What Implications Does It Hold for the Future of Music?

The Rise of AI in Music: How it’s Affecting the Industry and Our Lives

Computers and artificial intelligence (AI) have been involved in making music for a long time, but recent advancements in technology have enabled AI to create music that is increasingly indistinguishable from that created by humans. From generative AI algorithms capable of composing original songs to machine learning-powered search and recommendation engines that change the way we discover and enjoy music, AI is disrupting the music industry in significant ways.

This article explores the latest developments at the intersection of AI and music and discusses the implications for musicians, the music industry, and music listeners.

Music Made by Robots

Thanks to deep learning and generative AI, computers are becoming increasingly proficient at creating music without human involvement. Platforms like Authentic Artists, Bandlab, and Boomy offer AI-generated music at the click of a button. Tencent Music’s streaming service reportedly hosts over 1,000 songs featuring AI-generated vocals, which have collectively received millions of plays. OpenAI’s generative AI tool for music, Jukebox, can create songs in the styles of famous artists.

While AI-generated music may not become commercially viable on its own anytime soon, it could be useful for those needing music or background sounds to accompany videos and other works. This could impact the segment of the industry traditionally involved in creating this type of music. AI-powered music tool Amper, created by a group of movie industry musicians, provides custom soundtracks for incidental and background music.

AI-Augmented Artists

Some human recording artists are using AI tools to augment their music for creative or experimental reasons while retaining control of their output. Francois Pachet’s Hello World was the first pop album created with the help of AI. Holly Herndon used an AI-synthesized version of her own voice to sing harmonies alongside her own vocals in 2019. Experimental pop duo The Cotton Modules used OpenAI’s Jukebox to create textured soundscapes in their debut album, Shadow Planet.

AI in Music Production and Listening

Apart from creating music, AI is also used in music production and mastering. For example, LANDR is a platform that uses AI-assisted analysis to apply effects and enhance the overall sound of a track. AI is also used to improve the sound quality of music. Audeze creates headphones and microphones with built-in AI-driven noise reduction systems to provide higher quality audio.

AI is also changing the way we listen to and discover music. Spotify’s smart playlists adapt to the unique tastes and preferences of listeners, while AI-powered services like Shazam and Musixmatch identify music playing around us and create lyrics in real-time.

Copyright and Authorship

The rise of AI-generated or co-created music raises issues around copyright and authorship. A campaign group called the Human Artistry Campaign has created directives to ensure the rights of human creatives are not compromised. The US Copyright Office has issued guidance clarifying that music generated via a user prompt is not copyrightable. This protects artists who use AI to augment their own creativity while limiting the commercial viability of music created solely via AI technologies.

The Future of AI in Music

While human musicians may not be entirely replaced by AI, AI will play a significant part in creating the music we will listen to in the future. AI can streamline the creative process and help musicians come up with new ideas and concepts to express in their art. It can also continue to make it easier for listeners to find and connect with new music they will love and enable them to experience music in new and exciting ways.

Conclusion

AI is transforming the music industry in significant ways, from generative algorithms capable of composing original music to AI-powered tools for music production and listening. While it raises issues around copyright and authorship, AI is also enabling musicians to express their creativity in new and innovative ways and making it easier for listeners to find and connect with new music.