Dierks Bentley’s band has at times utilized artificial intelligence tools to create album critiques or artwork for The Hot Country Knights, their alternate persona, to pass the time during extended bus journeys.
According to guitarist Charlie Worsham, there is still a lack of full comprehension of The Warm Country Knights by AI.
While Music Row may not completely grasp AI, the rising technology is inspiring early adopters and tech enthusiasts to explore its capabilities. It is being used to assess how Dierks Bentley’s vocals could harmonize with a new track or jump-start an unfinished verse. However, it has also instilled a notable level of apprehension among industry insiders who fear being entirely replaced and artists who are concerned about potential exploitation of their voices.
During an ASCAP panel discussion on AI held on November 7, one participant mentioned, “As a songwriter, I see the advantage of not having to spend a fortune on demo singers.” Some individuals also expressed concerns about their job security, particularly demo singers feeling displaced by AI technology.
One of the AI presentations hosted by ASCAP at Nashville’s Twelve Thirty Club post the ASCAP Country Music Awards aimed to educate the Music City community about the evolving landscape of technology. The panel, moderated by songwriter-producer Chris DeStefano (“At the End of a Bar”) and “That’s My Kind of Night,” delved into the future creative possibilities, the ongoing legitimate discussions surrounding AI, and the ethical dilemmas it poses.
Notable instances of AI leveraging the voices of public figures in songs have primarily focused on innovative applications of their vocals. For example, in a well-known case, hip-hop artist Drake’s voice was replicated in a cover of “Bubbly” by Colbie Caillat, who unveiled her debut album, Along the Way, on September 22.
Reflecting on this trend during CMA Week activities, Caillat remarked, “Definitely bizarre.” She expressed reservations about this practice, believing it oversimplifies the creative process.
Despite these concerns, ASCAP presenters outlined various ethical ways to harness AI’s potential without infringing on someone else’s artistic expression. Chris DeStefano highlighted how he elevates his tracks using the Artificial system Isotope, which identifies his mixing preferences. Curtiss King, an independent hip-hop artist, has utilized AI for tasks like generating social media video concepts or graphic designs that he couldn’t afford to outsource. Singer-songwriter Anna Vaus employed AI to craft a 30-day social media strategy for her song “Halloween on Christmas Eve” and to tweak her bio and press releases, emphasizing that such tasks do not ignite her passion. She mentioned that this approach allows her more time to “reflect on my personal experiences in solitude.”
The rapid advancements in certain music genres are outpacing regulatory frameworks, prompting entertainment lawyers and the Copyright Office to address issues such as unauthorized use of voices belonging to artists like Drake or Tom Cruise. These cases underscore the application of trademark law’s fair use doctrine, which permits creators to manipulate existing works as long as the derivative work does not harm the market value of the original, as highlighted by Sheppard Mullin partner Dan Schnapp during the ASCAP legal panel. Unauthorized use of Drake’s voice in a song he previously recorded could impact his market opportunities and royalty payments.
While collaborations between humans and AI present complexities in legal interpretation, the Copyright Office has refrained from granting trademark protection to AI-generated works. Emily Chapuis, deputy general counsel for the U.S. Copyright Office, cited an instance involving a comic book authored by an AI-assisted individual, where rights were granted for the text but not the images.
Legal experts are also exploring the creator’s ability to control the use of their work through privacy rights and “moral rights.”
During the legal panel discussion, Schnapp emphasized, “You can’t expect the law to keep pace with technology.” The current AI wave represents one of the most transformative advancements in the artistic realm, with implications that are rapidly unfolding.
This technological evolution has sparked concerns among creators. Carolyn Dawn Johnson raised the question of whether artists should refrain from using smartphones during writing sessions, as AI could potentially generate content that infringes on copyrighted material. This issue remains unresolved.
Despite the uncertainties, Nashville musicians are beginning to integrate AI into various aspects of their work. For instance, Restless Road used AI to harmonize songwriter demos and determine their compatibility with the band’s sound. Elvie Shane drew inspiration from a robot interaction to compose the track “Appalachian Science” addressing the meth epidemic. Chase Matthew was persuaded to record a track by his producer after hearing an AI-generated version of his vocals. Kevin Griffin of Better Than Ezra sought AI suggestions for subsequent verses in his songwriting process, noting that while most ideas were rough, a few proved invaluable in refining his compositions.
While skeptics raise valid concerns, history has shown that technological advancements like CDs, file sharing, and drum machines have eventually adapted to market demands. Early adopters of AI believe it enhances creativity and productivity, despite the anxieties it may evoke.
As Curtiss King aptly put it, “It’s always one step behind.” AI has provided a creative stimulus for him to explore new horizons and innovate based on his unique vision, leveraging predictive insights while maintaining his inventive edge.
In his reflections at the ASCAP event, songwriter Kevin Kadish broadened the discussion on AI’s implications, expressing greater apprehension about its impact on personal privacy and broader societal issues beyond music.
