One of the most popular songs on Australian radio last month may face exclusion from official charts due to new regulations introduced by the Australian music industry.
The Australian Record Industry Association (ARIA), the governing body for the country’s music charts, recently declared that songs entirely created by artificial intelligence will no longer be permitted on the ARIA charts.
According to ARIA spokesperson Andrew Knowles, the association stipulated that recordings must have a significant human element to be considered for the ARIA charts.
Tracks where generative AI is responsible for the primary creative elements will not be eligible for the charts, as clarified by Knowles. He explained that if AI generates a lead vocal or instrument without human involvement, the track will be disqualified. However, tracks where AI complements a human performance will still be considered.
ARIA also reserves the right to remove songs suspected of manipulating streaming or chart data. Additionally, tracks must adhere to copyright laws to qualify for the ARIA charts and ARIA Awards.
ARIA’s CEO Annabelle Herd emphasized the importance of recognizing human artistry in music amid a rapidly evolving landscape, stating that the ARIA charts aim to reflect the music consumed by Australians accurately.
The crackdown follows the success of Brisbane DJ and producer Josh Fawaz’s rendition of Madonna’s Like a Prayer, featuring AI-generated vocals and drums, on the ARIA charts.
Fawaz’s controversial track spent 16 weeks on the Top 20 Australian Singles chart, sparking debates over the use of generative AI in music production.
Despite criticisms from individuals like music producer Mitch Thomas, who accused Fawaz of exclusively using AI in his music, Fawaz defended his approach, claiming that AI serves as a tool in his creative process.
Starting from the upcoming Monday, wholly AI-generated songs will be banned from the ARIA charts. However, music assisted by AI technology may still qualify, as per a statement provided to the Associated Press.
ARIA confirmed that Fawaz’s rendition of Like a Prayer did not meet the eligibility criteria based on the artist’s disclosure.