AI generated music in a Broken Curfew release

What you think about this issues guys?

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Important Label Announcement:


We have recently learned that the song "Signs of The Messiah" (and upcoming debut album) by VENIET, was created with the assistance of AI. In light of this information, we are leaving it up to the fans to determine whether this meets their listening preferences. 


If you purchased the track on Bandcamp and feel that it doesn't align with your values, please email us at brokencurfew and we will refund your purchase. Our primary goal is to ensure that no one feels misled or deceived on this matter. At Broken Curfew Records, trust and transparency are paramount; music quality and artist promotion come after that.


We want to be transparent and immediately inform our fans about the use of AI in the music of VENIET, a band we recently signed. We became aware of AI’s involvement after signing the band and following the release of their first single, "Signs of The Messiah," this past Friday.


This experience has reinforced our commitment to transparency in all aspects of music production. Moving forward, we will be implementing stricter guidelines and disclosure requirements for any production methods used by the bands we sign, ensuring that our fans are always informed about the creative processes behind the music they love.


As we navigate this new era of technology, it is clear that music fans, bands, and labels alike must address the role of AI in creative circles, including music. Currently, Broken Curfew Records does not have a formal policy on AI-assisted or AI-generated music, but we will be adding guidelines, rules, and requirements to our contracts moving forward.


We understand that AI's role in creative fields is still a highly polarizing issue, especially within the music community. Some are strongly opposed to its presence in the industry, while others believe that if the music sounds good, it shouldn’t matter. Some find the idea of AI in music intriguing and "cool." We recognize that all viewpoints are valid because, ultimately, it's the listeners who will decide the future of this topic, not the bands or record labels using or permitting AI-assisted music.


At this time, Broken Curfew Records is not signing "AI Bands," and we are actively discussing where to set the limits on AI assistance in music. AI is already present in various facets of the industry, from fully AI-generated or assisted artwork to AI-assisted guitar riffs, vocal shaping, drum beats, and beyond. Even in post-production, industry-standard software like iZotope Ozone, which has been used for years by engineering professionals, now incorporates AI to help achieve the best possible album master. As you can see, the industry is undergoing significant changes that must be considered.


We believe that within the next five years, there will be specific rules and even laws governing the use of AI. This will inevitably change our industry, and we must learn to work within these new boundaries while staying true to our artistic visions. What matters most is not necessarily how the final product sounds or whether it is "real or fake," but that artists are creating something they genuinely want to express through their art. This has always distinguished true artists from those who merely create something to market to fans or to call themselves "artists" or "a band" or "a filmmaker." We want to see bands realize their creative visions through music and express themselves artistically, as this is what makes music so powerful and remarkable.


At Broken Curfew Records, we believe that artistic integrity is essential. Whether music is created with traditional instruments, digital tools, or emerging technologies, our priority is to support artists in producing work that is authentic to their creative vision.


We value our fans' opinions and encourage open dialogue on this topic. Your feedback is essential in shaping how we approach the use of AI in music. Feel free to share your thoughts with us privately or here on social media, as we believe that our community's voice is crucial in navigating these new technological landscapes. 


**A Final note from Broken Curfew Records owner Seth Metoyer on the band VENIET:**


VENIET is a band from Brazil. The word "VENIET" means "He Approaches." They are a faith-based Christian group with a strong focus on evangelism through music. They have a full lineup of musicians who will perform the songs from their upcoming debut album live at shows in 2025. Each member has extensive experience in the industry, having worked on numerous projects over the years. 


I have spent considerable time speaking with the vocalist, Lean Van Ranna, who has been a vocalist for many years and is also a vocal coach. His heart is deeply committed to evangelism. Lean has been part of several power metal bands, long before AI became a topic in the industry. I’ve also connected with the guitarist Bruno Shitaki and drummer Caio Gaona on social media. Both Lean and Caio have YouTube channels where they showcase their music and performances from over the years.


When I first communicated with Lean about signing VENIET, we discussed music extensively, including his past projects. We talked about the need for more melodic death metal in the Christian music scene. I regret not asking him about the extent of their creative process or whether they had used any AI in their music. It simply didn’t occur to me, and I apologize if anyone is upset by this oversight. 


While the band wasn’t forthcoming about it initially, Lean later explained their use of AI, believing that AI-assisted technology had been in use within the industry for some time and didn't believe it would be an issue. He has apologized for not disclosing this earlier, and we as a label are still determining how we will proceed with this band and their upcoming release. We hope to share a game plan soon. 


Thank you for your understanding. Our mission as a label is to continue shining a light on indie music and spreading the word about our bands throughout the world.

Your feedback on this topic is appreciated!


In Him,


Seth Metoyer  
Owner
Broken Curfew Records

AI is very cool.  It's really an amazing technology.  But AI doesn't create anything.  It generates a final "product" by a piecemeal process using what is already out there.  It can't create anything "new".  It certainly can't create anything with feeling.  And it will never have what I call a happy accident that adds a whole new dimension to the creation.

It's one thing to use AI in the hopes of inspiring some creativity, it's quite another to use it to "write" music that is then passed off as an original creation.  Musical technology is a great thing in that it allows us to write and record without having to have a huge budget or access to expensive equipment.  On the opposite side, musical technology allows the market to be flooded with mediocre products creating a vast cesspool of rubbish.  In my opinion, finding good music on any of the streaming platforms these days is like trying to find a bite of good food at the garbage dump.

Uhh, who?

