Synth-pop indie artist Grimes parts with Columbia Records

The Canadian singer-songwriter and record producer Grimes, real name Claire Elise Boucher, recently shared that she and Columbia Records are splitting ways.

She joined up with the record label in March 2021. Her sixth album, Book 1, was supposed to be dropped via the record label before the split. Already released are the 2021 and 2022 singles 'Player Of Games' and 'Shinigami Eyes.'

Shared by Billboard a couple days ago, it was also confirmed by Daouda Leonard, Grimes' manager. No reason has been given as to why.

In a recent Twitter thread, she touched on some fans' concerns following the division, reassuring them that the album would still release eventually.

"It got held so long I'm bored of it, I'll put it out but I wanna release the new songs I just made first."

It got held so long I'm bored of it, I'll put it out but I wanna release the new songs I just made first.

— 𝔊𝔯𝔦𝔪𝔢𝔰 (@Grimezsz) April 24, 2023

The thread was predominatly focused on her recent announcement expressing blanket permission for the use of her voice in AI projects. In promoting the use of her voice, she said "i have no label and no legal bindings."

"I'll split 50% royalties on any successful AI generated song that uses my voice," Grimes wrote, clarifying how she would navigate the new facet of the digital era's music making scene. "Same deal as I would with any artist i collab with. Feel free to use my voice without penalty."

"I think it's cool to be fused with a machine and I like the idea of open sourcing all art and killing copyright," she added.

One fan asked how Grimes would like to be credited in the AI projects, as a featured artist or through some other means.

"Sure - anything anyone wants," she responded. "I'm just curious what even happens and interested in being a Guinea pig."

Other comments in the thread debated the authenticity and "soul" behind AI music and the system of how royalties would be paid, highlighting some of the recent concerns around introducing AI generated music and AI produced voices into the music industry.

I think it's cool to be fused w a machine and I like the idea of open sourcing all art and killing copyright

— 𝔊𝔯𝔦𝔪𝔢𝔰 (@Grimezsz) April 24, 2023

It comes after an AI-generated song featuring the vocals of Drake and the Weeknd gained traction online, much to the former's dismay. It brings into question the extent of copyright law, the usage of artists' voices without permission, and artist royalties.

Grimes doesn't seem to have that much concern, though. She's even shared online that she and her team are currently working on a program that should be able to simulate her voice, but she's open to uploading samples for people to train their own.

"We expect a certain amount of chaos. Grimes is an art project, not a music project. The ultimate goal has always been to push boundaries rather than have a nice song. The point is to poke holes in the simulation and see what happens even if it's a bad outcome for us."

Otherwise, the only reason Grimes claims she and her team might use copyright to takedown a song is if it has "rly rly toxic lyrics." Examples provided of what that may entail covered sex, violence, politics, anti-abortion, and "no baby murder songs."

"Don't wanna be responsible for a Nazi anthem unless it's somehow in jest a la producers I guess."

Ok hate this part but we may do copyright takedowns ONLY for rly rly toxic lyrics w grimes voice: imo you'd rly have to push it for me to wanna take smthn down but I guess plz don't be *the worst*. as in, try not to exit the current Overton window of lyrical content w regards to…

— 𝔊𝔯𝔦𝔪𝔢𝔰 (@Grimezsz) April 24, 2023

Listen to Grimes here: