How AI is used to mimic your favorite singers

ABC News
1 Nov 202311:06

TLDRArtificial intelligence is increasingly used in music to replicate famous voices, raising concerns for artists and the industry. AI can create vocal profiles from uploaded samples, allowing anyone to generate songs with the voices of popular singers like Adele. This technology has led to debates on copyright, the future of music creation, and the need for regulations. Some see it as a tool for creativity, while others worry about its implications on authenticity and artist rights.

Takeaways

  • 🎵 AI technology is increasingly being used in the music industry to replicate famous voices, raising questions about its implications for artists and fans.
  • 👩‍🎤 A New York music producer demonstrated how AI can transform his voice into that of Adele, showcasing the potential and ease of using AI to mimic singers.
  • 🎶 AI vocal profiles are created from numerous voice samples uploaded by people worldwide, with more popular artists having more detailed profiles.
  • 🤖 The use of AI in music is not new, having been previously utilized for creating beat patterns and streamlining vocal finishing.
  • 🌐 AI-generated music has already led to controversies, such as the case of 'Ghost Rider' who used AI to create a song that sounded like a collaboration between Drake and The Weeknd.
  • 🏆 The Recording Academy had to revise its rules to address the eligibility of AI-assisted songs for Grammy awards, ultimately rejecting AI-generated submissions.
  • 🎤 Artists and record labels are grappling with the legal and ethical considerations of AI-generated music, including copyright and the right of publicity.
  • 📝 Some artists are including clauses in their contracts to control the use of their voices in AI, while others like Grimes are open to the idea for a price.
  • 🤖 AI's role in music is expected to grow, with discussions about how to balance creativity with the protection of artists' interests and the authenticity of music.
  • 🎶 Despite the advancements, there is a general consensus that the human element in music and art cannot be replaced by machines, valuing the genuine creativity and emotion that real artists bring.

Q & A

  • How is AI being used in the music industry currently?

    -AI is being used to manipulate audio and mimic famous voices in the music industry, allowing for the creation of songs that sound as if they are performed by well-known artists.

  • What does the use of AI in music mean for artists and fans?

    -The use of AI in music raises questions about the future of artists' roles and the authenticity of music, as well as how fans will perceive and interact with AI-generated music from their favorite artists.

  • How does AI mimic a specific artist's voice?

    -AI mimics an artist's voice by using an audio blueprint of their voice, created from numerous samples uploaded by people across the globe. The more popular the artist, the more samples there are to build a thorough vocal profile.

  • What ethical concerns arise from AI-generated music?

    -Ethical concerns include potential copyright issues, the right of publicity, and the impact on artists' livelihoods, as well as the authenticity and creativity of music.

  • How did the recording industry react to the use of AI in music?

    -The recording industry has expressed concern and fear, with some artists adding clauses to their contracts regarding AI use of their voices. Record labels are also exploring partnerships and frameworks to protect their interests.

  • What is the Grammy Awards' stance on AI-generated music?

    -The Grammy Awards updated their rules to state that nonhumans cannot be eligible for an award, addressing the use of AI in music creation.

  • How have artists and the public responded to AI-generated music?

    -The response has been mixed, with some artists like Grimes embracing the technology and fans having varying opinions on the authenticity and value of AI-generated music.

  • What potential benefits could AI bring to the music creation process?

    -AI could serve as a proof of concept to help sell songs to artists, and it might streamline the process of creating beats and vocal finishing, making it more efficient.

  • What is the role of AI in the future of music?

    -AI is expected to play a significant role in the future of music, from creating new sounds and styles to potentially changing the way music is produced, distributed, and consumed.

  • How can artists ensure they are protected in the age of AI music?

    -Artists can add clauses to their contracts regarding AI use of their voices, and work with their record labels to establish a framework that balances creativity with the protection of their interests.

  • What is the significance of the Earth Gang's album 'rip Human Art'?

