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CultureB2Will vs going to (prediction)

Songs created by AI banned from Australia's music charts

Tuesday, 25 August 2026

Illustrative photo: A music recording studio with guitars on the wall and a large mixing console.
Illustrative photo: A music recording studio with guitars on the wall and a large mixing console.
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Warm-up

  1. How do you usually discover new music?
  2. What makes a song feel truly human to you?
  3. Where do you think AI already appears in music production?

Vocabulary

eligible
Allowed to be chosen or to take part in something.
backlash
A strong negative reaction by many people.
declare
To state something clearly and officially.
retrospectively
Affecting past events after they have already happened.
exclude
To prevent something from being included.
guideline
A rule or advice that directs how to act.
manipulation
Secret or unfair control used to change results.
pledge
A serious promise, often by a leader or organisation.

Reading

Australia’s recording industry body ARIA has banned songs that are largely or wholly created by AI from its official charts. From this week, releases must be “substantially human made” to be eligible. The move follows a backlash over Australian DJ Josh Fawaz’s cover of Madonna’s Like A Prayer, which topped the ARIA dance singles chart and peaked at number 2 overall. The track has more than 48 million Spotify streams, and Fawaz later added generative AI credits.

Under the new rules, AI assistance can be used, but humans must have written the song and performed the lead vocal and primary instruments. AI may still be used for mastering, drum machines and auto‑tune. The updated code also excludes music that raises “stream or chart manipulation concerns”.

Artists must declare AI use when they submit a track. ARIA says it may retrospectively adjust chart positions if a release proves largely AI‑generated, and could ask for Number One awards to be returned. Exclusions can be challenged. The update follows IFPI guidelines and a similar ban in Sweden. Supporters include Peking Duk, while Prime Minister Anthony Albanese pledged “the strongest possible protection” for creatives.

Original source

Comprehension

  1. What change did ARIA make to its official charts?
  2. Which DJ’s track triggered the decision, and how did it chart?
  3. What must humans do under the new rules for a song to qualify?
  4. What must artists do when they submit music for the charts?
  5. What promise did the prime minister make to creatives?

Grammar focus

Will vs going to (prediction)

Use 'will' for general predictions or beliefs with no present evidence. Use 'be going to' when there is present evidence or a plan (e.g. a label preparing a campaign). (Examples constructed.)

  • Experts say ARIA **will ban** songs made mainly by AI.
  • If a label prepares a campaign, the artist **is going to release** a single.

Grammar exercise

Complete each gap with the correct form: will or going to.

  1. Many believe ARIA (ban) ___ AI songs from the charts.
  2. If the label is planning promotions, the band (release) ___ a single.
  3. Critics expect chart positions (change) ___ after the update.
  4. The artist is preparing videos, so they (promote) ___ the track.
  5. Observers think ARIA (ask) ___ for awards to be returned.

Discussion

  1. Should charts allow AI‑assisted songs if humans lead the vocals?
  2. How could labels show listeners when AI tools were used?
  3. Would a ban like this help or hurt new artists in your country?
  4. Where should the line be between inspiration and manipulation?
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