president of the American Federation of Musicians, emphasized the need for transparency in AI development and urged for better copyright protections for human artists. He stated, 'Consent, credit, and compensation are prerequisites in AI development. And transparency, including in streaming and other marketplaces, is the foundation for safeguarding musicians’ livelihoods.'

As the music industry grapples with the implications of AI-generated content, both artists and listeners must navigate this evolving landscape. The debate surrounding AI in music will likely continue to intensify, demanding ongoing dialogue and adaptation from all stakeholders involved. The future of music, influenced by the rise of AI, remains uncertain, but one thing is clear: the music industry is at a critical juncture where technology and artistry intersect in unprecedented ways.