Artificial intelligence (AI) has changed the landscape of technology in a great way. It presents challenges for the singers to continue their journey as professionals in the music industry. AI is capable of producing music by utilizing the established voices of music artists and singers with remarkable accuracy and delivering natural-sounding audio. Following the challenges being thrown by AI, over 200 international artists signed an open letter to get immune from the misuse of voices by AI. The letter was signed by Billie Ellish, Stevie Wonder, Nicki Minaj, REM, and many more. They asserted to get an assurance from technology companies that the human voices would not be replaced by AI, earlier this year.
Now, such demands by singers are gaining momentum worldwide. Following the suit, Bollwood singer Kumar Sanu is trying to seek legal protection for his voice. In this regard, the very famous organization ‘Indian Singers and Musicians Rights (ISAMRA)’ Association, which fought for the rights of singers and writers, has come forward to discuss the matter with all stakeholders and come up with a legal solution to safeguard the voices of singers from impersonations. Another popular singer in Bollywood, Shaan, said that we are confident that a concrete clause to patent the voice of singers is underway and will come within a week or two in the public domain.
Many young professionals who are making efforts to cave in music industry express their concerns to protect their voices from the adulteration done by AI. Nikhita Gandhi too wants protection from AI but no laws seem to be clear in this regard to allow her preserving her original voice.
Do they truly fear losing their positions in the music industry? Indeed! They are worried because the traditional paradigms of music creation, performance, and consumption have changed greatly with advancement of AI. AI can create music with perfection but it lacks human connection. Singers are known for expressing feelings through voices where AI struggles to create with that note. It poses challenges to AI for replicating human connections is the key to solace the singers remain confident in their professional journey.
Anusha Mani, a new kid on the block, says confidently that artistic originality and creativity are going to make a difference. Singers are basically judged on these two parameters. AI can create any piece of music, but it lacks the originality of singers, which fails to spark the emotions of music lovers.