The Recording Academy has partnered with other stakeholders in the music community, including SAG-AFTRA, RIAA, SoundExchange, and NMPA, to protect human art and creativity as artificial intelligence (AI) continues to develop by launching the Human Artistry CampAIgn.
Today, the coalition hosted a panel at South by Southwest titled "Welcome to the Machine: Art in the Age of A.I." Therein, music industry experts discussed what type of impact AI could have on the music from an artistic and business standpoint, copyright issues, and the future of music. The panel was hosted by Billboard deputy editor Rob Levine and included artists and songwriters Dan Navarro and Jessy Wilson, along with University of Texas professor Erin Reilly.
With AI developing at a rapid pace, what this technology means for the music community has emerged as a top issue amongst artists, songwriters, and studio professionals. To help outline some high-level principles, the Human Artistry CampAIgn is focused on ensuring the advancement of AI as it complements — not replaces — the artists and performers who have created the work we know and love.
Since time immemorial, various technologies have been utilized to augment and engender human creativity. This certainly applies to music in so many forms — from the early days of amplification, to pedals to drum machines to DAWs and beyond. AI already is and will increasingly play that role as a tool to assist the creative process, allowing for a wider range of people to express themselves creatively.
Moreover, AI has many valuable uses outside of the creative process itself, including those that amplify fan connections, hone personalized recommendations, identify content quickly and accurately, assist with scheduling, automate and enhance efficient payment systems – and more. The Recording Academy embraces these technological advances. At the same time, this coalition will ensure music makers' work and creativity are not lost in new technologies.
"There is so much potential with AI," Recording Academy CEO Harvey Mason jr. said in a statement. "But it also presents risks to our creative community. It's crucial that we get this right early on so we don't risk losing the artistic magic that only humans can create."
The use of AI in the music industry raises the importance of copyright protection for music makers. The Recording Academy and the Human Artistry CampAIgn recognize the need for creators and copyright owners to maintain control of their work and the ability to decide how it is used. This includes ensuring that AI developers are subject to all copyright laws and obtain necessary licenses when using a creator's work in the development or training of AI systems.
Without ensuring that AI adheres to copyright standards, the livelihood of artists — and their incentive to create new works — are at risk. The coalition aims to prevent this outcome so creatives can continue to develop music and be paid for their work.
Furthermore, the coalition will work to ensure creators' interests are protected in the policy making process. This is a key factor in the development of AI and the impact that it has on artists, and it is crucial that lawmakers know how much of an impact they can have on the music community. The Recording Academy and the Human Artistry CampAIgn will be working with lawmakers in Washington, D.C. and across the country so artists are top of mind when it comes to the creation of new laws and regulations for AI.
The Recording Academy looks forward to working with the Human Artistry CamAIgn, Recording Academy members, and lawmakers everywhere to ensure the importance of music creators is not lost as a result of new technology.