Xid wrote:AI is very cool.  It's really an amazing technology.  But AI doesn't create anything.  It generates a final "product" by a piecemeal process using what is already out there.  It can't create anything "new".  It certainly can't create anything with feeling.  And it will never have what I call a happy accident that adds a whole new dimension to the creation.

It's one thing to use AI in the hopes of inspiring some creativity, it's quite another to use it to "write" music that is then passed off as an original creation.  Musical technology is a great thing in that it allows us to write and record without having to have a huge budget or access to expensive equipment.  On the opposite side, musical technology allows the market to be flooded with mediocre products creating a vast cesspool of rubbish.  In my opinion, finding good music on any of the streaming platforms these days is like trying to find a bite of good food at the garbage dump.

Couldn’t have said it better

I think the label handled it well, while the artist seems not to. My main issue with it, is I believe the band sold it as it wasn't AI. And that is where I find issue with it. I know of some AI music that people enjoy, and they know it is AI, and I'm fine with that.

In a since deleted post, the artist tried to defend it as some kind of social class issue where they are from a poor country and can't afford all the nice things that Americans can, so it was to level the playing field. I guess they were hoping to get noticed, raise money, and then record real music? It's laughably misguided as I can guarantee you that most musicians in the states do NOT have a ton of money at their disposal and are barely making any. I know of a few that have lost a bunch, and they are very popular.

New post from BC Records...

Yesterday, we posted an announcement about AI-generated music by a band that is no longer on our label. Our goal was transparency, but we’ve since removed the post to avoid contributing to division within the music community.


While many provided thoughtful feedback, the discussion, unfortunately, turned negative, with some comments becoming hostile and hateful towards members involved in the project. This is not the environment we want to foster.


AI’s role in music is a complex and evolving issue, with differing opinions among fans, artists, and industry professionals. While we encourage open discussion, it must be conducted with respect and understanding. Shaming or attacking others has no place here.
At Broken Curfew Records, transparency is key, but so is maintaining a respectful and inclusive community. We’ll continue to address these important topics in the future while promoting constructive dialogue.


Thank you for your understanding and for being part of the Broken Curfew Records family. Let’s move forward together with respect and a shared love for music.


In Him,


Seth Metoyer
Broken Curfew Records

At least they are upfront about and allow for a refund

Yesterday I was surprised that Pastor Brad is experimenting around with AI in his songs. For those that know what he sounds like, will know this new song sounds nothing like him. But still, I really like the song. Read his replies to comments to learn more about the process.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dTZaEBpdBPY

AI is not a complex issue.

Don't use it at all.

If you do, let everyone know up front, including your label and fans.

Not difficult to understand.

So you don't have to be a musician at all to make music. Not sure why guys like Pastor Brad would be okay with this, it's putting him out of business.

Black Rider wrote:So you don't have to be a musician at all to make music. Not sure why guys like Pastor Brad would be okay with this, it's putting him out of business

Music and his YT channel are hobbies of his. He has a passion for both. Quite an extensive discography of Christian hard rock and metal.
He has been a full time pastor for many years

Maybe he should release the AI stuff under a different band name so as not to confuse people. That song doesn’t sound like Pastor Brad. I probably wouldn’t listen to this more than once or twice…it didn’t do anything for me.

oldschooldoom wrote:At least they are upfront about and allow for a refund

Yesterday I was surprised that Pastor Brad is experimenting around with AI in his songs. For those that know what he sounds like, will know this new song sounds nothing like him. But still, I really like the song. Read his replies to comments to learn more about the process.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dTZaEBpdBPY

For the song, another case of "AI turns everything into Sabaton." 

He said he was "redeeming AI for Jesus." I definitely don't understand.

I don't get the concept of using AI for the ultimate production of anything creative. When you aren't gifted by God (and perhaps don't have the time or haven't put in the effort) to produce something it doesn't fit that AI can take the place of God-given gifts, talents, provision. I understand its minor use as a tool like spell-check (as I type this on my phone and it gives suggestions) but it isn't human and it certainly isn't God. Spitting out an algorithmic piece of information (passed for art as images, writing, sound) is base level and a far cry from our calling as unique image bearers with our own gifts, talents, and callings.

We're only getting started working through this in our world so I haven't spent a lot of time thinking about it but at this point, I don't understand. I don't get it.

oldschooldoom wrote:

Black Rider wrote:So you don't have to be a musician at all to make music. Not sure why guys like Pastor Brad would be okay with this, it's putting him out of business

Music and his YT channel are hobbies of his. He has a passion for both. Quite an extensive discography of Christian hard rock and metal.
He has been a full time pastor for many years

I get that. I'm just thinking for others who are trying to do it more full time as I think it will turn a lot of people off.

"redeeming AI for the glory of Jesus" - always the excuse people use. Next up redeeming stripping for the glory of Jesus!

deathisgain wrote:"redeeming AI for the glory of Jesus" - always the excuse people use. Next up redeeming stripping for the glory of Jesus!

I think I remember hearing of something similar to that. That actually happened.

StevenCressler wrote:

deathisgain wrote:"redeeming AI for the glory of Jesus" - always the excuse people use. Next up redeeming stripping for the glory of Jesus!

I think I remember hearing of something similar to that. That actually happened.

LOL, sometimes Stryper gets called Stripper

oldschooldoom wrote:

StevenCressler wrote:

deathisgain wrote:"redeeming AI for the glory of Jesus" - always the excuse people use. Next up redeeming stripping for the glory of Jesus!

I think I remember hearing of something similar to that. That actually happened.

LOL, sometimes Stryper gets called Stripper

I call them that as a joke sometimes.