Impact of AI on Music Sector Workers Revealed in New Study

A recent study has revealed that individuals working in the music industry could lose nearly a quarter of their income due to the rise of Artificial Intelligence (AI) over the next four years. This report is part of the first global economic analysis conducted by the International Confederation of Societies of Authors and Composers (CISAC), which aims to explore how AI affects human creativity.

According to the findings, if no action is taken by policymakers, music sector workers may experience a decline in earnings of over 20%. Meanwhile, AI developers within the music field are projected to see their profits balloon to €4 billion, which is a significant rise from just €0.1 billion in 2023, as reported by The Guardian.

The current annual market for generative AI is about €3 billion, but estimates suggest it could soar to €64 billion by 2028. This rapid growth raises concerns about the implications for creative professionals in music.

Threats Posed by AI

The study highlights several risks that AI poses to music creators, particularly in the absence of effective regulatory frameworks in most countries. These risks include reduced job opportunities and the unauthorized use of artists' works to train AI models, leading to a diminishment of rights for the original creators.

Notable figures in the music industry, such as former ABBA member Björn Ulvaeus, have commented on the findings. He states, “AI has the power to unlock new and exciting opportunities – but we have to accept that, if badly regulated, generative AI also has the power to cause great damage to human creators, to their careers and livelihoods.”

The Director General of CISAC, Gadi Oron, emphasized the need for policymakers to make informed decisions regarding the regulation of AI. He believes the study reveals a significant flaw in the market where creators' works are often appropriated unfairly and unethically. Oron stated, “Which of these two scenarios will be the outcome? This will be determined in large part by the choices made by policymakers, in legislative reviews that are going on across the world right now.”

Recent Actions Against AI in Creativity

The conversation around AI's role in creative sectors has seen increased participation from well-known artists. In April, artists like Billie Eilish, Robert Smith, Stevie Wonder, and Nicki Minaj co-signed an open letter warning against the reckless use of AI that could harm creators.

Furthermore, a new bill was passed in Tennessee aimed at protecting musicians from AI-generated deepfakes, which gained attention after graphic AI images of Taylor Swift circulated online earlier this year. Other prominent figures in the industry, including Radiohead's Thom Yorke and Björn Ulvaeus, have expressed their opposition to employing creatives' works for AI training.

Concerns have been echoed by figures like Mark Zuckerberg, who commented that while AI could produce interesting tracks, they may lack soul. David Attenborough also voiced his discomfort regarding an AI clone of his voice, describing it as profoundly disturbing.

AI, music, income, creators, policymakers