Google is reportedly in talks with music labels, including Universal Music and Warner Music, to develop a tool that will allow fans to create AI-generated songs legally while compensating the copyright owners. The discussions are still in the early stages, and no immediate product launch is expected. However, if successful, this tool could revolutionize the music industry by providing a platform for fans to create their own tracks using AI technology.
Similar to the early days of YouTube, where users added popular songs as soundtracks to their videos, the rise of AI-generated songs has raised concerns among artists who fear their work will be diluted. Some big stars, such as Drake and rapper Ice Cube, have criticized the use of AI to mimic their voices, calling it demonic and the final straw. However, others, like electronic artist Grimes, have embraced the technology and offered to let people use their voices in AI-generated songs, sharing the royalties.
To address these concerns, Google aims to develop a framework that allows artists to opt in or out of having their work replicated by AI. Warner Music’s CEO, Robert Kyncl, believes that with the right system in place, AI can enable fans to pay tribute to their favorite artists through user-driven content, including cover versions and mash-ups. He emphasizes that artists should have the choice to participate or not, respecting those who may not embrace this technology.
For Google, creating a music product incorporating AI technology could position the company as a competitor to rival platforms, such as Microsoft, which has heavily invested in AI company OpenAI. Google has recently launched its own AI products, like the chatbot Bard, to keep up with the advancements in the field.
The music industry has previously faced copyright infringement issues with YouTube but managed to establish a system where the platform pays around $2 billion annually for user-generated videos featuring copyrighted music. Now, with AI gaining traction, it is essential for streaming platforms and music labels to work together to prevent unauthorized AI services from scraping their songs without permission or payment.
While Google’s AI-powered music software remains in the experimental stage, the company released an early version of the tool known as MusicLM, allowing consumers to create music based on text descriptions. However, limitations exist, including potential copyright infringement when the software reproduces specific artists’ music. Google has collaborated with artists in developing this tool, intending to refine it further.
The discussions between Google and music labels signal that AI-generated songs have the potential to transform the music industry. However, striking a balance between innovation and protecting artists’ work is crucial. By developing a framework that gives artists control over whether and how their songs can be replicated by AI, the industry can embrace this technology while respecting the integrity of musicians’ creative output.
