The boss of record label trade body BPI has responded to the statement published yesterday by the UK's Council Of Music Makers regarding music and AI.
She stresses that record labels are busy exploring the opportunities presented by artificial intelligence while seeking to ensure that the technology companies respect copyright, insisting that "safeguarding human artistry and the interests of creators is front and centre" in all that work.
The CMM brings together UK organisations representing artists, musicians, songwriters, studio producers and music managers, and yesterday it published five fundamentals that it said should be met as music AI tools and platforms are developed. The key demand is that music-maker consent is sought before any recording or song is used to train an AI model.
When it comes to the obligations of AI companies, the wider music community is pretty much aligned. Those companies must secure licences before making use of existing music and should be fully transparent about what music they have used. The Human Artistry Campaign, which makes those demands, is backed by both music companies and music-makers.
However, the music-maker community is also seeking reassurance from their business partners in the music industry that each artist and songwriter will have control over whether or not their music is used by AI companies, even when they do not own the copyright in their works.
Some music companies have made that commitment or at least implied it. But in many cases, it remains unclear how music companies intend to manage the licensing of AI platforms.
Many labels point out that - although generative AI technologies are evolving fast - it is still early days, and it's not yet clear where the commercial opportunities really lie in AI. While that is true, it's likely that the CMM organisations would argue that that doesn't stop music companies from making commitments regarding music-maker consent.
Responding to the CMM's AI fundamentals, BPI CEO Jo Twist says: “Music and tech innovation have always worked hand in hand. AI is no different and offers exciting opportunities, as well as new challenges that could adversely impact creators and rightsholders if the right balance is not struck".
"That is why", she goes on, "with AI developing at pace, record labels are focused on exploring opportunities to harness this technology and enable further innovation, growth and support for artists, without undermining the strong rights framework that underpins the global success achieved by British music".
"Safeguarding human artistry and the interests of creators is front and centre in all of this", she concludes, "and the BPI and its members look forward to maintaining open discussions with our colleagues across the music sector as we navigate the dynamic landscape of AI opportunities".
