Paul McCartney has urged that musicians be protected from the effects of proposed changes to AI regulation.
The legendary singer-songwriter, whose fortune through his music is estimated at £1 billion ($1.25 billion), told the BBC that if the new rules come into effect, allowing AI developers to use creators' content unless they choose to opt out, it will. It would be very difficult for musicians to make a living the way he did when he was first a songwriter.
Former Beatle Sir Paul said:
“When we were kids in Liverpool, we found a job that we loved, but it also paid the bills… Guys and girls come up to you, write a nice song, but don't have it, and they do it.” You have nothing to do with it. And anyone who wants can just tear it down.
“The truth is the money is going somewhere…someone is getting paid, so why not the guy who sat down and wrote yesterday? (McCartney wrote the classic Beatles song in 1965)
He added: “We are the people and you are the government!” It's supposed to protect us. This is your job.
“So, you know, if you're passing a bill, make sure you protect the creative thinkers, the creative artists, or you won't get them.”
It comes after McCartney and fellow Beatles survivor Sir Ringo Starr used artificial intelligence to extract the late John Lennon's vocals from the demo he left behind, to create a new song. Now and then. The song was billed as The Beatles' final single and received critical acclaim upon its release in 2023, and was nominated for two Grammy Awards.
