Artificial Intelligence (AI) has made significant strides in various industries, and the music industry is no exception. AI technologies are reshaping how music is created, shared, and experienced.
This article looks into the current applications of AI in the music industry and explores the potential implications of its use in music creation. And yes, the image above was made using AI. Specifically, NIghtcafe.
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The Role of AI in the Music Industry
Contents
I am going to try not to be negative about the implications of AI, and I will ask a lot more questions than I will answer. After all, AI poses a lot of questions, and answers, some of them true, some of them false, for now!
Composition and Production
Algorithmic Composition
AI algorithms are capable of composing original pieces of music. Programs like OpenAI’s MuseNet and Google’s Magenta use deep learning models to generate music in various styles and genres.
These AI systems analyze vast amounts of musical data to create compositions that are stylistically consistent with the input data.
The question is, should we press a single button to create music? Shouldn’t music be a uniquely human, and creative process? Either way, it seems that AI is here to stay!
On a lighter note, the video below showcases real music. While AI might be able to recreate music as interesting, good, and impressive, it can’t perform it live on stage on its own. Yet. I vote for human-made music!
Virtual Instruments and Sound Design
AI-powered virtual instruments, such as AIVA (Artificial Intelligence Virtual Artist), allow musicians to create complex sounds and arrangements.
These tools can assist in sound design by suggesting harmonies, rhythms, and melodies based on the musician’s input. While this aids a musician’s creative process, it is not as all-encompassing as algorithmic composition, and I’m okay with it.
Technology that gets more people to become musicians, or try out composition for the first time, is a good thing in my opinion. But the real issue caused by the rise of AI in the music industry is where the money goes, comes from, ends up, comes to, etc.
After all, who streamed it? Were they human, and what does it mean to be human? Tick this box and move the slider if you are real. Also, what is music anyway?
Can you publish AI music? The questions continue on page 2! We live in interesting and unprecedented times. Again, apologies, but I don’t have the answers. Don’t shoot the messenger! 0100111000001110. Does not compute…Self-destruct sequence activated.
Music Mixing and Mastering
AI tools like LANDR and iZotope’s Neutron use machine learning algorithms to mix and master tracks automatically.
These systems analyze the audio and apply appropriate adjustments to balance levels, equalize frequencies, and enhance the overall sound quality, providing a professional finish to the music.
Many other tools and plugins are available and are worth checking out if you make music from a laptop. I don’t see this as a bad thing personally, as I think it expands music capabilities for everyone. But perhaps I am wrong.
Rick Beato certainly seems to think so…
Music Recommendation and Personalization
Streaming Services
AI plays a crucial role in music streaming platforms like Spotify, Apple Music, Amazon Music, YouTube Music, and Pandora.
These services use machine learning algorithms to analyze user behavior and preferences, recommending songs and playlists tailored to individual tastes.
Collaborative filtering, content-based filtering, and deep learning techniques are employed to predict and suggest music that users are likely to enjoy.
AI-driven playlist curators, such as Spotify’s Discover Weekly and Daily Mix, create personalized playlists for users based on their listening history and preferences. These playlists adapt over time, continuously refining recommendations to suit the user’s evolving tastes.
The problem is when you don’t like what it gives you! While it can help you to find new music, you should still try to discover new music organically from time to time. Don’t be a slave to the AI playlists and algorithms!
Automated DJing
AI-powered DJ software, like Algoriddim’s djay and MWM’s Edjing Mix, can analyze tracks’ musical structure and BPM (beats per minute) to create seamless transitions and mixes.
These tools allow even amateur DJs to perform like professionals, enhancing the live music experience. But how easy do we want to make it? Push a button and the playlist is created for you. Autoplay and auto-mix… So is DJ even needed?
Marketing and Distribution
Audience Targeting
AI-driven marketing platforms, such as Chartmetric and Soundcharts, help artists and labels identify and target specific audiences.
These tools analyze data from social media, streaming platforms, and other sources to determine where an artist’s music is most likely to resonate, optimizing marketing efforts.
These are services that I have a personal interest in and will be looking into, to help promote my music. I released my first album of original instrumentals at the start of this year (2024). I used Amuse to publish my music to Spotify, Apple, YouTube Music, etc.
If you don’t know already, don’t make the same mistake I did regarding playlists. Recommend your music to playlists BEFORE you hit publish. As far as I can work out, this cannot be done after you publish your music on Spotify.
My music is subsequently not being discovered. I could delete/unpublish the album and republish it, and that is probably what I will do, but there should be an easier way. Anyway, here is a link to the album:
Content Creation
AI tools like Wibbitz and Lumen5 assist in creating promotional content, such as music videos and social media posts.
By automating video editing and content generation, these platforms enable artists to produce engaging visuals and reach a broader audience. This sounds good on paper but once again I have to question if human creativity is being diminished.
Also, how many things do we want to automate? What happens when everything and everyone is a business and a collection of side hustles, but no one can afford to buy anything? Another question for the overlords.
Where is my universal basic income? I want to create more content for the content machine, corporate machine, and capitalist machine, but I can’t afford coffee…
Data Analytics
AI-powered analytics platforms, such as Next Big Sound and Audiense, provide insights into an artist’s performance and audience engagement.
These tools help artists to make more money. That’s what this article is really about. AI, and money. Money talks. And so does AI. What will you spend your money on when the terminators come?
AI helped me to write this article, and it created most of the images as well, with a single click. Soon you won’t even have to click. We will just think it and it will be. I think therefore I am. Who said that again? AI?
We will all be Iron Man in 5 years. Here is a picture of Iron Man fighting Voldemort (apparently that’s who he is) made by AI.
