Get ready for a mind-bending journey into the world of AI-generated music! 🌟
In a world where robots can create catchy tunes, how can you tell if your favorite artist is human or a product of artificial intelligence? It’s a question that’s got everyone talking, and it’s time to dive into the fascinating details.
The Rise of AI Music
Imagine a band with no record label, minimal online presence, yet suddenly racking up hundreds of thousands of listeners on Spotify. That’s exactly what happened with The Velvet Sundown, a band that went viral last summer, sparking accusations of AI generation. Their airbrushed photos, lack of live performances, and mysterious absence from social media raised suspicions.
Telltale Signs of AI
So, how can you spot an AI-generated song? Experts say it’s getting harder, but there are still some clues. LJ Rich, a musician and tech speaker, notes that AI songs often have a formulaic feel, lack emotional depth, and tend to stick to generic structures. Think of it as a ‘mashup of rock hits in a blender’ – sweet, but lacking substance.
Professor Gina Neff describes an artist who released multiple soundalike albums simultaneously, resembling a blend of 80s rock bands. Tony Rigg, a music industry advisor, adds that AI vocals often sound slurred, with unnatural emotional delivery and generic lyrics. He explains, “AI hasn’t felt heartbreak yet… It knows patterns.”
AI as a Creative Tool
But it’s not all about deception. AI is also becoming a tool for established artists to enhance their creativity. The Beatles, for example, used machine learning to extract John Lennon’s voice from an old cassette, releasing their ‘last song’ in 2023. Imogen Heap and Timbaland have even created AI personas and released singles under their names.
Imogen Heap, for instance, created an AI model called ai.Mogen, trained on her voice. She hopes that if people feel a human connection to her AI-assisted songs, they might reconsider their fears and preconceived notions about AI. “I hope that people listen, don’t realise, find peace in that,” she says.
Transparency and Trust
Despite the increasing use of AI in music, there’s currently no legal obligation for streaming platforms to label AI-generated songs. However, platforms like Deezer and Spotify are taking steps towards transparency. Deezer launched an AI detection tool and a system to tag AI-generated music, while Spotify is supporting a way for artists to disclose AI usage through a consortium called DDEX.
Spotify recognizes the desire for more information and aims to “strengthen trust” among listeners. “It’s not about punishing artists who use AI responsibly,” they say.
But Here’s the Big Question…
Does it matter if your favorite artist or their songs are made by AI? Some believe it’s irrelevant, as engagement is driven by enjoyment. Others argue that music fans should have the right to make informed choices. Artists like Dua Lipa and Sir Elton John have protested the use of their songs in AI training, raising deep concerns about the impact of AI on the music industry.
For LJ Rich, the use of AI in music raises fascinating ethical questions. “Like if the music gives you goosebumps, does it matter if an AI wrote it?”
So, what do you think? Should we embrace the AI revolution in music, or is there a need for more transparency and regulation? The debate is on! 🌐🎶