Music Industry News

APRA AMCOS, the largest representative music rights organisation in Aotearoa, announces findings from the region’s largest report on AI (artificial intelligence) in music – revealing potentially catastrophic impacts on Australian and New Zealand music creators:

By 2028, 23% of music creators’ revenues will be at risk due to generative AI, projecting an estimated cumulative total damage of over half a billion NZD ($572 million).

Over half (54%) of those surveyed agree that AI technology can assist the human creative process, with Australian and New Zealand songwriters/composers being early adopters.

82% of music creators are concerned that the use of AI in music could lead to them no longer being able to make a living from their work.

76% of Māori members surveyed believe that AI could lead to an increase in cultural appropriation.

97% demand that policymakers should pay more attention to the challenges related to AI and copyright.

In the largest study of its kind in the region, APRA AMCOS has unveiled the results of its exhaustive report into AI in the music sector – AI and Music – revealing the technology’s significant impact on Australian and New Zealand music creators.

The report, conducted by Berlin-based consultation and research group Goldmedia, is based on survey responses from over 4,200 APRA AMCOS members across Australia, New Zealand and living overseas during May/June this year, including songwriters, composers and music publishers.

A range of industry experts were interviewed, including Associate Professor Oliver Bown (UNSW), Dr Sam Whiting (RMIT), and Sophie Burbery (University of Auckland), alongside prominent Australasian songwriters and composers such as: Bernard Fanning, Caitlin Yeo, Jimmy Barnes, Kingdon Chapple-Wilson (KINGS), David Long, Kate Miller-Heidke, Chris Chetland, Missy Higgins, Peter Garrett and Tina Arena.

The projected economic figures are startling, showing that by 2028, 23% of music creators’ revenues will be at risk due to generative AI, an estimated cumulative total damage of over half a billion NZD ($572 million). To date, there is no remuneration system that closes the AI-generated financial gap for music creators.

Meanwhile, of those surveyed, many are already using AI to assist with music creation, with 38% already using AI in their work and over half (54%) agreeing that AI technology can assist the human creative process.

Despite that, two thirds (65%) think that the risks of AI use outweigh its possible opportunities and 82% are concerned that the use of AI in music could lead to music creators no longer being able to make a living from their work.

83% agree that due to the increase in AI-generated work, issues around visibility and discoverability of songs on steaming platforms is increasingly important, while a further 88% believe that music made by humans should be promoted on streaming platforms.

Klaus Goldhammer, CEO of Goldmedia GmbH Strategy Consulting, explains: “This report is the first major analysis of the interplay between music and AI in Australia and New Zealand. It examines the economic dimension and trends in this fast-growing market, as well as the attitudes of music creators.”
“The high level of participation alone shows how much creative professionals are concerned about the challenges posed by AI in the music sector. Australia and New Zealand are not just adapting to AI-driven changes – they are leading the way, setting a benchmark for the rest of the world.”

LACK OF LEGISLATION LEAVES CREATORS BEHIND
Almost all surveyed are concerned about the current lack of legislation around AI and music, particularly the need for credit, consent and fair remuneration for their work:

97% demand that AI providers should be obliged to disclose when they use copyrighted works as training data.

95% claim that copyright holders must be asked for permission before their works are used as input for AI systems.

97% demand that policymakers should pay more attention to the challenges related to AI and copyright.

Dean Ormston, CEO of APRA AMCOS , explains: “We are seeing the equivalent of a fast-tracked industrial revolution. Global forecasts relating to generative AI (Gen AI) wealth generation by 2030 are astronomical, yet no major Large Language Model (LLM) platform or Gen AI service has asked for consent or paid for the data used to train platforms and drive Gen AI outputs.
We now know from this survey that artists are innovators and are embracing this incredible new technology, however government must put regulation and policy in place now to ensure that everyone is given the adequate credit, consent and fair remuneration for any works being used in AI platforms.
If the use of AI is unregulated and unlicensed it will be economically devastating. Creators pour their hearts and souls into their work, yet they’re facing a reality of seeing their creations exploited by AI platforms.”

APRA AMCOS New Zealand Head, Anthony Healey adds: “Songwriters, composers, artists and music companies have always been early adopters of new technology and the music business has been a digital business for some time. At its heart though, music is a human experience – and while everyone is amazed at the possibility of AI – right now the technology is being built on the backs of creators. It is only right that they be recognised and share in its future.”

CONCERN FOR THE PROTECTION OF MĀORI CULTURAL INTEGRITY
Results from the surveys show a particular challenge to the protection of Māori cultural integrity.
Dame Hinewehi Mohi DNZM (Ngāti Kahungunu, Ngāi Tūhoe), APRA AMCOS , Manukura Puoro Māori says: “Unregulated AI technology is a particular threat to Māori music and the potential for AI to lead to cultural misappropriation is massive. Maintaining the cultural integrity of Māori musical traditions and taonga puoro is important to our Māori members.”

“We urge the Australian and New Zealand Governments to implement EU-style transparency guidelines on tech companies now to disclose the content that has been copied and used without permission to build AI platforms, with sanctions for non-disclosure. Without this, our industry is facing a very bleak future,” says CEO of APRA AMCOS, Dean Ormston.

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