On the 9th of July, music experts gathered to discuss the impact of artificial intelligence (AI) on the future of music. The event took place at antiSOCIAL and was organised by Aurora in collaboration with Outdustry. It was supported by Pursuit and MADverse.
The event began with a presentation by Hiya Gupta from MADverse, who highlighted the “rising role of tech in artist-fan engagement.” They emphasized the importance of understanding the audience, telling compelling stories, valuing fan experiences, building loyalty, and engaging fans. These strategies were seen as crucial for success in the modern music landscape.
The panel included Aayushman Sinha (REPRESENT Management), Aniket Rajgarhia (Outdustry), Siddharth Bhardwaj (BeatOven.ai), Aakanksha Uthaiah (Khimani & Associates), Mayur Jumani, and was moderated by Amit Gurbaxani. The panelists delved into various aspects of AI’s impact on the music industry, presenting insights, case studies, and opinions on this evolving field.
One of the central topics discussed was the use of AI for voice cloning. The panelists addressed the legal and ethical complexities surrounding this technology. They referenced the instance of ghostwriter977 using Drake and The Weeknd’s voices, resulting in Universal taking it down due to copyright concerns.
While the potential of voice cloning technology is infinite, its legal implications remain ambiguous, with outdated copyright laws and slow systems failing to keep up with the pace of technological advancements. The panelists weighed the pros and cons, acknowledging the need for a careful examination of the legal rights and conditions associated with splitting royalties.
The discussion also explored positive use cases of AI in the music industry. Panelists highlighted that AI can save money on press releases, PR, and marketing, while also serving as a valuable brainstorming tool that provides new creative directions. Additionally, AI has proven useful in pitching music projects and generating functional music, with companies like Boomy and Endel (endorsed by Universal Music) showcasing the benefits of AI in this regard.
Aakanksha Uthaiah from Khimani and Associates addressed the legal concerns related to AI-generated music, emphasising the need for permissions and protecting artists’ rights. She highlighted the distinction between performers’ rights and AI-generated content, stressing that AI cannot be considered the author of the entity. Jumani advocated for implementing model rights and remedies under laws to protect artists and ensure fair compensation.
The panelists also discussed concerns artists have regarding permission, compensation, and the potential replacement of their jobs by AI. They emphasized that artists can future-proof themselves by continually reinventing their craft and focusing on aspects that cannot be replicated by AI, such as their unique personality, storytelling ability, and live experiences. While upcoming artists may face risks, they can leverage the evolving landscape to build something new and distinct, taking advantage of reduced production costs.
Overall, the panel discussion shed light on the potential of AI in music and the challenges that come with it. The future of music will undoubtedly be shaped by the integration of AI, and artists and industry professionals must adapt and embrace this evolving landscape.
