John Legend, the renowned singer-songwriter, has shared his perspective on the growing influence of AI in the music industry. During an interview at the Cannes Lions festival, Legend acknowledged the widespread use of AI as a co-writing tool among songwriters, stating, “Oh it’s out there. A lot of songwriters are using it as a co-writing tool probably already.”
Everything you need to know:
✓ AI is a co-writing tools gaining popularity among songwriters.
✓ Copyright concerns over AI training on copyrighted material.
✓ Ongoing discussions shaping future of AI in music.
John Legend acknowledges the inevitability of AI in songwriting
While Legend hasn’t personally released any songs co-written with AI, he acknowledged the inevitability of this trend, saying: “And if they aren’t now, they probably will. Really I’ve tried just for fun, but I haven’t actually made any songs that I put out that were co-written with AI. But I think that’s going to happen, if it’s not already happening.”
Legend’s comments highlight the growing adoption of AI in the creative process, as songwriters and musicians explore the potential of these tools to enhance their craft.
Read more: The 8 best (free) AI music generators in 2024
The music industry grapples with AI and copyright concerns
However, the use of AI in music creation has also raised concerns about copyright infringement, as AI models are often trained on copyrighted material without proper licensing or compensation for the original creators.
The music industry has been grappling with these issues, with major labels like Universal Music Group taking a firm stance against AI systems scraping their music without permission. Lawsuits have been filed by artists and companies like Getty Images, alleging copyright infringement and demanding compensation for the use of their work in training AI models.
As the debate around AI and copyright continues, experts are proposing new frameworks, such as the “fair learning” standard, to balance the need for innovation with the protection of intellectual property rights. The future of AI in music will likely be shaped by these ongoing discussions and the development of new regulations and licensing models.
Legend’s commitment to political activism and shaping the future of AI in music
In addition to addressing AI in music, Legend also reaffirmed his commitment to speaking out on political issues, including reproductive rights, despite potential backlash. He emphasized the importance of men’s voices in the conversation, stating, “I think men should speak up about it as well: because it affects us too.”
Legend’s wife, Chrissy Teigen, also weighed in on their past social media clashes with former President Donald Trump, calling him “unhinged” and expressing the need to prevent him from returning to the White House.
As the music industry continues to navigate the challenges and opportunities presented by AI, voices like John Legend’s will play a crucial role in shaping the discourse and advocating for responsible and ethical practices.
