Oliver McCann, known as imoliver, an AI musician with no formal musical training, has signed a record deal, underscoring the growing presence of AI-generated music on streaming platforms. McCann’s music is created using AI tools like Udio and Suno, combined with his original lyrics.
McCann gained recognition when one of his AI-generated tracks surpassed three million streams on Spotify, attracting the attention of industry executives. This viral success led to his signing with a record label despite his admission of lacking conventional musical talent. “I have no musical talent at all. I can’t sing, I can’t play instruments, and I have no musical background at all,” McCann confessed.
This development has sparked controversy among professional musicians who have spent years honing their craft, only to see AI-augmented artists bypass traditional pathways. The controversy also extends to the training data used by AI platforms, which often incorporate music performed by real artists, raising concerns about copyright, fair use, and compensation for original creators.
The use of music from actual artists to train AI models by platforms like Suno and Udio has prompted questions about copyright and fair compensation for original producers. The record deal is viewed as a significant milestone that may prompt more labels to sign AI-generated artists as the genre continues to evolve. Negotiations are ongoing between music companies and AI firms to establish fair licensing practices, potentially leading to revenue-sharing agreements where artists whose work trains AI systems are compensated for their contributions.
Digital Trends suggests that the imoliver agreement is merely the “tip of the iceberg” regarding AI’s impact on the music market. In 2023, Katy Perry and other artists advocated for the protection of creators’ rights, urging AI developers to ensure responsible AI use rather than advocating for a complete ban on AI in music production. They acknowledged the proper use of AI to assist in creating songs.
Prior to McCann’s deal, Tech Times reported that the AI indie-rock band The Velvet Sundown went viral on Spotify, with their hit song “Dust on the Wind” reaching 380,000 streams. The rise of AI-generated music presents a decision for fans: embrace it as a new genre or reject it in favor of human creativity. The increasing prevalence of AI in music is undeniable, marking a rapid transformation of the music industry.