    -The album serves as a satirical look at the role humans play in creativity and comments on the impact of AI on the music industry and artistic expression.

Outlines

00:00

🎵 AI in Music Production

This paragraph discusses the increasing role of artificial intelligence in the music industry, highlighting its ability to manipulate audio and mimic famous voices. It features a New York music producer who uses AI to transform his voice into that of Adele, demonstrating the technology's potential and raising concerns about its implications for artists and the music industry. The segment also touches on the use of AI to revive the voices of legendary artists like the Beatles and the ethical and legal challenges it poses, including copyright and the right of publicity issues. It emphasizes the need for the industry to adapt and establish frameworks to protect artists' interests in the face of rapid AI advancements.

05:02

🤖 AI's Impact on Music Industry and Artists

This paragraph delves into the broader impact of AI on the music industry and artists. It introduces Ghost Rider, an anonymous TikToker who created a song using AI to mimic the voices of Drake and The Weeknd, causing a stir on the internet. The discussion extends to the reactions of the Recording Academy, which had to revise its rules to accommodate AI-created music, and the implications for record labels and artists. The segment also explores the perspectives of Earth Gang, a hip-hop duo that sees AI as a tool for pushing the industry forward, and the challenges of balancing creativity with the protection of artists' rights. It highlights the ongoing debates around AI's role in music, including the potential for AI to serve as a proof of concept for selling songs to established artists.

10:03

🎤 The Authenticity of AI-Generated Music

The final paragraph focuses on the authenticity and emotional connection in music, emphasizing the irreplaceable human element. It features 6'5, the producer from the first paragraph, who acknowledges that while AI can create convincing replicas, there's a distinct difference between a copy and the real deal. He expresses a preference for the imperfections and emotional depth that human artists bring to their work. The segment concludes with a reflection on the potential uses of AI in the creative process, such as helping to pitch songs to artists like Adele, and the ongoing conversation about the role of technology in music production and its impact on the art form.

Mindmap

Keywords

💡Artificial Intelligence (AI)

Artificial Intelligence (AI) refers to the simulation of human intelligence in machines that are programmed to think and learn like humans. In the context of the video, AI is being used to replicate and mimic the voices of famous singers, creating music that sounds as if it were performed by these artists. This technology has implications for creativity, copyright, and the future of the music industry, as it challenges traditional notions of authorship and originality.

💡Vocal Profile

A vocal profile is an audio blueprint of a person's voice, created by analyzing and compiling numerous samples of their vocal patterns. In the video, it is mentioned that AI uses these vocal profiles to generate music that sounds like it is performed by specific artists, such as Adele. The creation of a vocal profile involves the aggregation of many voice samples, which are then used to train the AI to mimic that particular voice accurately.

💡Music Producer

A music producer is a person who oversees and manages the sound recording and production of a band or performer's music, and ensures that it is prepared and ready for release. In the video, a 27-year-old New York music producer uses AI to transform his voice into that of Adele's, demonstrating the ease with which AI can be used to create music that sounds like it is performed by well-known artists. This raises questions about the role of the music producer in the age of AI and the potential for AI to disrupt traditional music production processes.

💡Copyright Lawsuit

A copyright lawsuit is a legal dispute that arises when someone believes their exclusive rights to their creative work have been infringed upon. In the context of the video, a copyright lawsuit was filed by Universal Music Group against an anonymous TikToker who used AI to create a song that sounded like it was performed by Drake and The Weeknd. This highlights the complexities and challenges that arise when new technologies like AI intersect with existing legal frameworks and the need for updated regulations to address these issues.

💡Grammy Consideration

Grammy consideration refers to the process by which recordings are evaluated for potential nomination and award by the Recording Academy. In the video, it is mentioned that a song created using AI was submitted for Grammy consideration, but was rejected because the Academy's rules state that nonhumans cannot be eligible for an award. This incident sparked a discussion about the role of AI in music and the need for the Recording Academy to update their rules to accommodate the evolving landscape of music creation.

