MELBOURNE – The Australian music industry is making a significant change: starting next week, tracks that are completely made by artificial intelligence (AI) will not be allowed on official music charts. This decision comes as new AI technologies are becoming more popular, raising concerns about how they could affect musicians and their careers.
One reason for this move is a recent hit song that is a version of Madonna’s classic “Like a Prayer.” An Australian producer used AI to create the song, and it has been in the top 20 of the Australian charts for 16 weeks, even reaching number two at one point. This success has sparked a lot of discussions about the role of AI in music.
From Monday, any song that is entirely created by AI will be banned from the Australian Record Industry Association (ARIA) charts. However, songs that are partially made with AI tools but still have significant human elements will still be eligible. For example, songs must have been written by humans and feature human vocals and instruments to qualify.
Moreover, AI-generated music will also be disqualified from the prestigious ARIA awards, which honor the best in the Australian music industry.
Annabelle Herd, the CEO of ARIA, stated, “These changes show that we want to keep up with the times while also valuing the human aspect of music creation.” She emphasized that the charts should reflect the music Australians genuinely connect with, and allowing unlicensed AI-generated tracks could undermine the industry.
Eligible songs must also be produced using legal AI tools. There have been instances where music appeared on streaming platforms, seemingly created using AI trained on artists’ music without permission.
This new rule aligns with guidelines introduced by the International Federation of the Phonographic Industry (IFPI) in London, which represents the global recording industry. Their guidelines also stress that to qualify for charts, tracks must be primarily human-made.
Alexis Weaver, a composer and lecturer at the Sydney Conservatorium of Music, shared her thoughts with the Australian Broadcasting Corporation, saying that the conversation around AI in music is complex and emotional for many artists. She praised ARIA’s decision as a positive step that highlights the importance of human creativity in music.
Weaver also noted, “In today’s landscape, it can be challenging to avoid using AI tools. However, it’s essential to ensure that human creativity remains at the forefront.”
