Hey, Quite a few people have asked for my take on AI in music so I’m in your inbox again with bonus content for my music subscribers.

I’ll be back next week with the next installment of the Creator Roadmap to CMF.

I’ve been reluctant to share my take on music and AI due to the nuance of the topic, the speed at which it’s moving, and the numerous use cases for it, but that all changes today.

This is the one about AI. 

In today’s newsletter, I'll catch you up on what’s happened so far in AI + music creation and suggest ways that artists can protect themselves, including by working directly with AI creators to license their music.

Let’s dive in

How We Got Here

AI has been a sleeping giant the music industry has had an eye on since at least 2017.

There have been several successful AI-generated music projects like Amper Music, an AI music composition platform that allows users to create custom music tracks, and AIVA, which has produced a wide range of original compositions that have been used in films and advertisements.

These elements show us what’s possible when artists and AI creators come together within an infrastructure that can support them both.

More recently, though, ‘unauthorized remixes and creations’ have popped up everywhere. The most prominent one released a few weeks ago featured Drake and The Weeknd. It was quickly removed from streaming platforms, but not before racking up millions in streams and views across social media.

Was it the best track? No. The draw was obviously that it was generated using AI.

In an industry that already has a history of exploiting artists, it's important to consider how AI-generated music might impact the livelihoods of musicians, producers, and the entire chain of creation. Furthermore, using AI to create music that features the likenesses of real artists raises ethical questions. Is it right to use an artist's image or persona without their consent? Does this practice cheapen the value of an artist's work?

My thoughts on it are quite simple: artists should benefit from the use of their voice in AI creation and music already has the framework to ensure it happens. 

Where It’s Headed

Music is collaborative.

This is just a simple fact. Your favorite track probably has 20 named collaborators because everyone that was a part of making it was credited: the producers, the creators of the sample used, the writers, and the random publishing company… everyone gets credit and points (part of the revenue generated).

Why should this be any different in the use of an AI creation?

Establishing a clear framework will open the lines of collaboration and expand the way AI creators and artists work together.

Protecting against AI exploitation in music creation

This isn’t a unique moment the music industry is facing at all.

In 2007, when Netflix introduced its streaming platform to a market that was populated by On-demand television, box office budgets, and straight-to-video sleeper hits, writers needed to understand how they would benefit from the use of their works in an ever-increasing digital world. To address these concerns, Netflix entered into licensing agreements with writers and studios, ensuring that they were fairly compensated for the use of their content and included in the back-end deals that studios were reaping the benefits of.

I think a similar solution is needed in the case of Music + AI. Labels understand that the train has already left the station and many of them will be open to exploring what the future holds by helping to shape it with their artists.

This idea is taking root – just this week, Lucian Grainge, Universal Music Group’s CEO stated the label was open for business but emphasized the need to “respect our artists and the integrity of their work...” and any solution has to incorporate this idea into its DNA.

That’s it for me for now.

What are your thoughts on Music + AI creation? Do you think it’s just a phase or the start of a new wave?

Creator Pulse: AI edition

A few more thoughts on AI

Who Owns A Song Created by AI? ← This NY Times article grapples with the legal ramifications of AI-created works

Julian Grainge’s full thoughts on Music + AI via Billboard ← The full UMG head’s thoughts were delivered via UMG earnings call earlier this week.

Listen to this Bad Bunny + Rihanna AI Mash up ← Will most definitely be taken down soon

​​​Want more? Follow @lateciarising and let me know how I can help you scale as a creator. Want to support this newsletter and get featured? Drop me a line & I’ll be happy to collaborate.