An unidentified music producer known as Ghostwriter made his TikTok debut in April, concealing his identity behind a white strip and glasses. His first release, “Heart on My Jacket,” marked a significant milestone in the music scene, showcasing the advancements in Artificial music and the new challenges and opportunities it presents to artists. The track utilized an artificial intelligence voice filter, masking Ghostwriter’s unique tone with that of popular artists like Drake and The Weeknd.
This unconventional approach highlighted the struggle even established artists like Drake and The Weeknd face in controlling the use of their voice and image in the age of AI. Despite Universal Music Group’s (UMG) swift action to remove the song due to concerns of “infringing content created with generative AI,” fans continued to share it on platforms like TikTok and YouTube. Ghostwriter, reflecting on the situation in a Billboard cover story, emphasized that once unleashed, such innovations cannot be easily contained.
The release of “Heart on My Jacket” prompted discussions within the industry about the limitations of existing “right of publicity” laws that safeguard artists from unauthorized commercial exploitation of their identity. Unlike trademark infringement, there was no established protocol for issuing takedown notices in such cases at the time of the song’s release. Jeffrey Harleston from UMG advocated for a “federal right of publicity” during discussions with the Senate Judiciary Committee to address these concerns and protect artists’ rights.
While some view Ghostwriter’s work as groundbreaking, others like artist-producer Grimes see it as a form of artistic evolution. Grimes introduced GrimesAI, a tool that allows users to manipulate their voices to sound like hers, emphasizing the fusion of human creativity with technology. Similarly, YouTube’s Fantasy Track program, developed in collaboration with UMG and Warner Music Group, enables viewers to experiment with the voices of various artists.
The integration of AI technology in music creation is expanding, with publishers and artists using AI models to enhance songwriting and production processes. AI-generated tracks are being pitched to artists, with AI voice technology being utilized to customize music experiences for listeners. Artists like Lauv have embraced AI collaboration, transforming their songs into different languages using AI voice models.
The potential applications of AI in the music industry are vast, with initiatives like AI-generated beats, functional music tailored for specific purposes like relaxation or focus, and AI voice model development paving the way for innovative music experiences. Despite operational and legal challenges, Ghostwriter’s team remains committed to exploring the possibilities of AI in music production. Their upcoming release, “Whiplash,” featuring AI tones of Travis Scott and 21 Savage, underscores the need for collaborative efforts within the industry to navigate the evolving landscape of AI in music creation.
This article was originally featured in Billboard’s December 9, 2023, edition.
