The music industry is on the brink of a revolution, and it’s not just about streaming or piracy anymore. Artificial intelligence is here, and it’s changing everything—whether artists like it or not. Eurythmics’ co-founder Dave Stewart is urging musicians to face this reality head-on, calling AI an ‘unstoppable force’ that demands their attention. But here’s where it gets controversial: Stewart believes artists should license their music to generative AI platforms, arguing that resistance is futile. Should creators embrace this technology, or is it a threat to their originality?
Generative AI platforms are already reshaping the creative landscape. These tools analyze existing songs, dissecting their styles, themes, and structures, to produce entirely new tracks based on user prompts. Imagine asking an AI to craft a song about a wild night out in the spirit of Britpop—it would draw from similar tracks, blending elements to create something unique. Sounds futuristic, right? Well, it’s already happening. Major labels like Universal and Warner have partnered with AI platforms such as Udio and Suno, allowing users to remix existing songs or create new ones inspired by their favorite artists. But is this innovation or exploitation?
Stewart’s stance is clear: ‘Everybody should be selling or licensing their voice and skills to these companies. Otherwise, they’re just going to take it anyway.’ Yet, labels counter that artists will have the choice to opt into these services and earn royalties from AI-generated works. The debate is far from settled. Who truly owns creativity in the age of AI?
With a storied career that includes nine UK Top 10 albums and countless hits, Stewart isn’t just speculating—he’s forecasting a seismic shift. ‘There’s going to be a disintegration of giant corporations controlling their artists,’ he warns. And he’s putting his money where his mouth is. Stewart recently unveiled Rare Entity, a venture designed to empower creatives across disciplines by giving them total control and ownership of their work. In a world where AI moves at lightning speed, this is a timely reminder: owning your work means owning your future.
Rare Entity, co-founded with entrepreneurs Dom Joseph and Rich Britton, doesn’t seek to own intellectual property. Instead, it invests in projects and takes a share of the earnings. One example is Planet Fans, a platform helping artists connect with fans over ticketing, merchandise, and more. Stewart’s inspiration for this venture dates back to the 1980s, when he and Annie Lennox had to take out a £5,000 bank loan to launch Eurythmics. The idea crystallized in 2002, when he gathered icons like Lou Reed, Stevie Wonder, and Dr. Dre in a Deutsche Bank boardroom to discuss the internet’s impact on creativity. ‘Artists need to think differently,’ Stewart urged. ‘Create your own world and take back control.’
As a champion of both creative autonomy and technological innovation, Stewart isn’t as alarmed by generative AI as some of his peers. He sees it as a tool, much like his first drum machine—powerful in the right hands, but no substitute for human creativity. He even recommends artists study Gilbert and George’s Ten Commandments, particularly the line, ‘Thou shalt not know exactly what thou dost, but thou shalt do it.’ Is AI a collaborator or a competitor?
And this is the part most people miss: AI isn’t just a threat; it’s a mirror reflecting the industry’s deeper issues. Stewart’s message is clear: adapt or risk being left behind. But the question remains—how far should artists go in embracing this technology? Is licensing their work to AI platforms a step toward progress, or a slippery slope toward losing their artistic identity? What do you think? Is AI the future of music, or its downfall? Let’s debate in the comments!
