In a recent development, a rendition of Madonna’s popular song “Like a Prayer” that gained significant airplay on Australian radio faces exclusion from official charts due to new guidelines established by the Australian music sector. The Australian Record Industry Association (ARIA), responsible for overseeing the nation’s official music charts, has declared that tracks entirely created by artificial intelligence (AI) will no longer be permitted on the ARIA charts.
According to a statement from ARIA spokesperson Andrew Knowles, the association has mandated that recordings must have a substantial human element to be eligible for the ARIA charts. Tracks where generative AI has primarily produced creative components, such as lead vocals or instruments, will not qualify. However, recordings where AI has been used minimally alongside a human performance will remain eligible.
Furthermore, ARIA will have the authority to remove any recordings that raise concerns regarding stream or chart manipulation. The guidelines also stipulate that tracks must comply with relevant copyright laws and regulations. Additionally, music produced by generative AI will not be considered for the prestigious ARIA Awards.
ARIA’s Chief Executive, Annabelle Herd, emphasized the importance of upholding the human aspect of artistry in a rapidly evolving landscape. She highlighted the need for transparency in representing the music consumed in Australia, expressing concern that charting AI-generated music could undermine the essence of recorded music.
The regulatory shift follows the success of Brisbane DJ and producer Josh Fawaz’s AI-assisted version of “Like a Prayer,” which spent several weeks on the ARIA’s Top 20 Australian Singles chart. This controversial rendition, utilizing AI-generated vocals and drums, sparked debates and criticism within the music industry.
Notably, the updated rules will take effect next Monday, banning fully AI-generated tracks from the ARIA charts. However, music involving AI assistance to a limited extent will still be permitted. ARIA confirmed that Fawaz’s rendition of “Like a Prayer” did not meet the new eligibility criteria based on information provided by the artist.
