More than 200 recording artists across genres are urging tech firms and AI developers to curb the use of artificial intelligence in ways they say threaten human creativity and undermine the livelihoods of musicians. The collective message, delivered in an open letter organized through the Artist Rights Alliance (ARA), represents one of the strongest industry-wide stances yet against the rapid deployment of AI tools in music.
The artists argue that AI systems are increasingly capable of replicating voices, imitating styles, and generating songs using existing work without permission or compensation. They contend that these practices devalue human artistry, distort royalty structures and risk reshaping the music marketplace in ways that sideline creators. The letter warns that unchecked AI development could fundamentally alter the ecosystem that supports professional musicians, songwriters and rights holders.
While past creative-industry pushes have often targeted lawmakers, this effort directs its message primarily at technology companies and digital platforms. The signatories ask these firms to halt practices they view as exploitative, such as unauthorized voice cloning and the use of artists’ catalogs to train AI models. They also call on platforms to avoid rolling out tools that could replace human artists or diminish fair compensation for their work.
The group acknowledges that AI can be used responsibly to enhance creativity, but says some companies are using the technology in ways that erode trust and destabilize the marketplace. Their concerns echo a broader debate sweeping the entertainment industry as advances in machine-generated media accelerate.
The letter arrives as the music sector increasingly turns to legislative avenues to strengthen protections. Earlier this year, hundreds of artists backed a federal proposal known as the No AI FRAUD Act, aimed at curbing the creation of AI-generated fakes and forgeries. Musicians have also lent their support to state-level efforts, including Tennessee’s recently adopted Elvis Act, which set new standards for guarding residents’ voice, image and likeness from AI misuse. The Recording Industry Association of America supported that measure as the industry looks to shield its performers and catalogs from emerging threats.
Source: Axios