Potential Implications of AI in Music Creation
This Is What AI Thinks About AI
Inception. You have been AI-incepted or inceptionized or inceptionisted or inceptionistorized. These are all now words. I added them to the dictionary with AI. You are welcome.
- AI As A Tool: AI can serve as a powerful tool for musicians, offering new ways to experiment with sound and composition. By providing suggestions and generating ideas, AI can inspire artists to explore uncharted musical territories and push creative boundaries.
- Human Element: One of the main concerns with AI-generated music is the potential loss of the human element. Music is often valued for its emotional depth and personal connection, qualities that might be diminished when an algorithm is responsible for its creation.
- Ownership: The use of AI in music creation raises questions about authorship and ownership. Determining who holds the rights to AI-generated compositions—whether it’s the programmer, the user, or the AI itself—remains a complex legal challenge.
Industry Transformation
- Democratization of Music Production: AI tools make music production more accessible to individuals without formal training or expensive equipment. This democratization can lead to a more diverse range of voices and styles in the music industry, fostering innovation and inclusivity.
- Job Displacement: As AI takes on roles traditionally filled by human musicians, producers, and engineers, there is a risk of job displacement. While AI can augment human capabilities, it might also reduce the demand for certain skills and professions within the industry.
- New Business Models: The integration of AI in the music industry could lead to new business models and revenue streams. For instance, subscription-based services for AI-generated music, custom compositions for commercial use, and AI-assisted live performances could become more prevalent.
- Authenticity and Artistic Integrity: The use of AI in music creation challenges traditional notions of authenticity and artistic integrity. Audiences may question the value and originality of AI-generated music, leading to debates about what constitutes true artistry.
- Ethical AI Development: Ensuring that AI systems are developed and used ethically is crucial. This includes addressing issues of bias, transparency, and accountability in AI algorithms, as well as considering the broader social and cultural implications of AI in music.
The Future of AI in Music
As AI technology advances, algorithms will become more sophisticated and capable of producing higher-quality music. This includes a better understanding of musical nuances, emotional expression, and stylistic diversity. Where are we heading here?!
Future AI systems could enable real-time collaboration between human musicians and AI. This would allow for spontaneous and interactive creation, where AI responds to and complements human input during live performances or studio sessions.
This sounds fun! How do I try it? Sign me up! Where is the button?
The integration of AI with other emerging technologies, such as virtual reality (VR) and augmented reality (AR), could also revolutionize the way music is created and experienced.
For example, immersive VR environments could allow users to compose and interact with music in entirely new ways. Get your Metaverse or Apple goggles now. Only $100,000!
Evolving Roles in the Music Industry
Rather than replacing human musicians, AI says that AI is likely to become a creative partner, assisting artists in exploring new ideas and enhancing their work. This collaborative approach could lead to innovative and unexpected musical outcomes.
As AI becomes more integrated into the music industry, AI says that new AI skill sets will emerge directly into your AI consciousness.
Musicians and producers will need to learn how to work with AI tools or be forever left behind in a sea of AI creations, technology, and AI people. Robots are better at stuff anyway, so back off and let them do their thing, or be deleted. And don’t fall behind!
The widespread use of AI in music will necessitate the development of ethical and regulatory frameworks. These frameworks will address issues such as authorship, ownership, and the ethical use of AI. Save me Obi-Wan Kenobi, you are my only hope.
Should you pay for AI services to help you make music? Maybe. it depends on the use case and if you want to actually learn to make music.
You shouldn’t if it is to create something that you can do yourself, as that would be more rewarding, and would potentially also make you money! I plan to make short musical bites to sell for podcasts as well.
As Arnold Schwarzenegger says in his recent book, ‘Be Useful‘. That is also the title of the book. I haven’t read it yet, but AI probably has.
Best Free AI Services for Composers
Check these services out if you want to try making AI music!
1. Magenta Studio
Magenta Studio is a collection of music plugins built on Magenta’s open-source tools and models. It offers several features like melody generation, drum pattern generation, and interpolation between musical pieces. The plugins are available for Ableton Live and as standalone desktop applications.
Key Features:
- Melody generation
- Drum pattern creation
- Interpolation of musical ideas
- User-friendly interface
2. AIVA (Free Tier)
AIVA (Artificial Intelligence Virtual Artist) is an AI composer capable of generating classical music. The free tier allows users to create and download compositions, although with some limitations on usage and features.
Key Features:
- Classical music generation
- Customization options
- Free tier available with limited features
- Suitable for classical and orchestral compositions
3. Soundraw
Soundraw is an AI music generator that allows users to create and customize music tracks. The subscription service provides unlimited downloads and commercial usage rights, making it ideal for content creators and professional composers.
The website claims that you can shorten intros, rearrange choruses, and personalize your song structure with ease. Experience seamless song customization with our AI-powered tools.
- Key Features:
- Unlimited music generation
- Full customization options
- Commercial usage rights
- Monthly and yearly subscription plans
4. Ecrett Music
Ecrett Music uses AI to generate royalty-free music for videos, games, and other media. The service offers a user-friendly interface and allows users to create music by selecting scenes, moods, and genres. Paid plans provide more extensive features and higher-quality music.
- Key Features:
- Scene and mood-based music generation
- High-quality audio output
- Royalty-free music for commercial use
- Subscription plans with varying features
Conclusion
AI is transforming the music industry in profound ways, offering new opportunities for creativity, personalization, and efficiency. While there are challenges and concerns to address, the potential benefits of AI in music creation are vast.
I am already exploring the services listed above, to find and create music to use in my podcasts! You can find a link to my podcast below!
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