Will AI Music Creator Apps Change The Music Industry?

The rapid rise in popularity and revenue generation of AI-generated songs has naturally raised concerns among music industry gatekeepers. Recently, Universal Music Group, representing artists like Drake and The Weeknd, took a proactive stance against copyright violations by urging platforms to remove the AI-generated track titled “Heart on My Sleeve.”

The Emergence of AI Music Creators

The concept of using AI for music creation may sound futuristic, but it has been steadily developing over the past few years. AI systems became sophisticated enough to compose music that could rival human products. With advancements in deep learning algorithms, AI has become adept at analyzing vast datasets of existing music, learning patterns, and generating new compositions that reflect the styles of various artists and genres.

The technology has advanced to a point where AI-generated music can now mimic various musical styles. However, music fans and reviewers argue that no musical Rubicon has been crossed. And AI hasn’t crushed the music business yet. Find out whether the booming AI creator applications will change the music industry.   

Is AI the new star of the music world? Not quite. Trending AI image generators like Dall-E 2 and Midjourney can create images based on prompts. On the contrary, making music is a different ballgame. In this situation, a human was essential to combine track production, lyrics, and chord structures. AI’s role mainly was sourcing raw materials, but human hands curated most of the work. The outcome is undeniably a fusion of organic human creativity and synthetic machine intelligence. Despite the existence of fully integrated AI music creators, they still need to pass the music Turing test. It needs further development and refinement.

Democratization of Music Creation

One of the most significant impacts of AI music creators is the democratization of music creation. Historically, music production required access to expensive recording studios, skilled musicians, and complex equipment. AI music creators, on the other hand, allow aspiring artists with limited resources to produce high-quality compositions in the comfort of their homes. AI has opened doors for a more diverse musical expressions, challenging traditional gatekeepers in the music industry.

Personalized Music Experiences

As AI gains insights into users’ preferences, it can create personalized music experiences. Streaming platforms and music apps can use AI to curate playlists and recommend songs that align with individual listeners’ musical tastes. This level of personalization enhances user engagement and loyalty. It may also increase user satisfaction and revenue for the music industry.

Collaborative Opportunities

AI-generated music is not designed to replace human musicians but rather to complement them. It presents a unique opportunity for artists to collaborate with AI systems to explore new creative avenues. Musicians can use AI as a co-creator to generate melodies and harmonies. In addition, AI can also recommend production techniques. This collaboration can spark fresh ideas and push the boundaries of what’s creatively possible. In other words, this fast-evolving technology is designed to create a fusion of human artistry and AI innovation.

Challenges and Ethical Considerations

While AI music creators offer numerous benefits, they also raise important ethical considerations and challenges for the music industry. Here are some of the difficulties facing AI-generated music: 

Copyright and Intellectual Property

As AI becomes proficient at mimicking specific artists’ styles, there arises a question of ownership and copyright. Who owns the rights to a song generated by AI that sounds remarkably similar to a famous artist’s work? Determining the legal and ethical ownership of AI-generated music can be complex and requires a reevaluation of copyright laws and intellectual property rights.

Originality and Creativity

Critics argue that AI-generated music needs more true creativity as it is based on patterns and algorithms derived from existing compositions. While AI systems can produce impressive pieces, they may need to possess the depth of emotions that fuel human creativity. Defining and appreciating the distinction between human and AI creativity will become a focal point in future discussions.

Impact on Human Musicians

The fear of automation replacing human jobs is not new to the music industry. AI music creators also raise concerns about the impact on human musicians and composers. Will AI take away opportunities for human musicians? Will it create new avenues for artistic expression? These are just a few questions arising from this creative innovation. That’s why maintaining a balance that supports both human creativity and AI innovation is essential for the sustainable growth of the music industry.

Future Possibilities in AI-generated Music

An example of AI music creator – Boomy.com

Looking ahead, the integration of AI music creators into the music industry opens up exciting possibilities:

1. New Music Genres and Styles

AI music creators can blend elements from various genres, leading to the emergence of new musical styles. By pushing the boundaries of conventional music, AI can inspire artists to explore uncharted territories, resulting in a more diverse and innovative musical landscape.

2. AI-Powered Live Performances

Imagine a concert where AI-generated music is composed and performed in real-time, tailored to the audience’s preferences and reactions. AI-powered live performances can create unique and immersive experiences that evolve with the energy of the crowd, transforming the traditional concert experience.

3. Enhanced Music Education and Learning

AI can also revolutionize music education, offering personalized learning experiences for students. AI-powered tutoring systems can analyze individual students’ progress and tailor lesson plans to address their strengths and weaknesses, ultimately improving the overall learning process.

Final Thoughts

The real question is whether AI-generated music can evoke an emotional response. For music to resonate, there must be a deeper connection and meaning. The automated process lacks feeling, movement, and experience in music creation. AI can create a higher-value proposition for the real thing. But like knock-offs in fashion, there will be a market for mid-brow auto-songs and hand-crafted haute couture music.

With AI’s assistance, we can better use natural, organic, human-made art to access our subconscious selves. There is hope. Artists should see the emergence of AI music creator tools as an opportunity and extension of their brands. Future music fans will design the music they want to hear. Moreover, the creative class must learn to adopt AI and leverage their skills effectively, not lament the inevitable.