A wave of protest is surging through the music industry, with over 13,500 artists, including iconic names like ABBA, The Cure, and Radiohead, signing a letter denouncing the use of their creative work to train artificial intelligence tools. This move represents the latest escalation in a growing debate about AI’s impact on the creative world.
The letter, spearheaded by the organization Fairly Trained, expresses grave concerns about the unlicensed use of creative works for AI training. It argues that such practices pose a significant and unfair threat to the livelihoods of artists, composers, and writers.
“The unlicensed use of creative works for training generative AI is a major, unjust threat to the livelihoods of the people behind those works, and must not be permitted,” the statement asserts.
Among the prominent signatories are Björn Ulvaeus of ABBA, Robert Smith of The Cure, Thom Yorke and his Radiohead bandmates, composers John Rutter and Max Richter, and Nobel-winning novelist Kazuo Ishiguro. Actors Julianne Moore, Kevin Bacon, Rosario Dawson, and Kate McKinnon have also joined the movement.
The statement calls on policymakers to prioritize strong copyright protections, emphasizing the importance of safeguarding a healthy future for the creative industries. “To achieve the benefits of AI for creativity, we urge policymakers not to lose sight of the need for strong copyright protections,” stated Gee Davy, the interim CEO for the Association of Independent Music.
This protest follows a series of legal challenges and public outcry from artists who feel their work is being exploited by AI models. Nick Cave, for instance, has famously condemned ChatGPT’s songwriting capabilities, describing it as “grotesque” and an “insult to the human spirit.”
Earlier this year, over 200 artists, including Stevie Wonder, Billie Eilish, Nicki Minaj, R.E.M., and the estates of Bob Marley and Frank Sinatra, signed a letter calling for AI companies to cease using their work without consent. They argued that AI has the potential to enhance creativity but is being used to exploit artists, undermine their rights, and devalue their work.
While many artists oppose the use of their work to train AI, some, like Canadian electro artist Grimes, have embraced the potential of AI in music. Grimes believes streaming services should have a “creative commons” model and has encouraged fans to use her voice for AI projects, sharing royalties from successful endeavors.
DJ David Guetta has also publicly supported the use of AI tools in music, while legendary producer Nile Rodgers acknowledges the ethical concerns regarding AI-generated vocals while championing its potential for artistic expression and musical innovation.
The debate over AI and the creative world is complex and evolving. As AI technology continues to develop, the question of how it should be used and regulated will continue to be at the forefront of discussions. The protest by over 13,500 artists underscores the urgency of finding solutions that protect the livelihoods of creatives while harnessing the transformative power of AI.
