AI music featuring Drake is only the beginning as only 28% of musicians would not use AI

Ditto Music conducted a study with various musicians that revealed how 59.5% of the artists are using AI in their music and as part of their creative process, with another 47% willing to use it in the future. This data shows how only 28% of the artists would not use AI at all.

Ditto Music is a music distribution company and they surveyed 1200 users regarding AI. The study revealed that 66% of users would use the technological service for mastering and mixing while 62% would use it for music production.

Album artwork was also mentioned with 77% of artists being inclined to use AI to create their artwork. Of the 1200 users surveyed, only 28% would never use AI for any aspect of their creative process.

Of the seven Irish artists included in the study, 57.14% of artists have used AI in the past while the other three have not. In terms of using AI in the future, only two Irish artists said no with 71.43% saying yes to using AI to perfect their music.

Ditto Music CEO Lee Parsons mentioned, “It's encouraging to see so many musicians embracing advancements in technology and utilising AI as a creative aid.

“At Ditto, we pride ourselves on being ahead of the curve and remain dedicated to providing artists with the latest tools, resources, and support they need to succeed on their own terms.”

AI music has also impacted mainstream pop artists, such as Drake and The Weeknd. The two artists were recently featured with cloned voices in an AI song entitled ‘heart on my sleeve (Drake AI Song feat. The Weeknd).’

The song has now been removed from all streaming platforms. Drake called AI music “the final straw” in an Instagram story after his cloned voice was used on an Ice Spice song.

The Human Artistry Campaign recently laid out new laws to help protect the creativity and uniqueness of individuals. The points from the campaign are entitled “Core Principles for Artificial Intelligence Applications in Support of Human Creativity and Accomplishments.”

Editor of the 2022 book Artificial Intelligence and Music Ecosystem Martin Clancy stated, “AI is different—different because of its speed, its scale, its ability for personalization. It really can outcompete with human endeavor and has the ability to produce a huge amount of material.”

Willie “Prophet” Stiggers, Black Music Action Coalition and co-chair, mentioned how AI adds even more challenges for Black artists. “Black songwriters, producers, and artists already face an uphill battle for ownership, credit, and proper payment in the music industry.

“Although AI can be an incredible tool, without the protection of real human artistry AI could devastate the Black creative community that leads so much of popular culture.”

The Human Artistry Campaign mentioned, “As new technologies emerge and enter such central aspects of our existence, it must be done responsibly and with respect for the irreplaceable artists, performers, and creatives who have shaped our history and will chart the next chapters of human experience.”

The full report from Ditto Music can be accessed here.