Australia’s music charts just banned AI made songs, and it’s a big deal

Australia's music charts have taken a firm stance against AI-generated songs, setting a new precedent for the industry. The Australian Recording Industry Association (ARIA) has declared that any eligible release must be "substantially human made" to qualify for chart placement. This rule was sparked by Australian DJ Josh Fawaz's AI-assisted cover of Madonna's Like A Prayer, which topped the ARIA dance chart and reached number 2 overall.

The track amassed over 48 million streams on Spotify, prompting controversy when Fawaz added generative AI credits after being criticized.

Although artists are not outright banned from using AI tools, they must ensure that a human writes the song and performs the lead vocals and main instruments. If a song is found to be predominantly AI-generated, its chart position can be adjusted, and in cases of a number one hit, ARIA may even retract the award. Artists are granted the opportunity to contest their exclusion, suggesting that the ban is not entirely absolute.

The AI music ban has not gone unnoticed, with Peking Duk re-recording their 2014 hit High using AI to secure a radio-play, commenting on the issue on Instagram. Band member Adam Hyde expressed concern over AI-generated music as a threat to the "human experience," highlighting the industry's dilemma.

Australia is not alone in this issue; Sweden banned an AI-made song from its charts earlier this year, and more regions are likely to follow suit soon, according to the BBC. Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese has pledged to provide creators with "strongest possible protection" from AI, tying this chart change into a broader push across the country.

AI-generated music is becoming an increasingly common phenomenon, with streaming platforms and social media saturated with what many deem "AI slop." This influx of AI-created content has raised significant concerns among musicians about the future of the industry. However, not everyone views AI as an enemy. Dr. Dre, in an interview with The New York Times, expressed his willingness to embrace AI as a creative tool, rather than viewing it as a threat to musicians.