💡Virtual Artists

Virtual artists are computer-generated or AI-powered entities that create and perform music. The video discusses the rise of virtual rapper FN Mecca and the first AI virtual pop star signed by Warner Music Group, named Nori. These virtual artists challenge traditional concepts of identity and creativity in the music industry, as they can generate music without the need for human performers, raising questions about authenticity and the future of artistry.

💡Publicity Rights

Publicity rights, also known as the right of publicity, are legal rights that allow individuals to control the commercial use of their name, image, likeness, or other aspects of their identity. In the video, it is mentioned that there are no federal right of publicity laws, and these rights are governed state by state. AI-generated voices and performances could potentially infringe upon these rights, leading to legal disputes and the need for clearer regulations regarding the use of AI in the entertainment industry.

💡Record Labels

Record labels are companies that produce and distribute recorded music. They often provide financial and logistical support to artists in exchange for a share of the profits from their work. In the video, it is noted that record labels like Universal Music Group are concerned about the impact of AI on their business model and the need to protect their artists' interests. With the advent of AI, labels must navigate the challenges of maintaining their role in the music industry while adapting to new technologies.

💡Creative License

Creative license refers to the freedom taken by artists or creators to make changes or take liberties in their work, often to enhance the artistic expression or storytelling. In the context of the video, some artists like Grimes are open to the idea of AI mimicking their voices for a price, viewing it as an extension of their creative license. This perspective suggests a potential future where artists may collaborate with AI, using it as a tool to expand their creative possibilities.

💡Fans and Acceptance

Fans are the dedicated followers and enthusiasts of a particular artist, band, or genre of music. The video raises the question of whether fans will accept and embrace AI-generated music that uses the voices of their favorite artists. It suggests that while there may be initial skepticism, the potential for new forms of engagement, such as virtual meet and greets, could lead to fans finding new ways to connect with the music and artists they love.

💡Human Element

The human element refers to the unique qualities and emotions that come from human creativity and expression. In the video, the music producer acknowledges that while AI can create convincing imitations of famous voices, there is a preference for the human element in music. This suggests that despite the advancements of AI, the emotional connection and personal touch that human artists bring to their work remain irreplaceable and highly valued.

Highlights

Artificial intelligence is increasingly prevalent in everyday life and is making a significant impact on the music industry.

AI can now manipulate audio to mimic the voices of famous singers, raising questions about the future of music creation and artistry.

A New York music producer demonstrated how AI can transform his voice into that of Adele's, simply by uploading his raw vocals.

Voice profiles of artists like Adele are created from numerous samples uploaded by fans and can be accessed by anyone online.

The music industry could face challenges as AI threatens to replace artists with their vocal profiles.

AI's role in music is not new; it has been used for years to create beat patterns and streamline vocal finishing.

The Recording Academy had to revise its rules to accommodate AI's role in music production, stating that nonhumans cannot be eligible for awards.

AI's involvement in music has sparked debates about copyright law and the right of publicity.

The virtual rapper FN Mecca, created using AI, went viral but faced backlash, leading to the withdrawal of a record deal.

Earth Gang, an Atlanta-based hip-hop duo, believes that AI will play a significant role in the future of music and that the industry should adapt.

AI's potential in music includes serving as a proof of concept to help sell songs to established artists like Adele.

Despite AI's capabilities, there is a preference for the human element in music, as it brings a unique and irreplaceable quality.

The Beatles' track was completed using AI, showcasing how legendary voices can be revived through technology.

Singer Grimes is open to her voice being used by AI, as long as she is compensated, embracing the creative potential of the technology.

Warner Music Group made history by signing a record deal with the first AI virtual pop star, indicating a shift in the music industry.

AI's impact on music raises questions about the authenticity of performances and the value of live events.

The music industry must navigate the balance between leveraging AI's capabilities and protecting artists' interests and rights.

As AI technology advances, it remains to be seen how fans will respond to AI-generated music and performances.