A recent survey of over 1,000 musicians across the United Kingdom, United States, and Germany by private music studio Pirate reveals that artists in the music industry have a mix of concerns and curiosity about the use of artificial intelligence (AI) in music creation. While 53% of respondents express concerns about how their audience might perceive music created with AI assistance, only 25% have experience with AI technology in their creative process. However, 46% are open to considering the use of AI tools in the future. The survey underscores the challenges and opportunities AI presents in the music industry and raises questions about copyright and creative authenticity.


A recent survey conducted by the private music studio Pirate sheds light on the mixed feelings and perspectives of musicians in the music industry when it comes to embracing artificial intelligence (AI) in music creation. The survey, which polled 1,141 artists, including band members, singer-songwriters, producers, instrumentalists, and rappers across the United Kingdom, United States, and Germany, provides insights into musicians' concerns and curiosity regarding AI's role in music.


One of the key findings of the survey is that over half (53%) of respondents express concerns about how their audience might perceive music created with the assistance of AI. This sentiment reflects artists' apprehensions about potential shifts in public perception and the authenticity of music produced with AI.


The survey also highlights the cautious approach many musicians have taken toward employing AI in their creative process. Only 25% of the artists surveyed reported having experience with AI technology, while the remaining 75% have not yet explored its capabilities. However, the survey reveals a sense of openness to the possibilities AI offers, as 46% of respondents stated they are willing to consider using AI tools in their future creative endeavors.


Christoph Krey, a member of the Brooklyn-based band MYAI, shared insights into his experience with AI in music creation. Krey noted that they use AI for 30% of their activities, referring to it as "art intelligence," while the other 70% remains traditional artistry. He acknowledged that for many artists, incorporating AI into their work may pose a challenging learning curve, adding an additional layer of complexity to their creative process.


David Borrie, co-founder and CEO of Pirate, understands the reservations artists may have regarding AI and the disclosure of its use. He likens the introduction of AI in music to previous groundbreaking technologies, such as Auto-Tune, which faced criticism in their early days but eventually became integral tools in the music production process. Borrie sees AI's evolution in music creation as a path of adaptation for artists and audiences alike.


While AI's role in music creation remains a topic of debate and experimentation, some artists have found AI to be most useful in songwriting and composition, where it can serve as a creative amplifier.


However, there have been controversies surrounding the recognition of AI-generated music. An artist who used an AI-generated vocal track of the rapper Drake in a viral track attempted to submit it for nomination for music awards but faced challenges related to copyright infringement issues. The complexities of AI-generated music and copyright regulation pose ongoing challenges for the music industry.


The Recording Academy, responsible for the annual Grammy Awards, views AI as a "creative amplifier" for artists who incorporate it into their work. Official rules established by the Academy require that humans create the primary components of tracks up for nomination, such as vocal performance.


Major music labels, including Universal Music, are taking steps to monitor and regulate AI usage in the industry. Universal Music has partnered with Google to combat AI-generated fakes of its artists and has urged streaming services like Spotify to remove AI-generated tracks from their platforms. The intersection of AI and music continues to raise questions about copyright, creativity, and authenticity in the ever-evolving landscape of the music industry.


(SAVANNAH FORTIS, COINTELEGRAPH, 2023)