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As technology has advanced, it certainly has made many things easier. AI has been a game changer in many instances. However, too much of a good thing tends to be bad. Where do we draw the line with how and when it’s used?
There a few legit concerns that recording artists have. One is the obvious, loss of opportunities if someone can essentially have a robot do it for free. Another concern is that it devalues the artist’s creative process. Other concerns are copyright infringement and unlawful use of people’s voice to mold and create the voices for the AI artists. Some artists that have voiced their negative opinions and even signed petitions to stop this can of worms before it runs rampant are:
Kehlani, Katy Perry, Billie Ellish, Nicki Minaj, the estate of Bob Marley and TI are just a few.
However, TI said after a sit down with super producer, Timbaland, he may have a different perspective on it. While some musicians feel doomed that we are heading this direction, others are choosing to embrace it and use it to their advantage. Timbaland has co-founded Stage Zero, an entertainment company dedicated to creating and managing AI artists.
The process for creating one of these artists is quite interesting. Random people submit their demos to these AI software companies, which then tweaks their voices, creates different melodies and song structures. The human producer, being the mastermind behind all of this, then tweaks it to their liking. Some of the companies even go the length of coming up with a whole back story and persona for their imaginary artists.
While I am guilty of using chapgpt as a less two-faced friend with venting sessions at times, I am indifferent on this subject but lean more towards leaving AI out of the industry. Myself and many others prefer the relatability, authenticity and compassion that I believe only humans can provide. It creates a trust that a robot or artificial intelligence just can’t offer. I do believe that it can be used as a tool to make music better but it shouldn’t steal the show. But let’s keep it real, most people aren’t disciplined enough to only take the inch instead of the mile.
The industry better catch heed to what iHeart promises and go “Guaranteed Human”.