Teddy Swims Faces Backlash Over AI Use in Songwriting as Music Industry Tensions Escalate
Grammy-nominated singer Teddy Swims is under fire after openly acknowledging his use of artificial intelligence tools during the songwriting process, reigniting long-standing debates about technology’s expanding influence over the music world. As AI continues advancing at breakneck speed, artists are increasingly worried about how these tools may reshape—if not endanger—their creative livelihoods.
Speaking at SXSW Sydney in October, Swims described AI as “truly amazing” and “super helpful,” explaining that his producers use the technology to remotely adjust lyrics or rework entire songs into new genres without lengthy studio sessions. Instead of re-recording a line 15 times, he said, AI allows his team to modify a single word instantly, saving considerable time, money, and effort.
But the resurfaced comments triggered widespread criticism this week, especially as musicians around the globe protest AI’s growing presence in their field.
AI-generated artist’s chart success adds fuel to the fire
Controversy intensified in mid-November when “Breaking Rust”—a fully AI-generated country singer—topped Billboard’s Country Digital Song Sales chart with “Walk My Walk.” It was later revealed that the track had been modeled after the vocal style of real artist Blanco Brown without his knowledge or consent. This revelation underscored the legal and ethical uncertainties surrounding AI’s creative capabilities.
Major labels pivot from legal battles to collaboration
Swims’ remarks come at a pivotal moment for the industry. Universal Music Group, Warner Music Group, and Sony Music Entertainment recently resolved copyright disputes with AI platforms Suno and Udio, signing licensing agreements that will allow users to remix existing artists’ music beginning in 2026.
The deals signal a shift from confrontation to collaboration—but only with strict requirements ensuring artists can opt in and maintain full control over how their voices and likenesses are used.
A silent protest from over 1,000 musicians
Meanwhile, more than 1,000 musicians, including Paul McCartney, Kate Bush, and Damon Albarn, are preparing to release a silent protest album in December. The project opposes proposed UK copyright changes that would permit AI companies to train on copyrighted works without obtaining licenses.
McCartney’s contribution—a recording of an empty studio—serves as a symbolic warning about “the impact on artists’ and music professionals’ livelihoods” if protections fail.
As boundaries between human-made and machine-generated creativity continue to blur, Teddy Swims’ comments have become more than just a personal viewpoint—they’ve reignited a crucial debate about the future of the music industry.
