How do record labels react to AI music
How do record labels react to AI music
In my latest blog post, I wrote about what a producer’s job involves. Or mainly about my own work and what I do as a producer. But now I’m going back a little towards the original topic, or perhaps somewhere between the two.
I’m going to talk about record labels and AI, and how record labels react to AI music. I’m sure this is something quite a few musicians have been wondering about. Of course, these observations come only from my own conversations with record labels. And there are a huge number of labels around the world, so this certainly doesn’t represent all of their views.
The first question from record labels: was AI used in the music?
Lately, I’ve been in fairly close contact with several record labels about my own music. So I’ve been sending out a lot of demos.
What has surprised me is that every label that has shown interest in my music and asked further questions has asked the same thing in one form or another: was AI used in this? And straight after that, where and how much?
Several labels have also said that even purchased samples aren’t allowed. I find this strange too, because my understanding is that they’re used in almost every song. I also use various cinematic sound effects to bring a little excitement and life to my tracks.
This is quite interesting, because these labels won’t sign new artists if AI has been used in their music. Again, I want to stress that I’m only talking about the labels that have given me these responses.
Many of the labels I’ve come across also have clear guidelines saying that AI music is not allowed. But then again, if an artist is already signed to a label, are they allowed to use AI in their music?
What if a song made with AI is played and recorded again?
I should mention at this point that I don’t use AI in any form to make my own music. I do everything the old way. But I don’t judge people who use it. As I’ve said in these blog posts, making music is what matters most.
This got me thinking. What if an artist creates a song using AI, for example, and then reworks it by replacing all the instruments with MIDI instruments or real instruments and playing everything again? We’re then in a situation where AI has created the foundation, but a person has put the flesh on the bones, so to speak.
Is this allowed? If someone does work this way, I would still recommend changing the song a little so that the same song doesn’t turn up somewhere else.
Because this is actually something I already do for several artists as a producer. A client comes into the studio with a song made in Suno, and we start turning it into something that sounds like real music. This is usually where some people get upset, but I still believe that music is for everyone.
Record labels, Suno and the contradiction around AI music
Before this goes off in the wrong direction, I want to give a little more thought to the use of AI in music. Many labels I’ve come across don’t allow AI music, while some labels have made agreements with companies such as Suno.
So could it be that some labels want to maximise their profits and have no problem using AI in music production? And how do artists feel about it if their label suggests making AI music for them?
Of course, I know the world is changing, and it always has been. Although many artists hate AI music and oppose it, people adapt. If it’s pushed at us day after day and hour after hour, nobody has the energy to keep hating it forever. Everyone gets used to it eventually. But if we also have real music available as an alternative, this conflict will continue far into the future.
AI music needs ground rules from a producer’s point of view too
So how do I see this as a producer? In a way, I’m quite pleased that limits are being placed on AI music. Or perhaps what I’m getting at is that there should be some ground rules.
For me, it doesn’t really matter whether I’m producing a song made with AI, a song played on real instruments or music made entirely on a computer. Perhaps the point I want to make is that an artist should be able to be happy and make music, and as a producer, I want to support them.
So, to finish, here are my own thoughts. Is competition among record labels so tough that they need to be absolutely sure an artist they sign can create their own music? I understand the thinking, because if I make one or two great singles, but everything I produce after that is completely forgettable, that probably doesn’t do much for a record label’s business model.
If you haven’t read the previous post yet, go check it out: What Does a Music Producer Actually Do
PS. Check out my shop page you'll find T-shirts and samples, straight from the studio.
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