Innovative AI Songwriter Ghostwriter977 Named SCENE’s Person of the Year
In April, an anonymous TikTok user known as Ghostwriter977 uploaded an AI-generated song titled “Heart on My Sleeve” that appeared to feature Drake and The Weeknd collaborating. Unlike previous attempts, this song was remarkably good, leading to hundreds of thousands of listens on YouTube and Spotify. However, Universal Music Group issued copyright infringement claims, resulting in the removal of the track from streaming platforms. Despite this setback, “Heart on My Sleeve” sparked a global conversation about the potential of artificially generated art.
Ghostwriter977, who is also a well-known songwriter-producer, created the song by adding a final AI-generated layer to his vocals, mimicking the styles of Drake and The Weeknd. The track’s success highlighted the importance of human originality and flair in music production and lyrics.
In a surprising turn of events, Ghostwriter977 submitted “Heart on My Sleeve” for Grammy consideration, which initially received support from the Recording Academy CEO Harvey Mason Jr. However, after facing backlash, Mason reversed his opinion and rejected the AI version of the song. Nevertheless, this incident demonstrated that AI-generated art was beginning to shape culture, even if traditional institutions were hesitant to acknowledge its impact.
The Impact on Legislation and Future Artistic Endeavors
As a direct response to songs like “Heart on My Sleeve,” the U.S. Senate proposed a bill that would make non-consensual filtering of a person’s likeness through AI illegal under federal law. This legislation aimed to address concerns regarding deepfakes and protect individuals’ voice and likeness rights.
This year has been marked by discussions surrounding how AI will change humanity, particularly in relation to art and culture. While Hollywood faced strikes from writers and actors as they prepared for the inevitable impact of AI, Ghostwriter977’s work demonstrated the potential for meaningful art to incorporate artificial intelligence.
The Future of AI and Art
Although AI has the potential to give rise to new artistic mediums and movements, it is important to remember that technology alone cannot replace the human perspective and soul required for good art. AI can enhance and accentuate artistic expression, but a fruitful collaboration between humans and machines is crucial for the industry’s advancement.
Hot Take: Ghostwriter977 Redefines the Boundaries of Art with AI
Ghostwriter977, SCENE’s Person of the Year, has revolutionized the music industry and sparked a global discussion about the intersection of AI and creativity. By producing a remarkably convincing AI-generated song, he challenged traditional notions of artistry and forced us to consider the future possibilities of artificial intelligence in artistic endeavors. While controversies surrounding copyright infringement and Grammy eligibility emerged, Ghostwriter977’s work provided a roadmap for artists to navigate this evolving landscape. It is clear that AI has the potential to augment human creativity, paving the way for exciting collaborations between man and machine.