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The ever-growing presence of artificial intelligence in the music industry is reshaping the way music is consumed and distributed. For students, especially those at the intersection of technology, creativity and business, the rise of AI poses significant challenges to the music industry by diminishing the value of human creativity and threatening the livelihoods of musicians and songwriters.

Whether you’re studying music production, marketing, data analytics or even business, understanding how AI is transforming the music industry is crucial. As future creators, industry professionals, or consumers, the decisions we make today will shape how music is experienced tomorrow.

As AI technologies evolve, so do their capabilities. They have become increasingly capable of generating music that mimics human compositions, often blurring the lines between organic and artificial creation and raising pressing concerns about the music industry’s future. With companies like Suno and Udio leading the charge, these technologies use machine learning to analyze patterns in music and generate background music to pop hits. In a matter of a few minutes, a new song is created and streamable, which raises some concerns.

On June 24, The Recording Industry Association of America filed two lawsuits against Suno and Udio on behalf of record labels including Sony Music Entertainment, Universal Music Group’s UMG Recordings, Warner Records Inc. and others.

The RIAA states that AI companies, like any other business, must follow copyright laws, which exist to safeguard the work of musicians, songwriters and artists. There’s no reason AI companies should be exempt from these rules. As AI becomes an increasingly dominant force in the music industry, one thing is clear: AI companies, like any other business, must be held accountable.

In this lawsuit, these AI companies did not deny these allegations, but rather embraced the use of its algorithm, calling it “competitively sensitive” and “fair use.” Labels now want proof that these AI companies will no longer be trained with copyrighted music and demand up to $150,000 in fines for each song used without the record artist’s consent.

But this is far from the end of the battle. The legal and ethical questions surrounding the use of copyrighted material in AI training are likely to continue to evolve. As technology advances, more disputes will arise over who owns the data used to train these models and how it should be compensated. The outcome of this case could set important precedents for the future of AI, copyright law and the relationship between the tech industry and creative sectors.

For students in Syracuse University’s Bandier Program who are blending music, business and technology, the ability to navigate the changing landscape of AI and copyright law will be a critical skill as they enter the workforce.

Students will need to grasp the broader implications of how AI could change the way music is created and consumed. Yes, AI can generate music, remix existing tracks and help in the creative process, but it also raises questions about who owns the rights to AI-generated content. Is it the creator of the algorithm, the artist who trained the AI, or the user who instructs the system?

Sophia Burke | Design Editor

These complexities could redefine traditional concepts of copyright law. For aspiring musicians, producers and songwriters, this shift could mean less demand for their work as AI-generated content becomes more common and accepted. It’s possible that fewer musicians will be needed for certain types of projects, particularly for commercial or mainstream music that can be generated through AI.

Moreover, the widespread use of AI in music creation could dilute the authenticity and emotional depth that often comes from human-driven artistry. While AI can mimic patterns and structures, it lacks the life experience, emotions and personal perspectives of human creators. In the long run, this could fundamentally change the music industry, prioritizing technology over artistry and craftsmanship.

As AI technologies continue to develop and reshape industries across the globe, the need for students and professionals to remain adaptable and proactive in their career development when entering the music business increases. For many professionals, the challenge presented will not be simply learning to work with AI, but finding ways to preserve meaningful, human-centered roles that can’t be easily replaced by machines.

While AI can enhance productivity, streamline processes, and generate new forms of creativity, it also raises questions about the authenticity and ownership of art. As the lines between human and machine create music blur, professionals in the field will need to define and defend the aspects of their craft that remain uniquely human.

Ultimately, as AI continues to evolve, we must think critically about how we want to engage with this technology — whether as passive participants or as active voices shaping its ethical, social and economic impact.

Autumn Clarke is a freshman majoring in broadcast and digital journalism. She can be reached at auclarke@syr.edu.

Published on November 11, 2024 at 10:37 pm