Creativity in music more important than AI according to a recent study by IFPI, representing the recording industry worldwide. The research comes from the forthcoming Engaging with Music 2023, IFPI’s global report examining how fans around the world engage with, and feel about, music. With responses from more than 43,000 people across 26 countries, the report is the largest music study of its kind and the most detailed insight into fan thinking.
This year, for the first time, the report includes a section dedicated to artificial intelligence (AI) as the technology’s rapid advancement continues to present both opportunities and challenges for the music business and for artists. What is clear is that fans deeply value authenticity – nearly-eight-in-ten music fans (79%) feel human creativity remains essential to the creation of music.
The Engaging with Music 2023 report findings on AI show that there is already good awareness of AI among music fans, with many using it and interested in its capabilities. It found that 89% of fans are aware of AI with the vast majority supporting the need for transparency in its use either directly or as part of training the system.
For fans aware of generative AI’s ability to take and copy existing artists’ repertoire, authorisation for the use of any artist’s music is seen as absolutely non-negotiable: 76% feel that an artist’s music or vocals should not be used or ingested by AI without permission. Further, 74% agree that AI should not be used to clone or impersonate artists without authorisation. The vast majority of fans also support the need for transparency, as 73% agree that an AI system should clearly list any music that it has used.
Fans also recognise the need to set rules for AI systems: 70% agree there should be restrictions on what AI can do and 64% say governments should play a role in setting restrictions in what AI can do.
IFPI have produced an infographic on the results (free) and it can be downloaded here.
