When to Use AI Vocals

[DougM]

I'm hoping to pose this question to Michael as well.

So many listings are now saying "No AI". I'm wanting to avoid "work--for-hire" vocals due to the cost. The alternative is to share credits which is not an option for me. So, when is AI acceptable and enhances a submission? And yes, I know, the obvious answer is when the listing does not say "No AI".

I have some pretty decent recorded song tracks (not sync), but my weakness is in my vocals. Thanks for your thoughts!

[telefunkin]

My answer ...... never! Even if the listing doesn't specifically say 'No AI' the library probably will. Stay safe - find a singer instead .

If you have good songs and good recordings then you should have no trouble attracting a singer. You could always appeal on the Collaboration forum here.

[DougM]

Good point! Thanks for your reply and I tend to agree. I tried AI vocals on one of my songs and it was outstanding, and it really impressed my sound engineer (grammy winner).

The libraries will always have the right to deny AI submissions at their discretion. AI is coming like a tsunami and there is no stopping it. It will infiltrate every aspect of our lives including the music industry, like it or not. It will breach barriers that are currently in place, and all industries are learning and struggling as to how to cope and evolve. There is and will be, resistance from stakeholders. As the infamous line from Star Trek goes, "Resistance is futile". The moral, legal, ethical, and business implications are staggering. We are in, and continue to be, the AI Wild, Wild West.

[cosmicdolphin]

The libraries will always have the right to deny AI submissions at their discretion.

Multiple library owners/CEOs have said the same thing to me directly: even licensed AI vocal models are a no-go. Libraries sell “real music by real people.” Why would they risk their brand—or legal exposure—because a composer ignored “No AI” in the brief?

Sync needs global clearance and one-stop confidence. If your AI Vocal model:

1. sounds uncomfortably close to a famous singer,

2. isn’t licensed for certain territories/uses,

3. or you can’t prove clean provenance ( Signed WFH Documents )

…you’ve just handed them a liability. We sign music over to libraries and publishers warranting 100% clean rights. If I were a publisher and read your post, I’d think twice about taking anything from you.

[DougM]

Thanks, and good points. I've worked with contract/legal liability my entire career and I fully understand the business risk. I see there are many new startup companies who do nothing but detect AI and report to their clients. That's a whole new industry. Ironically, they use AI to detect AI.

My point was/is, AI is coming for us everywhere, like it or not. That will cause all or many libraries to ignore those artists, as you stated.

What are your thoughts about those who self-publish and who don't care or understand the legal exposure? They believe success will come under their own definition and willing to take the risks.

[DougM]

I also want to clarify a point made in a previous response to my question.

I did not say that I would ignore a listing that required NO AI and submit regardless, which I would never do - I simply asked "When to Use AI Vocals"?