In brief
The Australian Recording Industry Association (ARIA) has introduced new rules that disqualify songs wholly generated by AI from entering national charts, insisting on a human element in songwriting, vocals and instruments. This move follows the rise of AI‑assisted tracks such as Josh Fawaz’s cover of Madonna’s “Like a Prayer,” which topped the dance charts and amassed 48 million Spotify streams before a backlash. While AI can still aid in mastering, drum machines and tuning, any track must credit human authorship—or face chart rescindment and award revocation. The directive mirrors moves in Sweden and aligns with the IFPI’s global AI guidelines, aiming to protect artistic integrity amid a crowded music market. Australian artists like Peking Duk have endorsed the policy, arguing that AI threatens the human experience in music.
The Australian Recording Industry Association (ARIA) now requires all songs charting in the country to be *substantially human‑made*. This rule, announced last week, will ban releases that are wholly or mainly created by artificial intelligence.
In a move that comes after the highly‑streamed Australian DJ Josh Fawaz’s AI‑enhanced cover of Madonna’s “Like a Prayer” rose to No. 2 on the overall chart, ARIA said the change seeks to “promote the human nature of artistry.” The track, which earned over 48 million Spotify streams, had added AI credits only after criticism.
Under the new code, AI can still assist artists. A human must write the melody or lyric, perform the lead vocal and play the primary instruments, but AI may aid in mastering, drum programming or auto‑tune applications.
ARIAs chief executive, Annabelle Herd, noted that AI “generally does not build up a separate cultural heritage from which the public can enjoy art.” She added that if a chart entry is later found to be largely AI‑generated, the position can be revised retroactively and any associated Number‑One awards could be returned.
The rule aligns with Sweden’s earlier ban on an AI‑made track and reflects the International Federation of the Phonographic Industry’s (IFPI) global AI guidelines, which now apply to charts in Latin America, the Middle East, Africa and Southeast Asia.
The ban has received support from Australian artists such as the electronic duo Peking Duk, who shared a playful AI‑remixed version of their 2014 hit “High” on Instagram, stating that “re‑recording your own song with AI so Australian radio will play it” takes away the human element.
Australia’s Prime Minister, Anthony Albanese, already pledged robust protections for creatives against AI training, promising that artists could control how their work is used and ensuring they are fairly compensated.
For more on AI in music, see: Sweden bans AI‑created song from charts.
