AI models have learned to create their own music by harvesting millions of songs from the internet. But critics say they’re using musicians’ work without permission, and three major record labels are suing them for ‘copyright infringement on an almost unimaginable scale’.

In the second episode of this two part series, the FT’s pop critic Ludovic Hunter-Tilney speaks to campaigners and lawyers about the legal battle over AI generators, and to artists about the growth of AI music on streaming platforms. How are AI generated songs racking up millions of listens? And should streaming platforms do anything to stop it?

Free to read:

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The Velvet Sundown’s shaggy retro rock has attracted 750,000 listeners – but is it all an AI hoax?

A musical supergroup fights AI – with a silent protest album

Abba’s Björn Ulvaeus warns of AI threat to musicians’ revenues

This series of Tech Tonic is presented by Ludovic Hunter-Tilney. The producers are Lulu Smyth and Josh Gabert-Doyon. Edwin Lane is the senior producer, Flo Phillips is the executive producer. Sound design by Breen Turner and Samantha Giovinco. Original Music by Metaphor Music. Fact checking by Miatta Mbriwa and Megan Hill. Manuela Saragosa is the FT’s acting co-head of audio.

Music used in this episode:

‘Dust on the Wind’ - The Velvet Sundown

‘The’ – Is This What We Want by 1000+ artists

‘Chasing Horizons’ - generated by Udio

‘Euphoria in Motion’ - generated by Udio

‘Drift Beyond the Flame’ – The Velvet Sundown

‘The Thrill of Loneliness’ - Hana Stretton

Read a transcript of this episode on FT.com

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AI Music: ‘Theft machines’?

FT Tech Tonic