During a recent interview on Bloomberg TV’s “Balance Of Power,” Gene Simmons, the bassist and vocalist of the iconic rock band KISS, discussed the transformative impact of artificial intelligence (A.I.) on the music industry. Speaking with Washington correspondent Joe Mathieu, Simmons highlighted how A.I. music generators are using machine learning algorithms to analyze existing music and create new compositions, even producing entire tracks independently.
When questioned about his concerns regarding A.I., Simmons emphasized the need for regulation, stating, “A.I. is a concern if left unregulated. Anything — a beautiful horse that you just bring in, if it runs wild… You’ve got to have some parameters that we control instead of A.I.” He pointed to a recent case where a digital country and western star topped the charts, despite not actually existing, underscoring the complicated implications of A.I. in music.
Simmons elaborated on the pressing need for a federal law governing A.I. in the United States. “The major problem here, potentially, hypothetically and otherwise, is that if states have the right, and this has to be settled right away,” he said. He expressed concern that artists in states with more lenient regulations, such as Delaware, might choose to utilize A.I. rather than pursue traditional music creation. “You need a federal law that encompasses the entire country,” he added, suggesting that the United Nations should also address these issues on a global scale.
The discussion on A.I. is not new for Simmons; he first addressed the topic during an appearance on “Piers Morgan Uncensored” in July 2023. He expressed worries regarding the absence of legislation, likening the situation to entering a new planet without established rules. “It’s like playing sports without rules. Who’s gonna do what? You need some rules that are kind and beneficial to mankind,” he said, emphasizing the necessity for a legislative framework that protects creators.
Simmons acknowledged the pervasiveness of A.I., stating, “A.I. is here to stay,” and underscored the importance of adapting to technological advancements. He raised the question of ownership related to A.I.-generated music, wondering who would hold copyright for a song created using his voice or likeness. “So when you buy it, who owns the copyright and the publishing, if A.I. did that? So, is it me, because it sounds like me? You could swear it was me. So these are uncharted [territories],” he noted.
When asked if he would mind A.I. using his voice to create new songs, Simmons responded, “We can make a deal,” indicating a willingness to negotiate terms for the use of his likeness and brand in this evolving landscape.
Last year, Simmons remarked to TMZ on the inevitability of change in the music business, stating, “A.I. is here to stay. Technology is here to stay. And you either join in and try to adapt and try to figure out how that works with you or you’re just yesterday’s news in a very real way.”
In early 2024, KISS sold its entire music catalog, likeness, and brand name to Pophouse, a Swedish entertainment group, for an estimated $300 million, according to reports from Bloomberg and the Associated Press. KISS, renowned for its extensive merchandise and licensing operations, continues to dominate the retail space with KISS-branded products available in major stores worldwide, including Nordstrom, Macy’s, and Walmart.
As the music industry confronts the growing presence of A.I., the implications for artists, copyright laws, and the future of music creation remain significant. Simmons’ calls for legislation could be a crucial step toward establishing a framework that balances innovation with the rights of musicians in a rapidly evolving landscape.
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