BBC Introducing West Midlands criticised for platforming AI artist

BBC Introducing is being criticised over its decision to platform an artist who admitted on air that his music is "completely" AI-generated.

According to Rolling Stone, West Midlands-based artist Papi Lamor was invited onto BBC Radio West Midlands' Introducing Show on November 6 after host Theo Johnson called one of their tracks "pitch perfect" on air.

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Papi Lamour, who describes themselves as a "songwriter and digital-era producer", reportedly told Johnson during the appearance that their track 'Be Inspired' - which they said was created in tribute of Black History Month - was made completely using AI software, informed by their background in computer science.

“I feel like we are seeing that change because it sounds pitch perfect," Johnson responded, according to Rolling Stone. "When I heard it, it was sonically amazing. Then it’s like, 'who is this?'. I’ve never interviewed anyone on radio who has said, ‘This was AI’.”

In a statement to Mixmag, a spokesperson for BBC Introducing said: "“Each track is considered based on its musical merit and whether it is right for our target audience, with decisions made on a case-by-case basis.”

A number of social media users have since criticised the decision from BBC Introducing to hail AI-generated music due to its position as a platform for "unsigned, undiscovered, and under-the-radar UK music talent".

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Birmingham-based artist Mollyxo wrote on TikTok: "The guy has 11 followers and one of them is Theo Johnson - the host of the show - bit convenient that? I've complained formally to them and waiting to hear back."

Papi Lamour has not yet responded to criticism and has made their social media pages private. However, Rolling Stone noted that a cryptic TikTok post from the creator behind the AI-generated track was shared, reading: “Jealousy shouts, kindness thinks, and courage keeps creating. Never let the noise of small minds drown the work of a big one.”

[Via: Rolling Stone]

Megan Townsend is Mixmag's Deputy Editor, follow her on Twitter