The cover of Madonna’s popular song “Like a Prayer” was widely played on Australian radio last month. However, the Australian music industry has introduced new regulations that may prevent the track from appearing on official charts.
The Australian Record Industry Association (ARIA) recently announced that tracks entirely created by artificial intelligence will no longer be eligible for the country’s official music charts. ARIA stated that recordings must be predominantly human-made to qualify for the ARIA charts.
According to ARIA spokesperson Andrew Knowles, tracks where generative AI has significantly contributed to the creative elements, such as lead vocals or instruments, will be disqualified. However, recordings where AI has been used minimally alongside human performances will still be considered for chart inclusion.
ARIA emphasized its commitment to maintaining the human aspect of music creation and preventing chart manipulation. The association also specified that tracks produced by generative AI will not be eligible for prestigious awards like the ARIA Awards.
ARIA’s chief executive, Annabelle Herd, explained that these adjustments are necessary to uphold the authenticity of artistry in a rapidly evolving industry. The goal is to ensure that the ARIA charts accurately reflect the music consumed by Australians and uphold copyright laws.
The decision follows the success of Brisbane DJ and producer Josh Fawaz’s AI-generated version of “Like a Prayer,” which sparked controversy and debate within the music community. Despite spending weeks on the ARIA Top 20 Australian Singles chart, Fawaz’s track faced criticism for its use of generative AI.
Music producer Mitch Thomas publicly criticized Fawaz, alleging that his music was entirely AI-generated. Fawaz defended his work, stating that AI was only used as a tool in his creative process. The dispute highlighted the ongoing debate surrounding the role of AI in music production.
Starting next Monday, tracks created solely by AI will be removed from the ARIA charts. Fawaz’s cover of “Like a Prayer” did not meet the eligibility criteria based on information provided by the artist, as confirmed by ARIA to CBC News.