Mumbai: As technology continues to evolve with each passing day, artificial intelligence appears to gain a strong and steady foothold in the very existence of human beings. The inescapable integration of AI is becoming more palpable, shaping a formidable future that blurs the lines between the artificial and the human.

Soon, AI's omnipresence threatens to permeate every industry, from the harmonies of music to the intricacies of architecture. In this era of rapid transformation, the ascent of artificial intelligence is not merely a paradigm shift; it is an indomitable force reshaping the narrative of our collective tomorrow.

Through conversations with renowned music personalities, industry experts, and key figures, we have gleaned insights into their perspective on AI causing a potential threat to the music industry and artists' creative processes with the rising use of AI tools to make dubbed versions of a song in different artists or people's voices.

Singer Sonu Nigam

Technology will keep springing surprises on humanity. The Universe will keep striking the appropriate balance. So we have to just chill and keep working on our skills

Singer Jyotica Tangri

Using AI for different voices in songs is a cool new thing in music. Some worry it might hurt artists, but I think it's a chance for singers to step up their game. AI is like a tool that can help artists try new stuff.

Singers bring feelings and a special touch that AI might not get. That's what makes human voices special in music. AI can't replace that.

In the fast-changing music world, artists can use AI to add new flavors to their music. It's a chance for cool collaborations between humans and tech. Artists can use these tools to make even better music. It's like mixing human feelings with tech magic for a unique sound. Let's see it as a way to make music more exciting!

Rapper and producer Brodha V

With so much chatter about AI being revolutionary, its complete capability still remains unknown, we are learning as we go and I believe that AI cannot replace human creativity. Dubbed versions of songs in different languages in different artist’s voices may be a nice way to consume music in a way you otherwise would have never thought of, it's imaginative and certainly feeds curiosity, but I do look at it as an accidental way of homogenising music.

AI is after all algorithm-driven which will of course cater to popular consumer trends that not only homogenize music but to a certain extent also endanger artist rights. An artist will work for months to years to put a song together, it's a product of their story, their labor of love, when an AI tool simply takes and flips that it could be very disillusioning and disorienting for an artist who actually owns that piece of music. While I am a believer in using technology for productivity, its assistance in streamlining our work should not be confused for actually putting in the work.

I would love to see how AI tools can help better improve music production by automating tasks or helping in reducing production costs, I think the use of AI tools in music could be positive in terms of streamlining work and improving productivity, but we need to be wary when we think of its impact on creativity and artistic development. However, when it comes to the actual music created by artists being flipped by AI and being made popular is a potential threat to artist creative integrity and their music ownership rights, AI tools are definitely gonna help artists and creative ppl achieve a bit more in that, it may nudge them in the direction they want to take but it won't be a full-time replacement as art has always sustained and evolved and been consumed through history only because of human touch.

For instance, when paintings were the most popular forms of art, a brush and canvas were the accessories and in a way they evolved into photography and the brush and canvas got replaced by a camera and lens, but that's not to say the art of painting is forgotten or holds no value. it's still humans behind them both creating the art. Similarly, AI is the new evolution and only the humans who perfect it, I believe will stand out.

Parashara band founder and frontman, singer/songwriter and producer Sachin Bhagat

Creating music is a time-consuming and creative process where multiple stakeholders are involved. A beautiful track is a result of an artist's journey, and when it reaches the listener, it can create a personalized bond with them, something AI cannot replicate.

With one click, you can now create an album featuring collaborations between Beyonce, Panic at the Disco, and Periphery. There is no doubt that AI can enhance creativity and efficiency in the music industry—from obtaining stems to striking the right chord, AI could be a helpful tool.

However, achieving the right balance is what we require. Preserving the authenticity of human creativity is a challenge, while leveraging the benefits of AI is a challenge for the industry moving forward.

In order to skip the expensive process of getting musicians and technicians in one room, labels would rather prefer these tools, costing millions of their jobs.  Not to mention, this is even scarier for independent artists. With the market saturated with similar-sounding music, gaining visibility will be a struggle. Moreover, the increasing use of AI leads to a greater inclination towards virtual experiences, which is like another lockdown for artists. Live performances are our main income source, and this appears to be a potential threat in the near future.

Singer and digital content creator Aksh Baghla

Art comes from emotion and AI cannot replicate human emotions.

I believe AI is a great addition to an artist's workflow. It makes the tedious tasks that have to be done again and again much faster. That's where it shines. Because of this they can be even more productive.

So it's more of a helper than a threat.

Singer and musician Nikhil Paralikar aka The Tabla Guy

AI's impact on the music industry and artists' creative processes has been a topic of both fascination and concern. While AI offers innovative tools for music creation, it also raises questions about its potential threats.

Artificial Intelligence has revolutionized music production, aiding artists in composing, arranging, and even generating entire tracks. This efficiency can streamline the creative process, but it may compromise originality and emotional depth in music.

One of the primary concerns is the potential loss of human touch and creativity. While AI can replicate patterns and styles based on existing music, it might lack the inherent emotional depth and personal experiences that human artists bring to their work. The fear is that relying heavily on AI-generated music could homogenize the industry, leading to a lack of diverse, unique artistic expressions.

Moreover, the accessibility of AI-generated music tools raises questions about ownership and copyright. Who owns the rights to music produced by AI? Can AI-generated music infringe upon copyright laws? These legal and ethical dilemmas pose challenges for both artists and the industry.

Despite these concerns, AI can be a valuable collaborator, enhancing creativity rather than replacing it. It can inspire new ideas, assist in overcoming creative blocks, and offer fresh perspectives.

Ultimately, the use of AI in the music industry remains a complex issue. While it presents exciting opportunities for innovation and efficiency, it also poses potential threats to artistic authenticity and the creative process. Striking a balance between AI-assisted creation and preserving the unique human touch in music will likely be crucial for the industry's future.

