The Grammy Museum recently hosted a fireside chat at the Clive Davis Theatre with Recording Academy CEO Harvey Mason Jr. and musician and tech entrepreneur will.i.am, discussing the evolving music industry in the age of AI.
Impact of AI on Music and Culture
The conversation delved into how cultural and technological shifts have influenced Black music and continue to shape its future.
will.i.am raised a thought-provoking question for artists: “Would you rather have access to 100% of your audience and share ownership of your music that you can monetize; or would you rather own 100% of your music with no access to the audience?”
He emphasized the importance of audience access over full ownership, highlighting the current industry’s focus on algorithm-driven content.
“I don’t think we’re in an artist and development industry right now,” will.i.am stated, pointing out that many artists are now chasing algorithms for brief moments of attention on platforms like TikTok. He questioned the creativity involved in this approach, noting that it often leads to a dilution of cultural growth.
Ownership and Rights in the AI Era
Recording Academy CEO brought up a critical issue for the new AI-driven era: who owns an artist’s essence and likeness? He referenced Tennessee’s ELVIS Act, which aims to protect an artist’s voice and personality rights from unauthorized exploitation.
Mason Jr. outlined three key points: artists must consent to the use of their likeness, be compensated, and have approval rights to ensure proper crediting.
Data and AI in Music
will.i.am highlighted the pervasive influence of data, stating, “Where do you bank your data at? Until we address where you bank your data, everybody’s stuff is compromised.”
He stressed the need for transparency and control over data to prevent misuse and protect artists’ rights.
AI’s Role in Creativity and Music Production
The discussion also touched on the future of AI in music.
will.i.am argued that AI should mimic live music rather than recorded music, suggesting that AI’s potential lies in its ability to adapt and create dynamic, live-like experiences. He emphasized that AI should not merely replicate existing recordings but should be used to explore new creative possibilities.
“With AI, if you have this truly expressive tool, it shouldn’t be used to mimic recordings. Use your imagination of what it could be,” he urged.
AI and the Music Industry’s Future
Harvey Mason Jr. acknowledged the massive disruption AI is causing across industries, including music. He noted the sheer volume of AI-generated songs and the challenges this poses for originality and innovation.
Mason Jr. invited will.i.am to share his perspective on AI’s role in music creation, to which will.i.am responded by comparing AI to advanced sampling techniques used in music production.
Protecting Artists in the AI Age
will.i.am emphasized the need for artists to own their AI data sets to protect their creative output.
He argued that AI companies should compensate artists for the data used to train AI models, ensuring that artists retain control over their digital likenesses.
RAiDiO: Revolutionizing Radio with AI
The conversation concluded with will.i.am discussing his new AI-driven project, RAiDiO, set to launch this summer.
This innovative platform aims to revolutionize radio by integrating real-time, relevant information with personalized interaction, creating a more engaging listener experience.
“This is just one of the ways in which will.i.am believes the use of AI will revolutionize the music industry,” making it more interactive and personal while retaining its informative properties.
Why This Matters
For music producers, this discussion underscores the importance of navigating the balance between embracing AI technology and maintaining creative integrity.
As AI continues to shape the music industry, producers must advocate for fair compensation and control over their creative data.
The insights from industry leaders like Harvey Mason Jr. and will.i.am highlight the need for a thoughtful approach to integrating AI, ensuring that it enhances rather than diminishes the human element in music creation.
Read more about how AI is transforming the creative economy and music industry and the legal aspects of copyright and AI in the music industry.
Really digging how AI can change the game for music. The part about RAiDiO by will.i.am sounds epic. Can’t wait to see how it shakes things up!
all this ai talk but no one thinks about the small artists anymore. just big names chasing the next big thing. sad really.
I get where ur coming from but also kinda excited to see what AI can do for us small fries too.
Interesting read, Daniel. Curious though, how does AI handle complex rhythms in music production? Has it reached a point where it can outdo humans?
imagine AI creating a song about pizza that becomes a hit. that’d be the day, lol.
The ownership issue is crucial. With the ELVIS Act in play, it’s a step in the right direction for protecting artists. But how will it keep up with the pace of AI development?
ai making music sounds cool but what about the songs we already love? they won’t get replaced, right?
Don’t worry, classics will always have a place in our hearts. But it’s exciting to see what new things AI can bring to the table!
Actually, AI can enhance how we experience old songs by creating new versions or uncovering patterns we haven’t noticed.
AI in music could actually teach us new ways to play and think about music. Future looks exciting!
Has anyone thought about the ethical implications of AI in music? Where do we draw the line between innovation and preserving the human touch in art?