The CEO of the Grammys expresses concerns about AI in the music industry

A few months ago, Harvey Mason Jr., CEO of the Recording Academy, made headlines with his announcement that the prestigious Grammy Awards would start accepting music created with artificial intelligence. Initially met with confusion, Mason later clarified that while only humans can submit works for the awards, AI can be used in the creative process.

“It’s a bit of a fine line, but that’s going to evolve,” Mason said regarding the Academy’s approach to AI in music. “I hope that we can continue to celebrate human creativity at the highest level.”

The rise of AI has impacted the arts just as it has Silicon Valley, prompting widespread concern about its implications. Questions about AI replacing human roles, copyright issues, royalties, and the value of individual craftsmanship are at the forefront. Mason noted that the industry is divided: some are anxious and fearful, while others are excited and optimistic. Artists are taking varied approaches, from sending cease-and-desist letters to remove unauthorized deepfakes of themselves to embracing AI versions—provided they receive compensation.

“I firmly believe that AI should not have a place in music,” musician Devante told. “AI should be limited to simple, everyday tasks. As an artist, the idea that AI is taking over is very real. Music is my world, and now it’s alarmingly easy for someone to pretend to be what I’ve spent my whole life becoming.”

On the other hand, a separate artist who chose to remain nameless and works for a large tech business gave TechCrunch a different perspective. He remarked, “A lot of musicians, especially those who haven’t made it big yet, have a negative outlook on AI.” In the same way that the Industrial Revolution did not result in mass unemployment but rather the contrary, more artists—especially musicians—should use AI and change their viewpoint.

According to Mason, AI is already being utilized in music, particularly for mastering and equalizing sounds. The industry’s primary concerns include ensuring proper authorization for using an artist’s work, distinguishing between human and AI contributions, and ensuring fair compensation for artists, whether related to copyright or likeness. Additionally, there is a focus on implementing these protections consistently across the industry.

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The CEO of the Grammys expresses concerns about AI in the music industry

September 2, 2024

Mason co-founded the Human Artistry Campaign to address these concerns and advocate for stronger regulations on AI use. He played a role in the passage of the ELVIS Act in Tennessee, which provides artists with greater protection against the unauthorized use of their voices. Additionally, he supports the No AI Fraud Act and the No FAKES Act, which aim to safeguard creators’ likenesses from AI-generated fakes.

The urgency of these issues is underscored by recent events. This month, Donald Trump faced legal complications after using unauthorized AI images of Taylor Swift to promote his presidential campaign. Due to the ELVIS Act’s novelty, there are no precedents for how it might be applied to protect artists like Swift in such cases. Mason declined to comment on the situation at that time.

The push for more legislation in the music industry is particularly notable given the broader debate in Silicon Valley. Some AI proponents in the U.S. advocate for a more hands-off approach during the technology’s early stages, arguing that excessive regulations could stifle innovation. Conversely, others are concerned with the societal impact of unchecked AI and are pushing for protective measures. This debate is ongoing, with governments across the U.S. and on a national level grappling with these issues.

Devante, the artist, believes there is a gap between the current regulatory efforts for AI and what needs to be done. He advocates for either slowing down AI development or creating innovations to protect music, such as filters to distinguish AI-generated vocals from human ones.

Mason echoed these concerns, stating, “In our industry and the creative community, there remains significant uncertainty due to the lack of adequate protections.”

When Mason first became president of the Recording Academy in 2020, AI was not a prominent issue. However, by 2023, the landscape shifted dramatically. A deepfake song using unauthorized AI vocals of Drake and the Weeknd went viral, leading to discussions about potentially submitting it for a Grammy. The Academy had to quickly adapt to this unprecedented situation. “That was when we had to start paying close attention,” Mason said.

The song featuring unauthorized AI vocals was ruled ineligible for the Grammys and removed, but its impact persisted. The most notable AI incident since then ironically involved Drake again. During his feud with Kendrick Lamar, Drake used unauthorized AI vocals of the late Tupac Shakur in a diss track against Lamar, leading to a lawsuit threat from Tupac’s estate for unauthorized use of his likeness.

In a separate development, producer Metro Boomin, who also has issues with Drake, released an AI-generated song titled “BBL Drizzy.” Fans enjoyed the track even after discovering it was created by AI. Mason noted that consumers may not always recognize or check if a piece of music involves AI. This lack of awareness among listeners underscores the importance of protecting creators.

Devante, the artist, shared this sentiment, saying, “I don’t think people care about what they consume. It’s like a ‘not me, not my problem’ mentality.”

Mason is optimistic that humans will adapt to AI in a similar way to how they have adjusted to previous technological advancements. Just as artists once had to learn to use synthesizers or navigate the complexities of sampling music—where unauthorized use was initially a problem but eventually led to standard practices for credit and royalties—he believes the industry will find its way with AI.

 Mason stated of AI, “We’ll make great music with the new technology.” “However, I just want to make sure that it’s done fairly for the people who created it.”