Artificial intelligence is perceived as an increasingly greater threat by Norwegian songwriters, composers and lyricists. 53 percent believe AI threatens their music-making business, compared to 38 percent two years ago. Fear of AI is greatest among those aged 15 to 29.
/ 16/04/2026 / Willy MartinsenThis is according to a new survey conducted by the music rights organization TONO in collaboration with the analysis company Opinion. The respondents in the survey are 1618 Norwegian songwriters, composers and lyricists. This is the second time TONO has conducted the survey, the previous one in 2024.
– This is a clear development. Music creators across the country are experiencing far greater uncertainty related to artificial intelligence than before. The technology has developed rapidly, while AI artists have entered the charts, says Willy Martinsen, communications director at TONO.
AI concerns are lowest among those between the ages of 40 and 49. Among these, 49 percent believe that AI is a threat to their music creation.
The strongest fear of AI is found among Norway's young music creators. Among those aged 15 to 29, the proportion who experience AI as a threat has almost doubled in two years, from 36 to 63 percent.
– Youth and young adults who make music are in an establishment phase and are perhaps more vulnerable than more established music creators. The fact that so many express fear about how AI could affect their future is a signal that we as a society must take seriously, says Willy Martinsen, Communications Director at TONO.
The survey also shows a growing resistance to using artificial intelligence in one's own music creation.
Only 17 percent state that they are positive about adopting AI themselves, a decrease from 20 percent in 2024. At the same time, the proportion who are negative has increased significantly, from 51 to 64 percent.
There is great concern around the world about how AI may affect music creators. A global survey from CISAC estimates that AI could cut music creators' income globally by nearly 25 percent by 2028.
“The AI models have largely been trained on music without permission from the copyright holders and without paying the music creators who created it. Development is moving faster than regulation,” says Martinsen.
At the same time, there is now a clear counter-reaction, both political and legal.
– The EU is working on new regulations that will clarify that CI companies must respect artists' copyright. It is pointed out that CI companies must enter into agreements with collective management companies such as TONO. This gives an important signal that music creators should have their rightful place in the CI market. We believe that there is a need for clearer political commitment in Norway as well to ensure sustainable conditions for Norwegian music and Norwegian music creators, says Martinsen.
Peter Baden is a composer and musician, and has written music for Netflix, among other things. He is one of those who is concerned:
– There are positive aspects to AI, but I am afraid that it may teach the public that generative music is the new norm. I am also afraid that it will mean that people will not be able to make a living from making music because the money flows will change. I think this is a problem for the whole of society, he says.
Willy Martinsen, Communications Director at TONO, mobile 909 65 254, willy.martinsen@tono.no