More than a third of those surveyed by APRA AMCOS say they are already using AI in their work. (File image) Photo: Jonathan Raa / NurPhoto / NurPhoto via AFP
New Zealand and Australian musicians are set to lose out on NZ$570 million over the past few years due to generative AI, a new report predicts.
The study, conducted by Berlin consultation and research group Goldmedia and released by APRA AMCOS on Monday, was based on survey responses from more than 4,200 APRA AMCOS members across Australasia.
Those interviewed included industry experts from universities in both countries, as well as prominent Australasian songwriters and composers such as Jimmy Barnes, KINGS, Missy Higgins, Chris Chetland and Tina Arena.
By 2028, the survey found, 23 percent of music creators' revenues would be at risk due to AI, leading to losses of more than half a billion dollars
While 38 percent of respondents were already using AI in their work and 54 percent agreed that AI could assist the human creative process, 82 percent of music creators were concerned that its use could lead to them no longer being able to make a living from their work.
More than three quarters of Māori members surveyed - 76 percent - believed that AI could lead to an increase in cultural appropriation.
Dame Hinewehi Mohi says the potential for AI to lead to cultural misappropriation is "massive". Photo: Jane Ussher
APRA AMCOS manakura puoro Māori Dame Hinewehi Mohi said unregulated AI technology was a "particular threat" to Māori music.
"The potential for AI to lead to cultural misappropriation is massive. Maintaining the cultural integrity of Māori musical traditions and taonga puoro is important to our Māori members."
The vast majority of members surveyed were concerned about the lack of legislation around AI in music, and in particular the need to credit artists and pay them fairly for their work.
Ninety-seven percent said AI providers should be obliged to disclose when they used copyrighted works as training data, while 95 percent said copyright holders should be asked for permission before their works were used as input for AI systems.
APRA AMCOS chief executive Dean Ormston said artists were innovators and were embracing AI in their practice.
However, governments needed to put policies in place "to ensure that everyone is given the adequate credit, consent and fair remuneration for any works being used in AI platforms", he said.
"If the use of AI is unregulated and unlicensed it will be economically devastating. Creators pour their hearts and souls into their work, yet they're facing a reality of seeing their creations exploited by AI platforms."
The group's New Zealand head Anthony Healey said while music had been a digital business for some time, it was a "human experience" at its heart.
"While everyone is amazed at the possibility of AI - right now the technology is being built on the backs of creators. It is only right that they be recognised and share in its future."
Science, Innovation and Technology Minister Judith Collins has been approached for comment.