Actor, singer, dancer and digital content creator Sai Godbole

Every invention or piece of machinery that was ever invented as a substitute to human effort was always used to support the functions of humans and make the processes quicker and more efficient with a much smoother result because now AI is capable of completely ’replacing’ human voice (as the claims are suggesting).

I don’t think it can ever replace emotion and music is a phenomenon that reaches a part of the brain that no other sound can and if this AI technology is used to better human life on those lines then it will be magical but when it comes to taking the place of talent based artists in music, the emotion will always win Now when we come to the process of creating music and writing, prototypes in softwares, pre-existing mixes and templates have always been there and with AI they’ll get even better and more unique. So that is something to look forward to.

The scare here is AI music being misused, artists being replicated without getting credit or money and from now more laws should be made around this so that later we don’t complain about prevention being better than cure.

All in all it will be a positive change and we’ll be able to experience the dawn of a new era where the hope is that burnout will be reduced and everyone will get to create.

Actor and digital content creator Zervaan Bunshah

While AI offers innovative possibilities, there’s a delicate balance to strike.

On the positive side, AI can democratize creativity, enabling diverse interpretations of a song. It’s like having a digital jam session with AI contributing its unique flair. This widens the creative spectrum and opens doors for unconventional collaborations that might not have been possible before.

However, the potential threat lies in the risk of homogenizing artistic expression. If AI becomes too dominant, we might witness a standardization of musical elements, diluting the distinctiveness that artists bring to their work. It’s essential to preserve the soul and authenticity of music, ensuring that it remains a genuine reflection of human emotions and experiences.

Moreover, the human touch in music is irreplaceable. There’s an intangible magic when an artist pours their heart and soul into a performance, something that AI, for all its capabilities, might struggle to replicate authentically. The emotional depth and nuanced creativity that artists bring to their craft are an integral part of what makes music a universal language.

In navigating this evolving landscape, it’s crucial for the industry to harness AI as a tool for augmentation rather than replacement. Collaborative efforts between AI and human creativity can yield groundbreaking results, pushing the boundaries of what’s possible in music.

So, while the rise of AI in dubbing songs is a fascinating development, it’s imperative to approach it with a thoughtful and balanced perspective, ensuring that the essence of human artistry remains at the forefront.

Pulp Strategy founder & MD Ambika Sharma

In the ever-evolving landscape of digital innovation, AI-powered voice cloning tools have emerged as a catalyst for transformation within the music industry. With their ability to replicate voices and offer new avenues for creative expression, these tools hold immense potential for artists to explore untapped vocal styles, expand their fanbase, and even unlock additional revenue streams.

The possibilities that AI voice cloning presents are truly revolutionary. Artists can now delve into uncharted territories, experimenting with diverse vocal personas and pushing the boundaries of their artistic capabilities. By harnessing this technology, they have the power to captivate audiences in ways previously thought unimaginable.

However, as with any disruptive innovation, concerns have arisen in parallel with the opportunities. Authenticity, ownership, and the potential for misuse are valid apprehensions that need to be addressed. The fear of having one's voice replicated without consent or remuneration is a genuine worry for artists who rely on their distinct vocal identity to connect with their fans.

Furthermore, the convenience of creating dubbed versions of songs in different voices raises questions about attribution and originality. The line between authentic and synthetic performances could become blurred, potentially jeopardizing the reputation and rightful recognition of artists.

To navigate these challenges, it is crucial for the music industry to establish clear guidelines and regulations regarding the use of AI voice cloning. By setting standards and expectations, the industry can strike a balance between fostering creativity and safeguarding artistic integrity. Artists must assert their intellectual property rights and insist on transparency from companies developing and employing AI voice cloning technologies.

Collaboration and open dialogue among artists, industry stakeholders, and AI developers are equally important in ensuring the ethical and responsible use of these tools. By actively engaging with one another, we can collectively shape the future of AI in music, safeguarding the interests of both artists and audiences.

TIPS Industries Ltd MD Kumar Taurani

Music industry has embraced a lot of challenges earlier also and should see this AI disruption change in a positive way. With this change that AI platforms are trying to do, they should ensure that music rights are respected and the industry is part of the evolution. From a legal perspective, the source of music and voice used to train AI models, may include existing content, which may be under copyright! Hence, there is the genuine concern of AI-generated music infringing on existing copyrights.

The use of AI in music, especially for creating dubbed versions of songs, increases accessibility to an artist's work by overcoming language barriers is powerful and helps expand the usage of the original track. The flip side of this is, it can undermine the originality, the unique artistry and emotional depth that an artist brings to their work.

AI could be used as a tool for enhancement; however, we are not sure whether it will become a substitute for human creativity and authenticity that lies in the soul of music.

BrandMusiq founder and soundsmith Rajeev Raja

At a basic level, AI may pose a nuisance, relating to the existence of fake images today leading to possible fake music releases. However, I believe that, like other challenges, the music industry will find ways to identify and counteract such issues. While it may be troublesome, I don't perceive it as a significant threat to the artistry of musicians or the irreplaceable skill set they bring.”

“The second aspect involves generative AI creating entirely new songs, sparking fears of it replacing musicians. I believe we are a considerable distance away from AI authentically replicating the human essence in music. The very fabric of music, rooted in human imperfection and emotionality, cannot be easily mimicked by AI, which, crucially, lacks emotional depth. Although AI possesses a formidable intellect and replication abilities, the creation of truly original content still necessitates the source—the creativity of human musicians. Therefore, while AI may find interesting applications in music, I am optimistic that, in the near future, it won't pose a substantial threat to the music industry as a whole or the indispensable role of musicians.