Australia’s music industry is undergoing rapid changes with the advent of new technology, but there are increasing concerns about the rise of AI-generated music and its potential impact on musicians’ careers.

A parliamentary inquiry is currently looking into the challenges and opportunities facing the Australian live music industry. A team from the University of Melbourne, including experts Dr. Suelette Dreyfus, Dr. Greg Wadley, Dr. Chris Ewin, and Emma Baillie, has submitted a report warning that AI could seriously threaten the livelihoods of local musicians and the future of live music in the country.

AI is already capable of producing music that sounds authentic and is hard to distinguish from human-made tunes. While still in its early stages, this technology can churn out more music faster and cheaper than human musicians can. Dr. Wadley points out that many musicians can no longer rely on record or streaming income alone. They depend on live gigs to make a living. If listeners lose their emotional connection to the people who create music, they might be less motivated to attend live shows.

“Live music is the ‘unifying glue’ of society,” says Dr. Dreyfus. “In these times of social fragmentation due to social media, the federal government needs to prioritize this industry. It not only makes people happy but also enriches and diversifies our culture.”

Artists could also lose exposure if big tech companies, which own music streaming services, change their algorithms to favor AI-generated music or create their own music. “What happens if these companies start pushing listeners towards AI-generated music? It would put audiences in a ‘music filter bubble’ without any human songwriting. This would hurt artists’ ability to connect with their audience, and it’s the up-and-coming, lesser-known artists who would suffer the most,” warns Dr. Dreyfus.

The report calls for stronger protections for the live music industry to ensure that new talent has a chance to develop and build an audience. It suggests the ACCC should review how Australian artists are paid by digital platforms and look into the impact of AI-generated music. Besides AI-generated music, other threats to Australia’s live music industry include changing social habits, the high cost of living, rising venue insurance costs, and natural disasters like fires and floods.

The report also raises concerns about the cultural value of music. “AI-generated music lacks the genuine emotion that gives music its cultural value. A study showed people preferred AI-generated classical music, but this might be because they don’t know how it’s made. If AI takes over the industry, music fans will lose out,” says Dr. Ewin. “The unique Australian character of local performers is something AI-generated music, which is based on global data, can’t replicate,” adds Ms. Baillie.

To support live music, the report recommends targeted government support, such as subsidies for live music venues, grants for new artists, and public campaigns to highlight the importance of live music. It emphasizes the need for policies that balance technological progress with the preservation of human artistry in music.