The rise of artificial intelligence in the music industry is reshaping how music is created, consumed and owned, sparking both excitement and controversy. What was once a realm for traditional instruments and human creativity is increasingly being augmented by AI technology, creating music in the styles of famous artists, cloning voices and even generating new songs entirely. While this shift presents new possibilities, it also raises pressing concerns around intellectual property, ethical issues and the future of human artistry in a rapidly evolving digital landscape.
Early AI experiments in music were relatively simple. In 2016, the AI program Flow Machines composed “Daddy’s Car,” a Beatles-inspired song. While charming, it lacked the nuance and originality of the Fab Four, functioning more as a technical curiosity than a true artistic breakthrough. Fast forward to 2023 and AI-generated music has evolved significantly. The Beatles even went back and used AI to clean up and finish a partially recorded song called “Now and Then”. Programs like OpenAI’s Jukebox can now produce highly convincing tracks that mimic the style of artists ranging from Frank Sinatra to Drake.
The allure of AI in music is in its ability to assist creators, offering a fresh set of tools for musicians, producers and songwriters. In this way, it could be argued that AI is merely a technological advancement in production and is no different than using technology such as auto-tune to alter the sound of a song digitally.
Artists like Grimes have embraced the technology, allowing fans to use AI versions of her voice to create and profit from new compositions. By opening her music to AI manipulation, Grimes has demonstrated one way to integrate AI into the music-making process, acknowledging its potential for both creative freedom and financial benefit.
However, the lines between homage and imitation blur as AI becomes increasingly sophisticated. In 2023, the viral song “Heart on My Sleeve,” which seemed like a collaboration between Drake and The Weeknd, was revealed to be generated using AI. The track, which mimicked the artists’ vocal styles and production, raised alarms across the industry. Neither Drake nor The Weeknd were involved in the creation, yet the song gained traction and millions of streams, highlighting the risks of unauthorized AI use.
The ability of AI to replicate the voices and styles of famous artists without their consent has sparked debate regarding the ethicality of using AI to mimic specific artists. AI-generated music has raised questions about intellectual property rights and voice cloning as artists’ concerns about exploitation and the loss of control over one’s likeness have grown.
The Recording Industry Association of America and other industry groups have advocated for stronger regulations to prevent the unauthorized use of artists’ voices and likenesses in AI-generated content. This push is not just about protecting individual artists but also preserving the unique qualities that make each performer special and feel inclined to create their own art.
One example of legislative action in this space is the ELVIS Act, passed in Tennessee in 2024, which aims to protect performers from having their voices and likenesses exploited through AI technology. This is the first law specifically designed to guard against AI-driven impersonation, marking a significant step in regulating the use of AI in the entertainment industry. However, the law’s broad language has raised concerns about inadvertently affecting legitimate forms of artistic expression, such as biopics or cover bands, which also involve mimicking famous artists.
Regulating AI in the music industry is complicated by the global nature of the technology and the rapid pace of its development. Laws that protect intellectual property rights, like copyright, often struggle to keep up with innovations in AI. Copyright laws were not designed with machine learning in mind, and as a result, artists and companies are left to navigate a legal landscape that lacks clear guidelines for AI-generated content.
In addition to the legal challenges, there is also a philosophical debate about what constitutes ‘authentic’ music. As AI continues to improve, it becomes harder to distinguish between human-created and AI-generated songs. While some view this as an exciting frontier for creativity, others worry that it may devalue human artistry, turning unique voices into easily replicable templates. This anxiety is particularly pronounced in genres like hip-hop and blues, where AI-generated content has sometimes been accused of cultural appropriation or misrepresentation.
The future of AI in music lies in finding a balance between innovation and protection. While AI offers tremendous creative potential — helping artists produce new sounds, restore lost voices and even assist in the songwriting process — its unchecked use could undermine the rights of creators. As the industry grapples with these challenges, it is clear that collaboration between lawmakers, artists and tech companies will be essential in shaping a future where AI can be used responsibly.