Artificial intelligence (AI) is making its way into the art world, and the Grammy Awards are taking note.
They have introduced new rules that allow the use of AI in eligible music, but there’s a catch—fully AI-generated songs are not allowed to compete for awards.
Let’s explore the details.
AI-Infused Music Can Compete, but Human Touch Is Essential
The Recording Academy, the organization behind the Grammy Awards, made an announcement stating that artists can incorporate AI in their songs and submit them for award consideration.
However, there’s a requirement: the music must have a meaningful human component. This means that AI can be used, but there needs to be significant involvement from human creators.
Fully AI-generated songs, on the other hand, are not eligible for any awards. The focus remains on recognizing and honoring human creativity.
In addition to the AI guidelines, the Recording Academy has implemented other updates.
To be considered for the Album of the Year award, an artist must have contributed at least 20 percent of the work put into the album. This ensures that the artist has a substantial influence on the final product.
Moreover, the new qualifications stem from recent advancements in AI, particularly in generative AI. This technology has the ability to create new content, including music.
However, it’s important to note that the experimental use of technology in music has been present for many decades.
The Impact of AI-Generated Songs
The rise of AI in the music industry is evident through a wave of AI-generated songs by popular artists that have gained attention online.
For instance, tracks like “Heart on My Sleeve” incorporated AI-generated vocals from Drake and the Weeknd, accumulating millions of plays and going viral.
Unfortunately, some of these songs faced copyright infringement issues and were eventually removed, such as due to complaints from Universal Music Group. A
I-generated music has found popularity on platforms like TikTok as well, where dedicated accounts create AI covers of songs, such as an AI rendition of Ariana Grande singing SZA’s “Kill Bill.”
Artists’ Perspectives on AI
While some artists are embracing AI’s potential, others approach it with a mix of excitement and apprehension. Paul McCartney recently announced a new Beatles record featuring an AI-generated voice of John Lennon.
McCartney used AI to isolate Lennon’s vocals from a demo, resulting in the creation of the track. When discussing the use of AI, Lennon expressed both fear and excitement, recognizing it as part of the future of music.
In Conclusion
The Grammy Awards recognize the influence of AI in music but require a significant human component. So fully AI-generated songs are excluded.
Moreover, the rise of AI-generated music and artists’ perspectives highlight its impact and potential on the art world, or at least the music industry.
Do you think the Grammys made the right move?
