Gene Simmons Discusses the Impact of A.I. on Music
During a recent appearance on Bloomberg TV, Gene Simmons, the bassist and vocalist of KISS, shared his thoughts on the rising influence of artificial intelligence (A.I.) in the music industry. He highlighted how A.I. music generators utilize machine learning to analyze existing tracks and produce new compositions. Simmons expressed his concerns about the implications of unregulated A.I., particularly in how it relates to the authenticity and ownership of music.
Simmons pointed out that A.I. could create entirely new artists that may not even exist in reality. For instance, he mentioned a country and western star currently topping the charts who is a product of A.I. technology. He stressed the urgency for federal regulations to govern A.I. usage, arguing that without clear laws, the music industry could face significant challenges.
“A.I. is a concern if left unregulated,” Simmons stated. He compared A.I. to a beautiful horse that, if allowed to run wild, could create chaos. He emphasized the need for parameters to control A.I. practices. The KISS frontman urged that the federal government should enact laws that cover A.I. comprehensively to prevent states from exploiting regulatory loopholes. According to him, if A.I. can be legally harnessed in one state, it could undermine the creation of genuine music and art in others.
“You want to address the A.I. issue worldwide to control the rules, the income streams, and the ownership of intellectual property,” he noted. This perspective reflects a growing sentiment among industry professionals about the necessity for clear guidelines as technology continues to evolve.
Simmons first expressed concerns about A.I. in the music business back in July 2023, emphasizing the absence of legislation as a significant issue. He likened entering the world of A.I. to landing on a new planet, where opportunities are abundant but without rules, chaos could ensue. “You need some rules that are kind and beneficial to mankind,” he remarked, highlighting the need for a balanced approach to A.I. regulations.
He also touched upon the complexities surrounding copyright and ownership in cases where A.I. generates music that mimics an artist’s voice. “If A.I. creates a song that sounds just like me, who owns the copyright?” he asked, pointing to the uncharted territories the industry is navigating. He indicated a willingness to negotiate if A.I. were to use his voice for new creations, showing a pragmatic approach to the evolving landscape.
Despite his concerns, Simmons acknowledged that A.I. and technology are here to stay, urging industry professionals to adapt rather than resist. “You either join in and try to figure out how that works with you, or you’re just yesterday’s news,” he commented, reflecting on the need for artists and entrepreneurs to embrace innovation.
In early 2024, KISS made headlines by selling its entire music catalog, likeness, and brand name to Pophouse, a Swedish entertainment group, in a deal reportedly worth over $300 million. As one of the most merchandised bands in history, KISS continues to set trends in the music merchandise and licensing sector, with products available in major retailers worldwide.