The Nashville scene is buzzing as AI tools push into songwriting sessions, raising eyebrows and concerns among artists about creativity and livelihoods.
This fall, A.B. Eastwood, a Nashville native and seasoned producer, found himself taken aback when a co-producer suggested integrating an AI platform called Suno into their songwriting session. Midway through crafting a track, an idea surfaced to filter the song through the lens of ’90s R&B using AI. Eastwood, while familiar with AI applications in music post-production, was unsettled by the proposal. “It was the first time I had come face to face with somebody jumping to AI in a session,” he explained over the phone. The use of AI as a creative partner is becoming more commonplace, and the implications are making many in Nashville nervous.
The rise of AI-generated music echoes the disruptive moments in the industry, much like the introduction of Napster or the drum machine. Now, as some major labels experiment with licensed AI tools, others in Nashville perceive these changes as a threat to their artistry and livelihood. Eastwood expressed fears about AI stifling creativity in songwriting. He noted that while getting stuck during a session can be frustrating, it’s often the struggle that leads to unexpected breakthroughs. “It felt like cheating,” he remarked about the session where AI was proposed.
Moreover, the financial ramifications of AI on the music industry are already visible. Eastwood pointed out that certain professionals, like mastering engineers, are seeing less work due to generative AI’s encroachment. “It’s Pandora’s box. It’s open, and it’s not going to close,” he warned. This sentiment resonates with many artists who worry about the long-term impact of AI-generated content.
To address these concerns, Lili McGrady and her team at Humanable have launched a platform aimed at certifying music as human-made, akin to a “certified organic” label. This initiative arose from discussions among Nashville’s artists, many of whom are anxious about AI superseding their work. McGrady noted that a significant portion of royalties could evaporate due to AI and streaming fraud. “That is a loss of over $5 billion a year for the music industry,” she said, underlining the gravity of the situation for artists.
Humanable verifies artists’ identities and requires them to sign affidavits affirming that their work is free from AI influence. The need for such measures is urgent, with artists like Jennie Hayes Kurtz of the duo Brother and the Hayes acknowledging that generative AI threatens the essence of songwriting by undermining genuine creative processes. She highlighted the importance of maintaining authenticity in music education, noting how some students have turned to AI tools for songwriting, which could diminish their creative development.
Despite the pressing challenges, McGrady and Eastwood emphasize the importance of consumer awareness in protecting human creativity in music. They advocate for initiatives that help consumers identify human-made content amidst the growing tide of AI-generated music. As legislation around AI continues to evolve, artists fear that the responsibility for self-protection rests heavily on their shoulders.
As the industry contemplates the growing presence of AI, it’s clear that the fight for the integrity of human artistry is just beginning. While artists face mounting pressure to navigate this new environment, the communal aspect of music — its ability to forge connections — remains a vital element that cannot be replicated by machines. As Hayes aptly stated, “AI cannot do that.”
