Reports reveal that Google and Universal Music Group are in talks to license artists’ vocalizations and melodies to create AI-generated music.
This intriguing collaboration aims to explore the concept of a legal tool that enables fans to utilize AI for music creation while ensuring proper compensation to copyright holders. Although still in the early stages of conversation, the details regarding a potential launch are yet to be finalized.
This year I witnessed the rapid viral spread of numerous AI-generated tracks. Among them, the standout hit “Heart On My Sleeve” garnered immense attention as it emulated the distinctive styles of Drake and The Weeknd. Before its removal, the song garnered an impressive 600,000 streams on Spotify. In response, Universal Music Group released a statement addressing the matter. The report emphasized the critical issue of training generative AI using artists’ copyrighted music, which violates existing agreements and copyright laws. Additionally, it highlighted the prevalence of infringing content produced through generative AI on DSPs (digital streaming platforms).
The label’s spokesperson raised a significant question regarding the stance of stakeholders within the music industry. The choice is between supporting artists, fans, and genuine human creative expression or condoning deep fakes, deception, and the denial of rightful compensation for artists. The spokesperson expressed optimism regarding the cooperation of platform partners in addressing these concerns and acknowledged their pivotal role in finding solutions.
Initially, Universal Music Group urged streaming services to exercise greater vigilance in identifying and removing AI-generated tracks. The label asserted its moral and commercial duty to safeguard artists’ music against unauthorized use and to prevent platforms from hosting content that infringes upon creators’ rights. The statement underscored the anticipation that platform partners share the commitment to control their services from facilitating actions that harm artists.
Switching gears within the music industry, Tory Lanez has recently received a prison sentence of 10 years following his involvement in the shooting incident concerning Megan Thee Stallion.
