"Artist Thom Yorke articulates concerns about AI: he believes it exploits creators and undermines human value in art and economy."
Thom Yorke Slams AI's Impact on Creative Industries in Controversial Interview
In a blunt critique of AI's role in the creative world, Radiohead's frontman, Thom Yorke, has warned that we're veering into a "tech-bro nightmare future" where human creators are exploited to generate AI's "pallid copies." Yorke recently spoke with Electronic Sound regarding his collaboration with electronic artist Mark Pritchard on their project, Tall Tales.
Yorke claims that AI can only mimic human creativity, using stolen original works to create pale imitations. He asserts, "It seems this is what the tech industry does best – devaluing the rest of humanity for their own gain, hidden behind tech."
Despite not explicitly naming any companies or products, it's evident Yorke is referring to AI-powered music generators like Suno and Udio, which reportedly use copyrighted songs to develop their models. While these companies argue their practice falls under "fair use," they're currently involved in a legal battle with the RIAA.
A potential settlement may be on the horizon, as both parties are considering a deal that would involve music labels licensing their work to these generators [Bloomberg].
Joining Yorke in an open letter, ABBA's Bjorn Ulvaeus, composer Max Richter, and actor Julianne Moore, amongst others, have come out against training generative AI models on unlicensed creative works, describing it as a significant threat to their livelihoods.
Meanwhile, artist Jonathan Zawada, who worked with AI in creating a feature-length film for Tall Tales, expresses a mixed view on the technology. While expressing concern for its implications, he feels he can't outright deny or celebrate its usage.
Encounter more insights surrounding this intriguing topic in our interview with Mark Pritchard about the making of Tall Tales.
New Developments
The ongoing dispute between AI-powered music generators and the RIAA reveals evolving negotiations about licensing agreements alongside continued legal battles. Here's a breakdown of the recent advancements:
Key Developments
- Licensing Talks: Major music labels, including Universal, Warner, and Sony, are discussing licensing agreements with Suno and Udio to delineate clear terms for AI's usage while respecting intellectual property boundaries.
- Legal Clashes: The RIAA, on behalf of the major labels, has filed lawsuits against Suno and Udio for copyright infringement due to the use of unauthorized copyrighted sound recordings. While these companies argue for fair use, recent legal developments have cast doubt on this claim.
- Fair Use Concerns: Both the U.S. Copyright Office and a federal district judge have expressed doubts about the fair use defense for AI models trained without consent, implying that the current AI music generator practices may not be legally protected.
- RIAA Actions: In 2024, the RIAA pursued legal action, including lawsuits and over 1,200 takedown requests for unlicensed AI-generated music, demonstrating a firm stand against unauthorized usage of copyrighted material.
Amid these developments, the future of AI's role in the creative industries remains uncertain. As negotiations continue and legal challenges unfold, the implications for musical innovation and AI technology are pronounced.
Technology's advancements in the music industry, particularly AI-powered music generators, are facing backlash from artists like Thom Yorke and Bjorn Ulvaeus. These individuals argue that these AI models mimic human creativity by using stolen original works to create pallid copies, a practice they see as exploitative and devaluing for human creators. On the other hand, artists like Jonathan Zawada express mixed feelings about AI, simultaneously celebrating its potential contributions to creativity while remaining cautious of its implications. The ongoing legal battle between the RIAA and AI-powered music generators such as Suno and Udio over copyright infringement continues to shape the future of AI's role in the entertainment industry.
