Katy Perry and Miranda Lambert are just two of the more than 200 individuals who have endorsed a letter advocating for musicians’ rights in light of the expanding influence of artificial intelligence.
The letter, initiated by the Artist Rights Alliance, a non-profit organization comprising working musicians, performers, and songwriters dedicated to promoting a thriving creative economy and equitable treatment for all creators in the digital realm, emphasizes the potential of Artificial Intelligence (AI) to enhance human creativity if utilized responsibly. However, it strongly condemns the misuse of AI to undermine artists’ rights, stressing the urgent need to safeguard against the unauthorized use of artists’ work to train AI models, which could lead to the displacement of human artists by AI-generated content, thereby diminishing artists’ earnings significantly.
Prominent figures such as Stevie Wonder, Sheryl Crow, Nicki Minaj, and the estate of Frank Sinatra have lent their support to this cause by signing the letter. Additionally, notable personalities like Mumford & Sons, Imagine Dragons, Sheryl Crow, Johnny Cash’s daughter Rosanne Cash, and Motown legends Stevie Wonder and Smokey Robinson have joined forces to oppose the exploitation of AI in the music industry.
The letter further calls upon AI developers, technology firms, and digital music services to commit to refraining from creating or deploying AI tools that undermine or supplant the artistic contributions of songwriters and musicians, ensuring fair compensation for their creative endeavors.
In a related development, the Human Artistry Campaign, of which the Artist Rights Alliance is a part, recently celebrated the enactment of the ELVIS Act in Tennessee, a legislation that safeguards artists’ rights, including protections against AI infringement. Country music star Luke Bryan commended this legislative milestone, highlighting the significance of Tennessee’s commitment to protecting artists’ intellectual property. The ELVIS Act, which recognizes vocal likeness as a property right in addition to name, photographs, and likeness, received unanimous approval in the state General Assembly. This bill also introduces legal provisions to hold accountable those who exploit an individual’s voice or likeness without consent, including the unauthorized use of technology to replicate an artist’s attributes.
By championing these initiatives, the music industry aims to uphold the integrity of artistic expression and ensure that artists receive due recognition and compensation for their creative output in an era marked by technological advancements and evolving digital landscapes.
