In a recent update to their rules, the Recording Academy made it clear that artificial intelligence (AI)-created music will not be eligible for one of the music industry’s most prestigious awards, the Grammy. According to Variety, the new guidelines state that only human creators can be considered for the award. Any piece of work that lacks human authorship is considered ineligible across all categories. However, artists are still experimenting with AI tools to push the boundaries of music creation.
The Grammy Awards: No Recognition for AI-Created Music
While musicians can incorporate AI into their creative process. The work they submit for Grammy consideration must hold meaning and be more than minimal in its human contribution. This means that despite the advancements in AI-generated music, it will not qualify for recognition at the upcoming Grammy Awards scheduled for January 31.
Nevertheless, artists continue to explore the possibilities of AI in their musical endeavours. Paul McCartney, for example, has revealed his use of AI to create what he calls the “final Beatles record.” He shared with the BBC that he is extracting the voice of John Lennon from an old demo recording using AI technology.
The world briefly experienced the uncanny resemblance of AI-generated music to real artists when an AI-generated song mimicking the voices of rapper Drake and R&B/pop artist The Weeknd went viral in April. The track gained immense popularity on platforms like TikTok, YouTube, and Spotify. Unfortunately, it was later removed due to copyright claims filed by Universal Music Group.
AI technologies have been in existence for years, but their rapid advancement has caused them to permeate everyday life. OpenAI’s ChatGPT and Dall-E have paved the way for a surge in generative AI tools. Products offered by tech giants like Microsoft, Google, and Adobe. While these tools hold vast potential in assisting with various tasks. Concerns have emerged regarding job displacement and the spread of disinformation. The impact of advanced AI systems on society has also raised apprehensions.
In the realm of music, the Recording Academy’s decision to exclude AI-created music from Grammy consideration highlights the ongoing debate surrounding the role of AI in artistic expression. As technology continues to evolve, it will be crucial to navigate the balance between human creativity and the capabilities of AI to shape a future where both can coexist harmoniously.
