The main stories of the week are centered around AI, as always. Even if it feels like every week, a new release happens, this time, major tech companies are unleashing some powerful offers. We’ll present everything here!
#1. The latest on AI at TikTok
TikTok is making its way though AI and music integration. ByteDance is investing no less than $2.1 billion to develop an AI hub in Malaysia, to establish the region as a key player in AI innovation (and have their hand in the mix). This investment includes expanding its data center in Johor Bahru, as a response to the increasing demand for AI-driven data processing. ByteDance’s AI initiatives encompass a range of products, including TikTok's recommendation algorithm and AI music-generation apps like Mawf and Ripple. Worth noting as well, TikTok has been testing an AI Song feature for lyric generation.
Meanwhile, TikTok has enhanced its Commercial Music Library (CML) through a new partnership with Adobe. Adobe Express users are now allowed to access TikTok’s CML, which now gathers over 1 million pre-cleared tracks. This aims to simplify music licensing for brands, helping them avoid legal issues while creating social media content. These developments highlight TikTok’s commitment to leveraging AI to enhance user experience and streamline content creation for brands.
#2. Mainstream is dead
The music industry is going through some shift where mainstream success is becoming increasingly niche. According to Mark Mulligan, even superstars like Taylor Swift, who dominate current charts, have way less reach than their predecessors. For instance, Swift's highest-selling album '1989' has reached only 2% of the US population, compared to the Eagles' 'Their Greatest Hits', which reached 17.4%.
Of course this is linked to the fragmentation of media and the rise of streaming platforms, creating a more personalized experience. Pre-streaming, artists had the advantage of fewer competitors and a more centralized media landscape, hence a higher overall listenership. Today’s biggest stars achieve pretty impressive streaming numbers but capture a smaller percentage of the total audience. Even the most successful artists cater to a niche segment of the population.
#3. Apple is finally releasing a few AI-powered tools
Apple's recent introduction of Apple Intelligence at WWDC24 presents the new AI tools embedded in the iOS environment. This suite includes writing aids, text-to-image generation, and video editing based on text inputs, all integrated into Apple's ecosystem for free. While third-party tools like Grammarly and Midjourney currently dominate these areas, Apple's comprehensive, streamlined offerings could eclipse these standalone products.
This trend mirrors past tech shifts where giants either absorbed or outpaced innovative newcomers. For smaller AI tool developers to survive, they must either scale significantly or find niche markets that Apple's broad approach overlooks.
#4. The music industry is getting a grasp of innovation way better than before
Michael Huppe, president of SoundExchange made a comparison between AI’s impact on the music industry and the Napster’s era for Fast Company. Unlike the disruptive and often adversarial impact of Napster, AI is being met with proactive and constructive engagement from the music industry. Which is a great sign for the transition of the whole field. Artists and major labels are exploring partnerships with AI companies, and legislative bodies are quickly enacting measures to protect creators' rights.
At the same time, there is widespread acknowledgment, even among tech giants, of the need for safeguards and responsible AI use. This collaborative approach is fostering optimism that AI can enhance creativity and productivity in music while ensuring fair compensation for creators, making it a uniquely transformative force in the industry.
#5. Catch Metallica on Fortnite
Metallica will be taking center stage in Fortnite's latest Festival mode from June 13 to August 16. Players can enjoy iconic tracks like ‘Enter Sandman’ and ‘Master of Puppets,’ unlock band member outfits, and explore themed experiences like ‘Fuel. Fire. Fury.’ and a floating ‘Metallica Loot Island.’ This marks one of Fortnite's most ambitious music collaborations yet, and with a band renown for their attention to rights and remuneration nonetheless.
