The Beatles’ Grammy Nomination Raises Concerns Over Use of AI
Controversy Surrounds “Now and Then” Track
The Fab Four broke up more than half-a-century ago and only two members are living, but they are among the contenders for the Grammy celebrating the year’s best record, a head-scratching nomination that highlights the Recording Academy’s ongoing debate on how to handle artificial intelligence.
News that The Beatles would release the song “Now and Then” with an AI assist triggered excitement for some fans but outrage among others, as some jumped to the conclusion that deepfakes were involved.
Stem Separation Technology Used
That is not the case: “Now and Then” was made using “stem separation,“ a type of AI technology that allowed for cleaning up the decades-old, lo-fi demo plagued by excess noise.
They used it to isolate John Lennon’s vocals from the unwanted bits of the recording, making it usable.
Creators then added electric and acoustic guitar recorded in 1995 by the late George Harrison, completing the song with drums from Ringo Starr and bass, piano, and slide guitar from Paul McCartney, along with additional backing vocals.
Grammy Nomination Raises Ethics Questions
The Recording Academy behind the Grammys gala – set for Sunday in Los Angeles – deemed it eligible to win Record of the Year, one of the night’s top prizes, as well as Best Rock Performance.
However, the nomination has raised questions about the ethics of using AI in music creation and the impact on the music industry.
Recording Academy’s Stance on AI
The institution has been grappling for years with AI’s implications for the music industry, as many artists voice serious concern over the ethics of music generated by the technology.
The Academy released a ruling in 2023 that “only human creators are eligible” to be considered for Grammys.
“A work that contains no human authorship is not eligible in any categories,” read the detailed rules.
But, it adds, “a work that features elements of AI material (ie, material generated by the use of artificial intelligence technology) is eligible in applicable categories.”
The takeaway: as it stands, work created with purely generative AI is not eligible.
Songs touched by AI tools that polish rather than create – like “Now and Then” – can be considered.
Artists Weigh In
Nashville singer-songwriter Mary Bragg said the type of technology used on “Now and Then” is quite common, calling its development a real “a-ha moment” for producers and engineers.
She said the tool is used routinely enough that the shock in media coverage over its use on the Beatles song was a bit overwrought.
Still, Bragg said the implications of AI tools in music remain a “big deal, because it is a new realm that we’re all existing in now.”
The questions are far-reaching and “it is certainly a slippery slope,” she said. “You have people learning about what’s possible more and more.”
At the forefront of artists’ concerns are issues like their work being used without clear permission or to train AI software, or their likeness being forged, or Bragg calling those examples “definitely part of the slippery slope category.”
Conclusion
The debate surrounding AI in music is far from over, with the Recording Academy’s stance on the matter still evolving.
While some see AI as a tool to enhance the creative process, others are concerned about the potential erosion of artistic integrity and the impact on the music industry as a whole.
FAQs
Q: What is stem separation technology?
A: It is a type of AI technology that allows for the cleaning up of old, low-fidelity recordings, such as the Beatles’ demo, by isolating specific elements, like vocals or instruments.
Q: Is AI-generated music eligible for Grammys?
A: According to the Recording Academy, work created with purely generative AI is not eligible. However, work that features elements of AI material can be considered for applicable categories.
Q: How does the Recording Academy define human authorship?
A: The Academy states that a work that contains no human authorship is not eligible in any categories. However, a work that features elements of AI material is eligible in applicable categories.
Q: What are the concerns surrounding AI in music?
A: Many artists are concerned about the potential erosion of artistic integrity, the use of their work without permission, and the potential for AI-generated music to replace human-created music.