Harvey Mason Jr., the CEO of the Recording Academy, is addressing the confusion surrounding the AI-generated track that imitated Drake and The Weeknd.
(Photo : GABRIEL BOUYS/AFP via Getty Images)
Los Angeles, UNITED STATES: The trophy of the Grammy Awards in Los Angeles 11 February 2007.
Not Considered for a Grammy Nomination
Despite earlier reports suggesting the track "Heart on My Sleeve" could be considered for a Grammy Award due to its lyrics, Mason has clarified that it is not eligible for Grammy consideration.
Engadget reported that the track, submitted under the pseudonym "Ghostwriter," used the voices of the rappers without their consent. Mason's recent Instagram post confirms that the song is indeed not eligible for a Grammy.
"Let me be extra, extra clear: Even though it was written by a human creator, the vocals were not legally obtained, the vocals were not cleared by the label or the artists and the song is not commercially available and because of that, it's not eligible," Mason stated.
Mason's statement suggests that the core issue doesn't lie in AI-generated music but rather in the complex realm of consent. This implies that The Grammys might entertain AI-created tracks if proper permissions are secured and the tracks follow established distribution channels.
Copyright concerns continue to present challenges, and it's worth noting that "Heart on My Sleeve" faced removal from major streaming platforms, such as Apple Music, Spotify, Tidal, and YouTube, following a complaint by Universal Music Group, representing both Drake and The Weeknd.
Unveiling New Record
Ghostwriter, the creator, has recently unveiled a novel track that leverages AI to emulate the distinctive styles of rappers Travis Scott and 21 Savage. "Whiplash," made its debut on popular social media platforms, as opposed to the conventional streaming services like Spotify.
"The future of music is here. Artists now have the ability to let their voice work for them without lifting a finger. It's clear that people want this song. DM me on Instagram if you're interested in allowing me to release this record or if you'd like me to remove this post." Ghostwriter stated.
Later, a report from The New York Times hinted at the creator's ambition to secure a Grammy nomination for the AI-generated Drake track. Mason Jr., speaking to the publication, emphasized that from a creative perspective, the song qualifies for consideration since it was composed by a human.
Also Read: YouTube Collaborating With Record Labels to Set Guidelines for AI-Generated Music
Back in June, the Recording Academy laid down some guidelines regarding the utilization of AI in music. During that announcement, Mason Jr. emphasized that the Academy would be open to AI-generated music and content created by "human creators."
The Verge reported that he even mentioned the possibility of considering songs that incorporate AI-generated voices or instrumentals. This signaled a degree of openness to AI's role in the music industry.
Notably, Ghostwriter took the initiative to tag the two renowned rappers, expressing a desire for a potential collaboration.
While the song has successfully resonated with fans on these social platforms, it's worth noting that there has been no response from Travis Scott or 21 Savage as of yet.
Related Article: AI-Generated Drake & The Weeknd Duet Eligible for Grammy, Says Music Exec
