AI in Music: A New Wave with Risks and Opportunities
LONDON — In the world of music, we’re used to seeing musicians strumming guitars or tapping on keyboards. But Oliver McCann, a British artist who calls himself imoliver, is taking a different route. Instead of traditional instruments, he relies on a chatbot to create his music.
McCann’s tunes range from indie-pop to country-rap. What’s truly unique about him? He openly admits, “I have no musical talent at all. I can’t sing, I can’t play instruments, and I have no musical background.” At 37, he transitioned from a career in visual design to experimenting with AI to enhance his creativity. Recently, he signed with an independent label after one of his songs achieved over 3 million streams—marking a significant moment as it’s reportedly the first time an AI music creator has secured a record deal.
This trend isn’t just about McCann; it’s part of a broader movement where AI song generators are making waves in the music industry. Technology like Suno and Udio is enabling a new form of music creation, raising questions about the role and impact of AI in music. A fictional band, Velvet Sundown, even went viral, generating all of its songs and album art through AI.
While these advancements can democratize music creation, there’s growing concern about poor-quality content, often referred to as “AI slop.” Experts believe generative AI can change the music landscape, but the impact on the estimated $29.6 billion global music market remains uncertain. Streaming platforms like Deezer report that about 18% of songs uploaded are AI-generated, but they attract limited attention from listeners.
Industry players are cautious, with some major record labels taking legal action against AI platforms over copyright issues. Meanwhile, artists worry about their creative journeys being undermined by AI technology.
Interestingly, some musicians are embracing AI, seeing it as a tool rather than a threat. Scott Smith, who leads an AI-inspired band called Pulse Empire, compares it to previous technologies like drum machines. He explains that just like any other tool, AI helps in the creative process.
Despite these advancements, many seasoned users still prefer writing their own lyrics, finding AI-generated content often lacking in depth. Nevertheless, artists are finding innovative ways to incorporate AI into their work. For instance, Lukas Rams, who creates songs for his band Sleeping With Wolves, acknowledges the clichés often found in AI lyrics but uses them to jumpstart his creativity.
Experts suggest that this technological shift could reshape the music industry’s production landscape. As easier access to tools continues, the potential for anyone to create a hit song increases, although legal uncertainties about copyright remain.
The future of AI in music is uncertain, but creators like McCann envision a world where AI-generated music becomes a legitimate and accepted part of the musical landscape. “I think we’re entering a world where anyone, anywhere could make the next big hit,” he concludes, hopeful about the mainstream acceptance of AI music.
