How artists can compete: AI Guaranteed to take over Music

Artificial intelligence or AI is set to shake the music industry in unprecedented ways. With  AI variants of popular artists like Drake and Jay Z  making their rounds across the web the question many are asking is, what does this mean for the music industry? Unfortunately, the answer is everything. The music industry rakes in $26 billion a year in global revenue according to IFPI reports. Of this revenue, artists are seeing about 12 percent or 3 billion. The cost for artists to create and market music has ballooned over the years now labels have the opportunity to save major money!

How AI will disrupt the Music Industry

Producer, educator, and Youtuber, Rick Beato predicts that AI will disrupt the music industry similarly to how MP3s did in the late 90’s. “College kids starting sharing mp3s. The labels didn’t know what to do about it.” “Everybody went insane and the music industry completely fell off a cliff.” 

When the MP3 came the music industry was seeing record losses in revenue until streaming came along years later. A disruption that completely changed the way the music industry conducted business. Beato continues to say that AI isn’t going anywhere. Eventually, major labels will create their own AI artists and get rid of the human element altogether. If that sounds too “sci-fi” for you then I suggest you take a good look at the times we are in. Another prediction he made was that streaming companies like Spotify and Apple will also begin to create their own AI artist. Considering the turmoils history between streaming companies and record labels it’s not hard to believe.   

Surviving AI

Long story short businesses want to make as much money as they can. Artists are underpaid as is. Now that companies can create music way cheaper and with less drama, they will. On top of that, it will work. As Beato said in his video, “People don’t care.” As long as people are being entertained they could care less about who, what, and how. So should aspiring artists just throw in the towel? Absolutely not!

Even though the industry is in the midst of a giant shift that doesn’t mean real artists should pack it in. There will always be a market for real creators. 

AI Proof your Career Now

The first step artists must take is to understand exactly where everything is going and when. At this juncture, the legal boundaries of AI are still fluctuating. Artists need to take legal ownership of their likenesses. You cannot copyright your voice but you can trademark your likeness. That way no entity can pass off any work as yours, AI or otherwise. 

Prioritize Live Performance Experiences

The one thing AI can’t do is interact with fans in the real world. VR goggles won’t replace a fan being able to touch and meet a real artist. Live performances will mean more now than ever before. Artists should focus on creating an experience that only they can provide in real-time. Not just on stage, but anytime they have an opportunity to get face-to-face with people.

Focus on your Human Brand

That leads us to the last point. Artists are going to have to be more transparent than ever in the coming years to truly stand out. They must utilize social media to show their human side outside of music. One of the reasons artists like Cardi B were able to succeed in the music industry is because people genuinely like her. She was fun to watch! Her bubbly personality, authenticity, and sex appeal drew people to her long before Bodak Yellow dropped. Artists need to display their personalities. Let the audience get peeks into their everyday lives.

What do you think? Leave a comment about how you think AI will shift the music industry