In a recent interview on Bloomberg TV’s “Balance of Power,” KISS bassist Gene Simmons shared his perspective on the impact of artificial intelligence (A.I.) on the music industry. Simmons highlighted a growing trend of A.I.-generated music, which utilizes algorithms to analyze existing songs and produce new material, reflecting a significant shift in how music is created and consumed.
When asked about his concerns regarding A.I.’s expanding role in music, Simmons responded, “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 further noted that the emergence of a fictional country music star topping charts exemplifies the potential pitfalls of unregulated artificial creativity.
Simmons urged for immediate federal legislation to address the complexities surrounding A.I. in the music sphere. “The major problem here, potentially, hypothetically and otherwise, is that if states have the right, and this has to be settled right away — the government must get a federal law that encompasses all of A.I. to get some sanity out of this,” he asserted. He argued that the inconsistency in regulations across states could incentivize artists to bypass traditional music creation, citing Delaware’s favorable corporate laws as an example.
He emphasized the need for a global framework, suggesting that the United Nations could play a crucial role. “You want to address the A.I. issue worldwide so we can control what the rules are, the comings and going and what’s the income stream? Who owns the I.P.? Who’s the owner of the trademark?” he asked, pointing out that unresolved questions around intellectual property could lead to widespread complications within the industry.
Simmons’ apprehensions echo sentiments he expressed in a previous interview with Piers Morgan in 2023. During that discussion, he acknowledged the advancements in A.I. but expressed concern over a lack of legislative measures. “The problem with A.I. is not… A.I. is here, whether you like it or not. So let’s look at it smartly and let’s pass legislation,” he stated. He raised issues about copyright ownership, particularly when A.I. technology is able to create music that closely mimics the sound of established artists.
When Morgan pressed Simmons on whether he would be concerned if someone used an A.I. version of his voice to make music, Simmons replied, “We can make a deal,” highlighting his willingness to navigate the complexities of A.I. in the industry as long as there are appropriate agreements in place.
The music industry is at a crossroads as it grapples with the implications of A.I. technology. While A.I. has the potential to enhance creativity and streamline production processes, artists like Simmons are advocating for regulations that clarify ownership and protect the integrity of music creation. As the conversation around A.I. evolves, the music industry will need to find a balance between leveraging technological advancements and safeguarding artistic authenticity.
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