A cover version of Madonna’s popular track “Like a Prayer” emerged as one of the most frequently played songs on Australian radio last month. However, it faces the prospect of being excluded from official charts due to recent regulations introduced by the Australian music industry.
The Australian Record Industry Association (ARIA), responsible for managing the country’s official music charts, disclosed that tracks entirely created by artificial intelligence (AI) will no longer be permitted. ARIA spokesperson Andrew Knowles emphasized that recordings must have a significant human element to be considered for the ARIA charts.
Tracks where AI generates the creative aspects, particularly lead vocals or instrumental components, will not qualify for chart inclusion. ARIA clarified that AI can be used minimally alongside human performance, but tracks primarily crafted by generative AI will be ineligible. Additionally, ARIA will monitor and potentially remove recordings suspected of manipulating streams or charts to ensure compliance with copyright laws.
The regulatory adjustments aim to uphold the authenticity of human artistry in music amidst the rapid advancements in AI technology. ARIA CEO Annabelle Herd expressed the organization’s commitment to transparency in reflecting Australia’s music consumption accurately. Notably, tracks produced by generative AI will also be ineligible for the prestigious ARIA Awards.
The crackdown follows the success of Brisbane DJ and producer Josh Fawaz’s rendition of “Like a Prayer,” featuring AI-generated vocals and drums, which spent 16 weeks on the ARIA’s Top 20 Australian Singles chart. Fawaz’s controversial single sparked debates and criticism surrounding the use of generative AI in music production.
Music producer Mitch Thomas publicly criticized Fawaz online, accusing him of exclusively utilizing AI in his music production, which Fawaz refuted, stating that AI is merely a tool for him. The new regulations will take effect next Monday, with wholly AI-generated tracks being removed from the ARIA charts. Fawaz’s cover of “Like a Prayer” was deemed ineligible based on the information provided by the artist, as confirmed by ARIA to CBC News.
