The Rise of AI Music: Threats and Opportunities for Artists

As we navigate 2023, one thing’s for sure: the world of music is changing in ways we could hardly have imagined. While we’ve always had imitations and cover bands, the emergence of AI-generated music is shaking the very foundation of how we perceive artistry. It’s turning the music industry upside down, leaving many artists feeling both vulnerable and outraged.

What’s Happening with AI in Music?

Remember the buzz around those AI-created Drake tracks last year? It was just the tip of the iceberg. In 2023, we’ve seen a dramatic escalation. From pop icons like Beyoncé to niche experimental composers like William Basinski, many artists have found their music being impersonated by AI. Just this past week, King Gizzard and the Lizard Wizard joined the list of victims, with frontman Stu Mackenzie declaring, “we are truly doomed.” His words echo a sentiment that’s becoming all too common among musicians.

The platforms designed to share music are struggling to keep up with this new reality. Spotify recently took steps to battle the influx of impersonations, removing over 75 million spam tracks. But for every step forward, it seems the problem grows more complex. Deezer reported a staggering 50,000 AI-generated tracks are uploaded to its service daily, making up over one-third of its library.

How Are Artists Being Affected?

The root of the issue lies in how music is uploaded to streaming platforms. Rather than being directly managed by the artists, many tracks go through third parties like DistroKid. The screening process for who can upload music is murky, allowing bad actors to easily slip through the cracks. Basinski expressed his frustrations when an AI-generated reggaeton track appeared next to his name. "It’s total bullshit," he vented to The Verge. “What a mess.”

It’s not just the artists with popularity that are affected. Even bands that haven’t produced new music in years, like Here We Go Magic, are finding fake songs attributed to them. Luke Temple, their frontman, stated to NPR, “it is so awful.” Similarly, Toto’s Steve Lukather publicly condemned the AI-generated song “Name This Night,” calling its emergence “shameless.”

AI: The Quick Fix for Imitation

While some of these aliases might not involve sophisticated AI, it’s undeniable that the technology has made imitation much easier. With a few text prompts, tools like Suno can churn out entire songs, creating an illusion of authenticity that’s tough to discern.

The Case of Blanco Brown

In a particularly distressing case, country artist Blanco Brown found himself at the center of controversy when a song called "Breaking Rust" seemingly exploited his style. His manager lamented that AI lacks the “humanity, the conviction, or the lifetime of emotions” that shape an artist’s voice. It’s a sobering reminder that music is not merely a formulaic composition, but an expression of lived experience.

The troubling part is that the song climbed to the top of the Billboard Country Digital Song Sales chart, even though the chart itself is somewhat misleading. It only accounts for digital purchases, meaning it doesn’t truly reflect streaming popularity. Some speculate that whoever pushed “Walk My Walk” to the top may have bought their way in, questioning the authenticity of the success.

Artists Speak Out Against AI

Solomon Ray, another AI creation, has drawn criticism for his lack of emotional depth. Christian artist Forrest Frank claimed that "AI does not have the Holy Spirit inside of it." It raises the larger question: How much essence remains in music generated without human touch?

Even when some artists embrace AI, many are cautious. Haven, a producer who tried to profit from a fake Jorja Smith track using AI vocals, learned quickly that such tactics have consequences. His attempts to get Smith involved in a remix have resulted in her label demanding royalties, reflecting the tension between AI exploitation and preserving creative integrity.

The Industry’s Response

The United Musicians and Allied Workers (UMAW) is particularly vocal about AI’s intrusion, describing it as “exploitation.” They echo the growing call for regulation to safeguard artists and ensure that royalties are not lost to artificially generated content. Organizers like Joey La Neve DeFrancesco highlight how streaming giants have been cutting deals with AI music companies, sidelining human musicians in the process.

Interestingly, while some music labels are warming up to these AI tools, others are taking a stand. iHeartRadio’s president, Tom Poleman, declared that they will not air AI-generated music pretending to be human. “Sometimes you have to pick a side, and we’re on the side of humans,” he stated on Instagram, representing a growing faction that feels threatened by AI music’s rise.

Hurdles Ahead: A Call for Vigilance

Musicians and their supporters are now taking it upon themselves to combat these changes. They’re calling for transparency in how AI-generated content is represented in marketplaces and even advocating for laws like The Living Wage for Musicians Act. This proposed legislation aims to ensure human artists receive fair compensation and protection from corporate exploitation.

Why This Matters

What’s at stake isn’t just the integrity of music but the entire ecosystem of creativity. The rise of AI in music presses questions that reach beyond the industry: What does it mean to be authentic? How do we discern art from algorithm?

In this chaotic landscape, it’s crucial for both artists and listeners to remain vigilant. As we find ourselves in an age where skepticism becomes necessary, every time we hit play, we should ask ourselves whether the music we adore has indeed come from the heart.

Reflecting on Music’s Future

As someone who loves discovering new music, I still remember listening to my favorite bands in my hometown, feeling their authentic vibe. The thought of that experience being diluted by AI-generated imitations is unsettling. Music has always been a deeply personal connection between artists and their audience, and safeguarding that connection is more important now than ever.

Ultimately, the lessons here reflect a broader discussion on what it means to be human in a rapidly advancing world. Protecting the artistry and emotion that define music might just become one of the biggest battles of our generation. As the industry continues to navigate this uncharted territory, it’s a conversation that all of us—musicians, listeners, and advocates—will need to engage in. Let’s hope the love for genuine music prevails.