YouTube is apparently working on a new AI tool that could give content creators the ability to produce songs using the voices of famous singers and musicians.
This is evident from a recent Bloomberg reportthe platform has approached several record labels with this technology, while negotiations are still ongoing. YouTube is trying to gain rights to use certain songs to train the AI, while also trying not to step on landmines that could get them sued. We are already seeing a similar situation happening OpenAI as it is currently being sued by 17 authorsincluded A song of ice and fire creator George RR Martin, all of whom claim that ChatGPT is using their work illegally. Bloomberg states that musicians and labels want to maintain control over their work so that developers don’t use it “to train models without permission or compensation.”
A beta of this technology was originally going to be shown off at the Made On YouTube event last month. Billboard states in their report the beta would have had a “select pool of artists (give) permission” to certain creators to use their likeness on the platform. Eventually, it would officially launch as a feature that allows anyone to try using the voices of consenting artists.
Mixed reaction
The response from the music industry at large has been mixed. Bloomberg claims that “companies have been receptive” and agreed to work with YouTube on this project. However, Billboard states that record executives have had a difficult time finding artists willing to participate. Some acts are afraid to put their voices in “the hands of unknown creators who could use them to make statements or sing lyrics” they disagree with.
YouTube is trying to position itself as everyone’s best friend – as a partner in helping the music industry figure this whole thing out. However, the sky is gloomy. The industry sees generative AI as an unstoppable force, but it is not an immovable object. Technology is an inevitability they will have to deal with or risk falling behind.
Ray of positivity
There’s another catch regarding publishing. Making music is not a one-man show, entire teams are involved in the production. To solve this, a Billboard source says YouTube will likely give labels one large licensing fee that they’ll have to “figure out how to distribute among songwriters.”
Despite the strict attitude, there is also some positivity. Billboard claims that rights holders will “get a deal done amicably in good faith.” A few artists “recognize that these models can open new avenues for creative expression.” Record executives may be less enthusiastic, as another Billboard source states that AI “could put companies at a disadvantage.”
We’ll just have to wait and see what comes of this. Again, YouTube’s new model could help people explore their creative side, assuming deals are made fairly.
Speaking of production, check out TechRadar’s list of the best free music creation software for 2023.