Björn Ulvaeus, the iconic founding member of the legendary pop group ABBA, is venturing into new creative territory by utilising artificial intelligence in the development of a new musical. During a recent presentation at SXSW London, Ulvaeus revealed that he is “three-quarters” through the writing process, emphasising the revolutionary potential of AI as a songwriting companion. “It’s fantastic. It is such a great tool,” he stated, noting that collaborating with AI feels like working alongside another songwriter endowed with an extensive reference database.

Ulvaeus’s enthusiasm for exploring modern technology is not unprecedented; he and fellow ABBA member Benny Andersson have a history of embracing innovation, from the early adoption of synthesizers to digital recording techniques. This latest project follows the band’s remarkable return in 2021 with the album “Voyage” and the corresponding digital concert experience “ABBA Voyage,” which reportedly sold over two million tickets in its first 19 months. This momentum illustrates Ulvaeus’s commitment to pushing the boundaries of musical creativity.

Despite his excitement, Ulvaeus acknowledged the limitations of AI, describing it as “lousy at [writing a whole song]” and “very bad at lyrics.” He explained that while the generated content may often be subpar, it can sometimes spark new ideas that propel the creative process forward. “You can prompt a lyric you have written about something, and you’re stuck maybe,” he elaborated, “and you want this song to be in a certain style.”

However, Ulvaeus is also acutely aware of the broader implications of AI in the music industry. In December 2024, he articulated his concerns regarding the impact of generative AI on artists’ earnings, citing a CISAC report warning that musicians could see a decline of up to 24% in revenue by 2028 due to the rise of AI-generated music. He remarked on the fairness of tech companies benefiting from artists’ work without offering adequate compensation and has called for regulatory measures to ensure that original creators receive appropriate royalties.

Such advocacy for artists’ rights is consistent with Ulvaeus’s ongoing engagement with CISAC, where he serves as president. He has been vocal about the need for accountability among AI music generators, especially since these programmes rely on existing compositions. By establishing frameworks for compensation, Ulvaeus aims to protect the rights of creators and ensure that their contributions are recognised in this evolving landscape.

In addition to his current projects, Ulvaeus recently celebrated two milestones: the 25th anniversary of the hit musical “Mamma Mia!” and the 50th anniversary of ABBA’s Eurovision triumph with “Waterloo”. Both occasions underscore the enduring influence of ABBA’s music, which has resonated across generations. “Mamma Mia!”, co-created with Andersson, has captivated audiences worldwide, having been performed in over 450 cities and translated into 16 languages since its debut in London’s West End in 1999.

As Ulvaeus navigates between innovation and the protection of artistic integrity, his dual role as a creative powerhouse and a proponent for musicians’ rights positions him at the forefront of an essential conversation regarding the future of music in an increasingly digital era.

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Source: Noah Wire Services