Kansas City Musicians Demand Regulations on AI Content
With the rise of AI technology in music production, local musicians in Kansas City are raising their voices against the use of artificial intelligence in creating music. The AI song and music generator Suno can generate songs or entire albums in mere minutes, automating a process that traditionally required hours of creativity and labor from human musicians.
The Impact of AI on Musicians
Shaun Crowley, founder and executive director of Kansas City-based Manor Records, emphasizes the pressing need for regulations to protect human musicians. He argues that the industry is increasingly relying on AI-generated content, effectively sidelining real artists:
“The industry now is using AI as the musician, taking real musicians completely out of it,” Crowley stated. He expresses concern that profits from streams and social media platforms, such as TikTok, are being directed away from human artists.
Statistics and Perspectives
According to a study by Duke University, it is estimated that 25% of the music on Spotify is now AI-generated. Local musician Joshua James Warren acknowledges the platform’s dual nature, describing it as a “necessary evil” for emerging artists:
“I’m spending so much time and effort practicing, performing, writing, singing… it feels like the human element’s completely removed when you just give it to a computer prompt,” Warren remarked.
Calls for Action
Musician Jamogi Bridges shares similar sentiments, suggesting that AI-generated music should be excluded from competitive music charts. He plans to remove his music from Spotify, joining local artist Alison Hawkins, who took similar action back in 2022. Instead, Bridges intends to distribute his music on the rival streaming service Tidal.
These musicians agree that generative AI has no place in music creation. They advocate for labeling AI-generated content and encourage consumers to “buy and own their songs” instead of streaming them.
Environmental Concerns
Hawkins raises an additional concern regarding the environmental impact of AI technology:
“Water is being used to make AI, and we already have an environmental crisis,” she pointed out. She urges a shift toward collaborating with real human artists rather than relying on AI systems.
Industry Response
In response to these concerns, a Spotify spokesperson acknowledged the existence of AI-generated content on various platforms, including Apple and YouTube Music. They stated:
“AI technology is advancing quickly, bringing both new creative possibilities and challenges for the music industry,” highlighting the necessity for collaboration to protect creativity while allowing innovation.
Spotify has introduced new protections for artists, songwriters, and producers against AI-driven spam and deception. They are supporting a new industry standard for credits, which will visibly indicate when AI has contributed to a piece of music.
As musicians and industry leaders navigate this evolving landscape, the call for regulations and ethical considerations regarding AI in music continues to grow stronger.
