In the rapidly evolving world of music, technology often brings both excitement and controversy. The rise of AI-generated voice models is one such development, igniting debates about creativity, authenticity, and the future of human artistry in the music industry. This blog delves into whether AI is a groundbreaking tool that will elevate music production or if it represents a significant challenge that could overshadow the hard work of human artists.
Public reception and cultural impact
On April 4, 2023, the music world witnessed a landmark event: “Heart on My Sleeve,” a track purportedly featuring The Weeknd and Drake, was released, but not by the artists themselves. Instead, an anonymous user employed AI-generated voice models to create the song. The track quickly gained popularity, amassing 15 million views on TikTok within weeks. However, its success was short-lived, as Universal Music Group issued takedown notices, removing it from digital platforms.
This incident marked a significant moment for AI in mainstream music, moving it from experimental circles to the public eye. While pioneers like Holly Herndon had already explored AI voice models, the rise of AI covers—songs produced using voice conversion techniques—brought vocal AI into the spotlight, altering public perceptions of musical innovation.
AI artist voice cloning update
Three weeks ago, I posted a prophetic article warning of the very real danger that major label record companies would encourage their artists to succumb to AI voice cloning technology. My worst fears have now been confirmed.
In a groundbreaking move that blurs the lines between human creativity and artificial intelligence, Universal Music, the world’s largest music company, has forged a partnership with AI start-up Soundlabs. This collaboration aims to revolutionize music creation by allowing artists to utilize AI-generated vocal models based on their own voice data. This development raises pressing questions about the future of authentic artistry and the potential for AI to overshadow human creativity in the industry.
Legal and ethical challenges
The use of AI voice models in music introduces a host of legal and ethical issues, primarily revolving around copyright and the right of publicity. The “Heart on My Sleeve” controversy brought these concerns to the forefront, raising questions about how AI affects the market value of original works and artists’ vocal identities. Historical legal battles, such as Tom Waits’ case against unauthorized voice impersonations, cast a shadow over AI’s future in replicating artists’ voices without consent.
Protecting your voice from AI misuse
AI voice cloning also poses significant risks for radio celebrities and public figures whose voices might be used without permission to endorse products or promote events. Unfortunately, under U.S. copyright law, voices themselves cannot be protected. Copyright protection is only available for “original works of authorship fixed in any tangible medium of expression,” and voices are not considered “fixed.” Trademark law does not extend to protecting voices either, although sounds that identify goods or services can be registered as trademarks, such as the “NBC chimes” for broadcasting services. Celebrities with distinctive catchphrases, like Michael Buffer’s “Let’s Get Ready to Rumble!,” can register these phrases as trademarks, but this does not cover unauthorized use of their voices in other contexts.
A more applicable protection is the right of publicity, which exists in many states like New York and California. This right allows individuals to control the commercial use of their personal traits, including their name, likeness, signature, and voice. The right of publicity is especially valuable for celebrities, as it protects their persona from unauthorized commercial exploitation.
In the landmark case Midler v. Ford, singer Bette Midler sued Ford Motor Company for using a sound-alike singer to mimic her voice in a commercial. The court ruled in favor of Midler, acknowledging that a person’s voice is a key element of their identity. This case set a crucial precedent, affirming that the appropriation of a person’s distinctive voice can be grounds for legal action under state law.
Another option for addressing unauthorized voice use is pursuing a claim of misappropriation or false endorsement under the Lanham Act. For example, in Waits v. Frito-Lay, Tom Waits successfully sued for voice misappropriation after Frito-Lay aired a commercial featuring a voice imitation of his distinctive sound. The court awarded Waits significant damages, recognizing the harm caused by the unauthorized use of his vocal identity.
These protections are not absolute and must be balanced against First Amendment rights, which allow for parody and commentary. Celebrities cannot control all imitations, especially those that fall under satire or parody. However, the principles established in cases like Midler and Waits suggest that AI-generated voice cloning could potentially infringe on a celebrity’s right of publicity, especially if used for commercial purposes without consent.
Voice and authentic identity
Authenticity is a core issue in the realm of AI-generated music. Unlike generative text or visual art, which may remain detached from their creators’ identities, voices are deeply personal and intrinsic to a singer’s persona. The challenge lies in whether audiences will accept AI-generated music that lacks traditional authenticity, or if new criteria will emerge to define what constitutes genuine musical expression in the digital era.
The success of Vocaloid, particularly characters like Hatsune Miku, provides a glimpse into one potential path. These virtual singers, created from voice samples, have developed distinct identities separate from their original artists, fostering a unique subculture within music. This model suggests that AI voice models could carve out their own artistic niches, moving beyond imitation to create something genuinely new.
The future of AI in music production
Looking ahead, the future of AI voice models in music is both uncertain and promising. The trajectory of AI in music will be shaped by ongoing legal and ethical considerations, which will influence how artists and audiences perceive its role in music creation. As technology progresses, the challenge will be to balance innovation with respect for artistic integrity and legal rights.
Conclusion: Embrace musical integrity
Mastering the art of singing requires dedication and skill. While AI presents tempting shortcuts, relying on such technology can compromise the authenticity of your artistry. Imagine your viral bedroom song falling flat in live performances because AI-generated vocals don’t align with your true voice. Upholding musical integrity means investing heart and soul into your craft and resisting the urge to pass off AI creations as your own. Embrace the challenge of personal growth and artistic fulfillment—it’s worth far more than any shortcut.
Call to action: Explore your musical journey
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