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.
Understanding the deal
😇 Under the agreement, artists signed to Universal Music Group (UMG) can train AI models using their own vocal recordings. This means that artists like Jon Bon Jovi could potentially release new albums featuring vocals generated entirely by AI, while preserving their original voice. Importantly, artists retain ownership of the AI-generated content and have full control over its artistic use.
😈 Reading between the lines, record companies will now introduce the AI cloning services as part of standard recording artist contracts. The downside will be that artists will receive lower percentages per unit for album sales.
Empowering artists with AI technology
😇 The partnership between UMG and Soundlabs promises to push the boundaries of vocal manipulation in music production. According to Universal Music, the collaboration enables artists and producers to explore advanced vocal transformations previously deemed impossible. These transformations include voice-to-voice, voice-to-instrument, speech-to-singing, and even language transposition.
😈 Record companies will use AI to squeeze out every dollar they can for existing artists that they own. Artists like Prince (RIP) will very likely soon be releasing a beyond the grave album that the artists did not write or sing or play on. This new way of extracting blood from a stone is going to have a major impact on the profitability of new emerging artists and dramatically affect their chance to chart in the top 20!
The Ethical Framework of AI in Music
😇 Soundlabs founder BT emphasizes the ethical use of AI in music creation. He asserts that AI tools are designed not to replace human artists but to enhance their creativity. By providing assistive technologies that empower musicians, Soundlabs aims to democratize creativity while ensuring that artists maintain control over their artistic output.
😈 While the above rhetoric certainly sounds fair and reasonable, condoning and creating acceptance of AI artists and AI music in the music industry could have a devastating effect on the profitability and continuing longevity of all the people that invest their lives into creating real music. This includes recording engineers, artists, sound companies, and everyone else involved in the process of recording music and bringing it to market.
We should be prepared for a big clear out. The whole music creation industry is about to undergo a violent shift and many people in the above industries will be the direct casualties.
The controversial potential of AI in music
😇 While Soundlabs advocates for ethical AI practices, the use of artificial intelligence in music creation has sparked controversy. Critics argue that AI-generated music could undermine the authenticity and emotional depth associated with human performance. Nonetheless, proponents view AI as a tool for unlocking new creative possibilities and reducing friction in the creative process.
😈 Record companies have taken a beating at the hands of filesharing and illegal downloads. Make no mistake, ethics is not in their dictionary when it comes to making money or taking unfair advantage of the artists on their roster.
Navigating the future of music
As technology continues to evolve, the music industry faces profound questions about the role of AI in artistic expression. The partnership between Universal Music and Soundlabs represents a pivotal moment in this ongoing dialogue. By leveraging AI responsibly, artists can potentially innovate and expand their creative horizons while preserving the essence of human musicality.
My personal belief is that music artists need to band together and create a powerful global union (that everyone can join) and with the annual subs jointly fund the services of top lawyers in the field. We need to draft a musicians equivalent to the bill of rights to physically protect their intellectual musical property, including voice & physical likeness, lyric writing style and usage of intellectual property.
Let’s get the ball rolling
Start by contacting your performing rights associations and mechanical copyright companies in your country. Do it now to let them know that you are concerned about the dangers of AI music creation and the risks it imposes on the livelihood of every recording artist and anyone else that is associated with live music production.
Without a group such as an organized global performers union, individual artists stand no chance to retain their musical property and will in all likelihood be steamrolled by sweeping changes and paradigm shifts in regard to how music is created in the professional music recording industry.