The singer surprised us by saying that she isn’t worried about technologies capable of emulating her voice
The most recurrent discussion in the music world in 2023 revolves around the use of artificial intelligence. The tools can be used to perfectly emulate the voices of great artists in songs they have never recorded, compose entire albums from a simple algorithm run or other more technical forms of exploitation, such as “cleaning” records of noise or something like that.
With regard to the initial possibility of reproducing vocal records, there are various concerns about artists’ basic rights. However, Shakira doesn’t seem to have any concerns.
The singer was asked to reflect on the subject in an interview with Billboard (via Music News). At the time, she surprisingly said that technology makes many mistakes when trying to replicate an artist’s voice. That’s why it would be “difficult” to come across a good imitation of her performance.
“They’ve shown me how I sound with artificial intelligence. But I don’t think they’ve got it right yet. I can’t hear myself there.”
The Colombian pop star then highlighted some of the elements that the tool has not yet succeeded in improving.
“The letter E, for example, sounds like my voice, but not the other four vowels. I think it will be difficult for the AI to imitate me.”
Aware that it will take some time for technology to evolve to this point, Shakira commented that she is looking at other issues, closer to her current reality.
“I have bigger problems to deal with now. My biggest concern is figuring out how Milán [her son] can practice American soccer, soccer and baseball in the same week.”
Catalog sales
At another point in the conversation, Shakira commented on the sale of her music catalog to Hipgnosis. The deal went through in 2021. In all, 145 of the artist’s songs now have their rights linked to the company. The amounts were not disclosed.
“I’m very good friends with Merck [Mercuriadis]. He is an expert in musicology who has known my catalog intimately since the first song I wrote when I was 8 years old. I know that my compositions are in better hands, having him as their guardian, and I’m very happy. They’re doing a very good job. If you sell your catalog, it has to be to someone who values your music and knows music.”
Other opinions
One of the big names in music who has not spared any criticism of the use of artificial intelligence in this area is Ed Sheeran. In an interview with Audacy (via American Songwriter), the owner of hits such as “Thinking Out Loud” and “Shape of You” turned to fiction to say that people should be aware of the possible problems caused by the indiscriminate use of technology.