Industry Heavyweight Warns Artists of AI Takeover: Embrace the Future or Risk Losing Creative Control
The music industry is bracing itself for a seismic shift as artificial intelligence (AI) becomes increasingly intertwined with the creative process. Eurythmics co-founder Dave Stewart, a veteran musician with nine UK Top 10 albums and numerous chart-topping singles, has issued a warning to artists: either adapt or risk losing control over their work.
Stewart views AI as an "unstoppable force" that is already redefining the music industry. By licensing their music to generative AI platforms, artists can tap into this technology and unlock new revenue streams. However, Stewart cautions that if they fail to do so, they risk being left behind by companies like Universal and Warner, which have partnered with these platforms.
The stakes are high, as Stewart believes that the traditional corporate structures controlling artists will begin to disintegrate in the face of AI-driven innovation. Artists who refuse to adapt will be forced to navigate a rapidly changing landscape without the support of their labels. This could result in lost revenue and creative autonomy.
Stewart's own venture, Rare Entity, aims to address this issue by providing artists with total control and ownership over their work. By offering financial support and resources to emerging projects, Rare Entity seeks to empower creatives across disciplines and give them a voice in the digital age.
While Stewart acknowledges the potential risks of AI, he remains optimistic about its transformative power when wielded creatively. "AI should be a tool, not a replacement for creativity," he says. As artists navigate this uncharted territory, Stewart's words serve as a reminder that embracing change is crucial to staying relevant in an industry on the cusp of revolution.
In a nod to his own experiences with the early days of Eurythmics, Stewart reflects on the importance of artistic autonomy and control. "I remember when we had to get a Β£5,000 bank loan just to get started," he says. "Now, I want artists to have that same freedom."
The music industry is bracing itself for a seismic shift as artificial intelligence (AI) becomes increasingly intertwined with the creative process. Eurythmics co-founder Dave Stewart, a veteran musician with nine UK Top 10 albums and numerous chart-topping singles, has issued a warning to artists: either adapt or risk losing control over their work.
Stewart views AI as an "unstoppable force" that is already redefining the music industry. By licensing their music to generative AI platforms, artists can tap into this technology and unlock new revenue streams. However, Stewart cautions that if they fail to do so, they risk being left behind by companies like Universal and Warner, which have partnered with these platforms.
The stakes are high, as Stewart believes that the traditional corporate structures controlling artists will begin to disintegrate in the face of AI-driven innovation. Artists who refuse to adapt will be forced to navigate a rapidly changing landscape without the support of their labels. This could result in lost revenue and creative autonomy.
Stewart's own venture, Rare Entity, aims to address this issue by providing artists with total control and ownership over their work. By offering financial support and resources to emerging projects, Rare Entity seeks to empower creatives across disciplines and give them a voice in the digital age.
While Stewart acknowledges the potential risks of AI, he remains optimistic about its transformative power when wielded creatively. "AI should be a tool, not a replacement for creativity," he says. As artists navigate this uncharted territory, Stewart's words serve as a reminder that embracing change is crucial to staying relevant in an industry on the cusp of revolution.
In a nod to his own experiences with the early days of Eurythmics, Stewart reflects on the importance of artistic autonomy and control. "I remember when we had to get a Β£5,000 bank loan just to get started," he says. "Now, I want artists to have that same freedom."