Artificial intelligence (AI) has been making waves across various industries, and the music industry is no exception. While some AI-generated controversies have grabbed headlines, the technology’s influence extends far beyond the realm of “Fake Drake” and similar controversies. In this article, we’ll explore five ways AI is already changing the landscape of the music business.
Revolutionizing Production
Technology has steadily democratized music production, but AI is taking it to a whole new level. Apps like Boomy allow aspiring artists to generate instrumentals in seconds, while BandLab’s SongStarter assists in overcoming writer’s block by providing creative direction. These AI-driven tools are making music creation more accessible to a wider audience, blurring the lines between amateurs and professionals.
Getting Stems
AI not only helps create music but can also break it down into its constituent parts, known as stems. This capability is valuable for various purposes, such as licensing instrumental versions of tracks for films or commercials. It also caters to the rising demand for fan-generated content, where listeners craft remixes and reinterpretations of their favorite songs, often gaining viral attention.
The Deluge
AI’s ability to generate music quickly has major record labels concerned about “market share dilution.” As AI-generated content becomes more prolific, the traditional music industry faces challenges to its established business models. Industry leaders are closely monitoring AI’s transformative potential and its implications on the music ecosystem.
Personalized Soundtracks
Start-ups like Reactional Music, Life Score, and Minibeats are using AI to create dynamic and personalized soundtracks for various applications, including video games, virtual reality experiences, workouts, and social media filters. These AI-powered systems adapt music in real-time to enhance user experiences, similar to how a film score complements a scene. This innovation explores the symbiotic relationship between music and its listeners.
Pitch Records
AI voice synthesis technology is making inroads into the world of songwriting and publishing. “Pitch records” — songs written by professional songwriters and presented to artists — are using AI to provide a glimpse of how an artist might sound on a track before recording it. This technology offers a cost-effective and precise alternative to hiring demo singers, though it raises concerns about job opportunities for traditional demo singers and authenticity in music creation.
In conclusion, AI’s presence in the music industry goes beyond generating controversy. It has the potential to reshape how music is created, consumed, and personalized. While challenges and ethical considerations persist, AI’s impact on the music business is undeniable, and its evolution is worth monitoring closely.
