Indian music maestro AR Rahman has voiced his concerns regarding the ongoing trend of song remixes and reimaginations, a practice that he believes disrespects the original work of composers. Known for his groundbreaking contributions to the music industry, Rahman has not only transformed Indian music with his unique compositions but has also taken an ethical stand on maintaining artistic integrity. In a recent interview, he highlighted his disapproval of remix culture and expressed concerns over the use of artificial intelligence (AI) in the music industry, pointing out how these practices pose ethical challenges and threaten the creative livelihood of musicians.
Rahman’s Stand on Remixing and ‘Reimagining’ Music
The trend of remixing songs—taking popular tracks from the past and reworking them with new beats and contemporary sounds—is not new to the Indian music industry. Starting in the late 1990s, remixing became a significant trend, with old Hindi songs reintroduced with modern twists. Over the years, this trend has intensified, with some songs as recent as five or six years old being remixed for new projects. AR Rahman, whose work has often been remixed, has taken offense to this practice, arguing that these reimaginations disrespect the original creator’s vision.
In an interview with The Week, Rahman stated, “You can't take a song from a movie and use it in another movie six years later, saying you are reimagining it.” For Rahman, remixing or reimagining songs without the composer’s permission violates the artist’s right to control their work. While he acknowledges that reimagined songs may be shared on social media, he strongly opposes making them mainstream or commercial without proper authorization from the original creators. “You can’t reimagine people’s work without their permission. You could post it on Instagram, but certainly not make it mainstream," Rahman emphasized.
The Ethical Dilemma of Remixes and Respect for Original Work
The issue of remixing hits close to home for Rahman. Many of his iconic songs, including Humma Humma from the 1995 film Bombay, have been reworked in recent years without his involvement. The Humma Song, a 2017 remix of the original Humma Humma, was part of the soundtrack for OK Jaanu, a film for which Rahman himself composed the score. However, the remix, created by Tanishk Bagchi and Badshah, was not handled by Rahman, who was notably uninvolved in reworking his own composition.
Rahman’s stance is clear: the reinterpretation of songs for commercial use without permission not only disregards the original artist’s creative rights but also dilutes the intended essence of the work. In an industry where remixes often overshadow original compositions, Rahman’s critique calls attention to the importance of respecting an artist’s work and maintaining its originality.
For Rahman, remixing songs purely for commercial gain erodes the authenticity of music. Many composers and artists invest years in perfecting their work, and remixing it without consultation or permission discredits their creative effort. His insistence on obtaining permission before remixing or reimagining songs serves as a reminder to the industry that the value of creativity should not be compromised for commercial appeal.
The Growing Use of AI in Music and Rahman’s Concerns
Beyond remixes, Rahman has also expressed serious concerns about the increasing use of artificial intelligence (AI) in the music industry. AI technology allows for the creation of music that mimics the style of established composers, enabling producers to replicate or generate new compositions without necessarily involving human artists. Rahman described AI as a potential "evil" in the music industry, particularly when it is used to exploit artists’ styles without compensating them.
“An even bigger evil is people misusing AI and not paying the composer even if they are borrowing his style,” Rahman remarked. He pointed out that AI could lead to unethical practices, where companies might use a composer’s distinctive style to produce music without actually hiring or paying that artist. This raises concerns about intellectual property rights, as AI could effectively strip composers of their creative ownership, especially when their unique styles can be replicated without credit or compensation.
Rahman’s perspective sheds light on the potential risks AI poses to job security in the music industry. If AI technology becomes widely adopted for music production, it could reduce the demand for composers, instrumentalists, and music producers, thereby threatening the livelihood of countless artists. “We need to bell this cat because it could lead to major ethical issues. People could lose jobs,” Rahman warned. His statement is a call for the industry to establish ethical guidelines that protect musicians’ rights and prevent the misuse of AI technology.
Preserving Authenticity in a Rapidly Changing Industry
Rahman’s critique of remix culture and AI in music underscores the broader struggle within the industry to preserve authenticity in an age of rapid technological change. The advent of digital platforms has transformed the way music is created, distributed, and consumed, making it easier than ever to remix or recreate songs. However, this ease of access often leads to the commodification of music, where the original artistry is overshadowed by commercial interests.
Rahman’s stand highlights a critical debate on the value of originality versus accessibility. While remixes and AI-generated music may cater to modern listeners’ tastes, Rahman believes that they lack the emotional depth and creative integrity of original compositions. His perspective calls for a balanced approach, where technology can enhance music production without undermining the rights and contributions of the original creators.
Industry Reactions to Rahman’s Views
Rahman’s statements have sparked discussions among musicians, composers, and fans alike. Many artists share his frustration over the remix culture and view it as a trend that undermines the creative process. Critics of remixes argue that instead of developing new content, the industry often relies on nostalgia to attract audiences, which may hinder the evolution of Indian music.
The ethical implications of AI in music have also become a point of contention. While AI offers exciting possibilities for enhancing music production, artists like Rahman caution against using technology to bypass creative efforts. Industry professionals recognize the potential benefits of AI, such as creating background music or soundscapes, but they agree that it should not replace the ingenuity of composers or threaten their job security.
Rahman’s call for respecting artists’ original work has resonated with fans who believe that his criticism reflects his dedication to authenticity in music. As someone who has achieved global acclaim and revolutionized Indian music, Rahman’s insistence on maintaining artistic integrity speaks volumes about his commitment to his craft.
Rahman’s Recent Projects and Future Work
Despite the challenges posed by remix culture and AI, Rahman continues to create original compositions that captivate audiences. His recent work includes scores for Tamil film Raayan and Imtiaz Ali's Amar Singh Chamkila, both of which were widely praised for their distinctive soundtracks. The songs became chartbusters, showcasing Rahman’s ability to adapt to contemporary tastes while preserving his unique style. His upcoming projects, Chhava and Thug, have also generated excitement among fans who look forward to experiencing his fresh compositions.
For Rahman, each project is an opportunity to explore new themes and sounds while remaining true to his artistic values. His ongoing work demonstrates his resilience in an industry where remix culture and AI pose challenges to creative expression. By focusing on originality, Rahman sets an example for aspiring musicians, reminding them that success lies in authenticity rather than conforming to fleeting trends.
AR Rahman’s outspoken criticism of remixes and AI in the music industry reflects his commitment to preserving artistic integrity. His views highlight the ethical dilemmas posed by remix culture and AI technology, urging the industry to respect original work and protect artists’ rights. Rahman’s insistence on obtaining permission before remixing songs serves as a reminder of the importance of honoring the creative process and upholding ethical standards.
In an era where technology and commercial interests increasingly shape the music industry, Rahman’s stance resonates with those who value originality and authenticity. His perspective emphasizes the need for a balanced approach, where innovation coexists with respect for artistic contributions. As Rahman continues to create music that captivates audiences worldwide, his legacy stands as a testament to the power of originality in a rapidly changing industry.