AI Music: The Growing Threat to Songwriters, Singers, and the heart of music

In recent years, artificial intelligence (AI) has made remarkable strides across many industries, and music is no exception. AI tools can now write lyrics, compose melodies, generate convincing vocals, and even mimic the voices of famous artists. For some, this is an exciting leap in technology. But for those who care about the future of music, it’s a growing cause for concern.

The truth is this: AI music has already come too far to be completely banned. The floodgates are open, and the technology is evolving at breakneck speed. But if left unchecked, AI threatens to erode opportunities for human songwriters, dilute the richness of musical diversity, and blur the lines between authentic artistry and synthetic imitation.

The Rising Risk to Songwriters and Singers

Songwriters are among the first at risk. AI can now generate songs in popular genres like country, pop, and rock so convincingly that an untrained ear might struggle to tell the difference. This isn’t a future threat... It’s happening right now. As AI tools become cheaper and more accessible, labels and content creators may be tempted to replace human songwriters with algorithmic alternatives that deliver faster, cheaper and more predictable results.

In the long run, this shift could rob countless writers of career opportunities. The same danger looms over singers, especially with the rise of AI voice cloning. Today, anyone with the right software can replicate the unique tone and timbre of real artists, often without their consent.

AI Voice Cloning: A Disturbing Trend

Nowhere is the danger more evident than in AI voice cloning. Disturbingly, we've already seen cases where the voices of deceased artists are brought back to life through AI, sparking ethical outrage. Here are some recent examples that come to mind:

Tupac Shakur's Estate vs. Drake

In May 2024, Canadian pop star Drake faced backlash after previewing his "Taylor Made" diss track on Instagram using an AI clone of Tupac Shakur's voice. This move angered Tupac Shakur’s estate, which quickly issued a cease-and-desist letter accusing him of unauthorised use of Tupac's likeness and voice, saying it was a "blatant violation" of Tupac’s legacy and rights.

Timbaland's Exploitation of The Notorious B.I.G.

Iconic R&B/Rap Producer, Timbaland, publicly shared plans to release music featuring an AI-generated Biggie Smalls in May 2023. Thankfully, the estate of The Notorious B.I.G., led by his mother, Voletta Wallace, publicly objected. They clarified they had not authorised any such AI recreations and expressed concerns about protecting Biggie’s legacy from unauthorised use. Following the criticism and potential legal risks, Timbaland paused his plans for official releases.

The Influx of AI Tracks by Deceased Artists

Countless fake tracks using the AI voices of deceased artists such as Juice WRLD, Chester Bennington, Kurt Cobain and many more already circulate freely on platforms like YouTube. Not only this, but some users are able to slip through the net and monetise these fake tracks through advertising and video sponsorships due to the amount of views they amass.

This practice is not only disrespectful to the legacies of these artists, but it also raises serious legal and moral questions. Should anyone have the right to recreate and profit from the voice of someone who can no longer consent?

Many argue that AI voice cloning should be made outright illegal, especially when it involves deceased performers. Without firm legislation, we risk sliding into a world where an artist's voice is no longer their own.

A Flood of AI Slop on Streaming Platforms

Beyond individual artists, the broader music ecosystem is also under threat. Streaming platforms like Spotify, YouTube, and TikTok are already grappling with a rising tide of low-quality, AI-generated music.

This influx of "AI slop" threatens to overwhelm genuine human-made songs, making it harder for emerging artists to break through. Not only this, but as AI becomes even more sophisticated, many casual listeners may not even realise they’re consuming synthetic music, especially in genres where production polish often masks authenticity.

Within the next five years, I predict that we will see an AI-generated track topping the charts. Whether it's a viral TikTok hit or a label-backed marketing campaign, the potential for AI songs to dominate is no longer science fiction; it's a looming reality.

Copyright Chaos: The Law Can’t Keep Up

Interestingly, there’s a legal wrinkle in all this. In 2023, the U.S. Copyright Office ruled that purely AI-generated works (created without human authorship) are not eligible for copyright protection.

This means AI songs can’t be copyrighted like human-made works, creating a strange situation. On one hand, this protects human artists from AI creations being treated as legally "owned". On the other hand, it leaves the door open for AI tracks to flood streaming platforms and online spaces, operating in a legal grey zone.

The law is struggling to keep pace with the technology, and until stronger, more targeted legislation is in place, human creators remain vulnerable.

A Call to Action: Keep Music Human

AI in music is not going away, we know that much. But as fans, artists, and industry professionals, we still have a choice. We can demand clear ethical standards, push for stronger legal protections, and most importantly, support genuine human artistry.

If we stay passive, we may wake up in a world where the charts, playlists, and airwaves are dominated by algorithmic imitations: cheap, soulless, and devoid of the raw emotion that makes music special.

Music has always been more than just sound. It’s a reflection of real human stories, struggles, and triumphs. Let’s make sure we don’t lose that in the rush to embrace convenience and novelty.

So, the next time you press play, ask yourself: Is this music made by a real artist or by an algorithm? And choose to keep music human.