If there’s someone we can trust in the context of AI, is probably Holly Herndon. The singer, artist and visionary has long championed a digital approach towards her music, often manifested through the exploration of vocal-heavy compositions mangled through custom laptop-based patches. Now, the American innovator shares a warning message in regard to AI-powered vocals and the training models behind them.
Speaking on Twitter, Herndon explains:
“Artists, for the time being it is a good idea not to sign any contract regarding usage of your voice in an AI context”.
She’s referring to the possible use of someone’s vocals to train a model AI, allowing those very same vocals to be reproduced digitally in different contexts. Certainly a controversial topic, one that seems to be receiving a lot of attention in the tech industry.
“There is so much room for exploitation between general confusion about AI and FOMO. There is plenty of time. Don't sign anything until things settle down, or always consult a lawyer.”
Herndon continues:
“There is going to be a frenzy of companies trying to lock in rights to artist voices. Some may be very well-intentioned. I don't think artist education is anywhere close to where it needs to be for people to tell the difference.”
Herndon recently explored the challenges and questions around music-based AI here - worth watching if you are keen on the theme.
“If you are considering record deals it is also a good idea to negotiate an AI exception for voice usage It is standard for record companies to expect you will not lend your voice to songs while under contract without approval - which is fair but this is complicated in AI world.”
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