Australia’s official music charts have banned tracks mostly created by artificial intelligence (AI) following a backlash over a cover of Madonna’s “Like a Prayer” that relied heavily on the burgeoning technology. AI-generated music will also not be considered for recognition at the annual ARIA Music Awards under the new rules, which are set to take effect on Friday. ARIA said it would rely on a labelling system introduced by music industry groups last month to distinguish AI-generated tracks from those that use AI to complement human creativity.
Under the labelling rules announced by a coalition of organisations including the Recording Industry Association of America, tracks may be labelled “AI-Generated” or “AI-Assisted” depending on the level of human involvement in the writing and recording process. Tracks are classed as “AI-Generated” if AI was used to create the “entirety or the primary portion of the creative elements of the recording” and “AI-Assisted” if the technology was used only for “some expressive elements”. ARIA CEO Annabelle Herd said while the music charts should evolve to reflect the legitimate use of AI, they should not recognise music generated “wholesale” by technology that relies on other artists’ work.
ARIA, whose members include major music labels such as Sony Music Entertainment Australia and Universal Music Australia, publishes more than two dozen weekly music charts in Australia, including the top 50 singles and top 50 albums. The industry association’s decision comes after a Brisbane-based DJ’s chart-topping cover of Madonna’s 1989 hit Like a Prayer attracted a backlash over its use of AI-generated vocals and drums. Josh Fawaz last month belatedly acknowledged using AI on the track after music fans and producers raised suspicions that it was not produced by a human.
The cover has racked up more than 48.5 million listens on music streaming platform Spotify and currently ranks number one on the ARIA Top 20 Australian Dance Singles Chart. Fawaz, who has defended the use of AI as a “tool” in his music, described ARIA’s new rules as a “great move”. Good to see Aussie artists killing it globally!!” Fawaz wrote in a social media post responding to the announcement.
Oliver Bown, an associate professor at the University of New South Wales who researches the relationship between technology and art, said the impact of AI on creative industries such as music demands urgent attention. I think this is the right thing to do.” Ivan Zavada, a senior lecturer in composition and music technology at the University of Sydney, said the changes have been widely viewed as a “necessary step” to protect “genuine human musical creativity and performance”. We are living a very exciting yet concerning transition period in the digital and electronic arts.”
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