While labels like UMG are demanding AI sound mash-ups be ripped down from DSPs—some artists are embracing them. Grimes is leading the charge, but M. Shadows of Avenged Sevenfold says the concept is intriguing.
After the AI mash-up of Drake and The Weeknd called “Heart On My Sleeve” went viral among fans, Grimes has told her fans she’s happy to split royalties on any AI-generated tracks that feature her voice. The 35-year-old singer took to social media recently to make the offer.
“I’ll split 50% royalties on any successful AI generated song that uses my voice,” Grimes tweeted. “Same deal as I would with any artist I collaborate with. Feel free to use my voice without penalty. I have no label and no legal bindings,” she continues. “I think it’s cool to be fused with a machine and I like the idea of open-sourcing all art and killing copyright.”
After these comments on Twitter, Avenged Sevenfold’s singer M. Shadows chimed in saying he appreciates what Grimes is doing with AI tech.
“I like what Grimes is doing with her likeness and AI. I’m not sure the logistics while on a label, but moving forward I would love to help facilitate our ‘sound’ to producers and fans to create original ‘Avenged Sevenfold’ songs using this technology,” M. Shadows tweeted on April 26.
“What should the splits be?” he continues, pondering out loud and inviting the world to answer. “Lots to figure out. Web3 will also play an important role in authenticating true Avenged Sevenfold songs from AI produced. Exciting? Scary? What do you think?” he asks.
Meanwhile, Grimes is working on an AI project of her own that can simulate her voice. It also aims to be able to upload stems and samples for people to train their own voices. She’s pointing interested parties to the platform called Elf.tech, where users can use artificial intelligence to make vocals sound like Grimes.