Will AI music take over?

Introduction

As of September 2024, the current state of artificial intelligence (AI) in the music industry is reminiscent of the internet's rise in the late '90s. Just as skeptics doubted the internet's longevity, many people now question whether AI is just a passing trend. By the year 2000, excitement around the internet surged, and investors were eager to back even mediocre concepts simply because they were associated with the web. We are now witnessing a similar phenomenon with AI.

While the internet irrevocably altered how music is distributed and consumed, many believe AI could revolutionize music creation. Personally, I'm not convinced it will fully transform popular music, but I do see potential shifts in certain aspects of the industry.

The Carnage Aspect: Sync Licensing

One area where I foresee AI causing disruption is in sync licensing, a sector of the music industry that supplies music for various media such as television shows, commercials, video games, and streaming services. Larger productions can afford to hire composers or license well-known songs, but many smaller projects require generic background music that can be sourced more affordably.

This is where sync licensing companies come into play, curating catalogs of music from various artists. Producers may browse these music catalogs to find a suitable track for their project, and upon selecting the music, the sync licensing company collects fees and distributes the earnings to the musicians involved. Many artists make a comfortable living producing generic music specifically for these licensing needs.

Now, consider a producer needing about ten minutes of romantic background music for a TV show. Instead of paying licensing fees to musicians, they could simply utilize an AI tool, input their desired mood, and download as much music as needed for a low subscription price. In this scenario, AI has the potential to replace many musicians who specialize in creating generic music for sync licensing.

The Human Connection in Popular Music

However, when it comes to pop music—the music that people enjoy for leisure—I believe AI will serve a different role. While some may argue that AI-generated music could take its place, the reality is that fans follow artists for their human connection and personal stories. The journey often begins with a catchy song but grows into a deeper appreciation for the artist as an individual.

This brings me to the intriguing ways AI could be integrated into the creation of popular music. I recently experimented with an AI tool to construct a country song, starting with the lyric, "you're the worst best thing that ever came to be." The AI offered a solid foundation, and from there, I expanded and crafted an entire song. This illustrates that musicians may leverage AI as a tool for inspiration, helping them overcome writer's block or further develop their artistic visions.

Musicians will likely adopt AI technology to enhance their creative processes, yet it will not overshadow the uniquely human aspect of making music. Personally, I embrace AI's potential within the creative space. No matter how advanced AI music becomes, I continue to find joy in creating my own music as it's an essential part of my identity.

Ultimately, the rise of AI presents musicians with new opportunities rather than a threat. It opens doors for collaboration between human and machine, pushing the boundaries of creativity and finding inspiration in the process.

Conclusion

As we navigate through the changing landscape of the music industry, we may witness profound transformations, particularly in niche areas like sync licensing. Yet, I firmly believe that human musicians will continue to thrive, forging connections with fans and creating impactful art.

Keywords

• AI in music
• Sync licensing
• Music industry
• Creative process
• Popular music
• Inspiration
• Generative music

FAQ

Q: Can AI replace musicians?
A: While AI can automate certain tasks, especially in niche areas like sync licensing, many believe that AI will not fully replace musicians. Instead, it will serve as a tool that artists can utilize for inspiration and creativity.

Q: How will AI impact pop music?
A: AI may assist musicians in overcoming writer's block or developing ideas, but it is unlikely to replace the unique human connection that fans have with their favorite artists.

Q: What is sync licensing?
A: Sync licensing refers to the process of using recorded music in media such as TV shows, commercials, and video games, typically involving a fee paid to the original musicians.

Q: Can AI generate quality music?
A: Yes, AI can generate various styles of music, and its quality is expected to improve over time, allowing musicians to use it as a creative resource.

Q: Will musicians embrace AI technology?
A: Many musicians are beginning to embrace AI technology as a valuable tool that can enhance their creative process and lead to new artistic possibilities.