Artificial Intelligence-AI in Music

The impact of artificial intelligence on the music world

The music industry has been one of the sectors most affected by the digital age, but AI is changing the way business is done. With the use of AI, record labels can now predict which songs will be the most popular before they are even released and adjust their marketing strategies accordingly.

According to the IFPI (International Federation of the Phonographic Industry) report, the global revenue of the music industry grew 10.02% in 2023, reaching US$ 28.6 billion. This is partly due to the growing adoption of AI in the industry. According to Research And Markets, the global AI market in music is expected to grow at an annual compound rate of 14.3% from 2021 to 2028, driven by the increased use of machine learning algorithms in music production processes.

Is artificial intelligence changing the way artists produce music?

With the help of machine learning algorithms, artists can create songs that are more appealing to their fans. For example, the Amper Music platform allows users to create custom music using AI algorithms. This allows independent artists to create music without having to spend a lot of money on music production.

On the one hand, we have the argument that AI can help drive the music industry by providing data analytics and insights that enable artists and record labels to create music that meets the needs and expectations of the public. For example, AI can help identify patterns of listener behavior, allowing record companies to make more informed decisions about which artists to hire and what kind of music to produce. In addition, AI can be used to create songs and melodies automatically, allowing artists more time to focus on other areas such as lyrical writing or performance.

On the other hand, some argue that AI can be seen as a form of outsourcing creativity, with music production becoming increasingly automated and standardized. Some artists fear that this may lead to the loss of uniqueness and authenticity in music, making it less exciting and more impersonal. Some even question whether the music generated by AI can be considered art, or whether it is simply an imitation.

AI is replacing humans in music production

Many artists and music producers use AI as a tool to enhance their creativity and provide new ideas for their music productions. For example, AI can help create unique harmonies or generate new musical arrangements that humans can then adjust and adapt.

Also, it’s important to note that AI is still in development and that technology is evolving rapidly. There are a number of new emerging trends in the market, such as the use of Web3 technology to create new monetization opportunities for artists and the use of AI to improve the listening experience of songs on streaming platforms. AI is becoming an increasingly important tool for the music industry, but there is still plenty of room for exploration and development.

Laboratories and cases

Some artists have already tested in their commercial albums the degree of creativity that artificial intelligence can deliver to their compositions. Rapper Drake who is currently annoyed by the use of AI in a non-authorial composition, has previously used this technology in the creation of one of his songs, and was not a substitute for human creativity, but rather a kind of 'co'lab', collaboration. IA-based music production platform OIAM, used by Drake on his album "Certified Lover Boy", was designed to provide suggestions for harmonies and melodies for music producers, allowing them to have more creative freedom and experiment with new ideas. Elon Musk’s wife, Grimes, has also used AI in her music production, mixing her voice with AI-based synthesizers to create new sound textures.

While some see AI as a useful tool for boosting and collaborating with their creativity, others believe it can lead to outsourcing of human creativity.

According to a survey by Music Ally, about 61% of artists believe that AI can be a useful tool in creating music, allowing new possibilities of experimentation and collaboration. However, 37% of artists claim that AI can lead to job losses in the music industry, which worries many professionals.

In addition, there is concern among some artists about the possibility of AI creating songs that sound generic or soulless. After all, music is an artistic expression that involves emotions, feelings and personal experiences. AI may not be able to replicate these elements authentically.

However, it is important to note that AI does not completely replace artists. It is a tool that can be used to complement human creativity. In addition, many artists have used AI as a way to explore new creative possibilities and expand their horizons.

An example of this is the case of musician Taryn Southern, who created an entire album using only IA. She used algorithms to generate lyrics, melodies and harmonies, and then selected the best parts to compose the album. The final result was an experimental and innovative album, which mixes elements of different musical genres.

Another example is rapper Travis Scott, who used IA to create a custom voice filter for his album "Astroworld". The filter was developed in partnership with audio technology company iZotope and allowed Travis Scott to manipulate his voice in a unique and creative way.

In short, AI in the music industry is viewed differently by different artists. Some believe it is a useful tool to boost creativity, while others fear it may lead to outsourcing of human creativity. However, it is undeniable that AI is transforming the way music is created, produced and consumed, opening up new possibilities and opportunities for artists and industry professionals.

Cases of AI and Music:

One of the first successful cases in the application of artificial intelligence in music was the composition of the song "Daddy’s Car", released in 2016 by the Swedish group "Fragments of God". The most surprising thing is that the song was created entirely by an artificial intelligence called "Flow Machines".

The project was led by the French composer Benoît Carré and had the collaboration of computer scientist François Pachet, responsible for the creation of artificial intelligence that generated the melody, harmony and lyrics of the song. For this, IA was fed with a database of more than 13,000 sheet music of different musical styles, such as jazz, pop, rock and blues.

The end result was a pop song with influences of the 60s and 70s, which surprised the public and the critics. The song was so successful that it was remixed by British producer Alex da Kid, who has worked with artists such as Rihanna and Nicki Minaj.

The "Daddy’s Car" case paved the way for other experiments involving artificial intelligence in music, such as the creation of the song "El Perdedor" by Dudu Borges, using IBM Watson, and the blockchain-based music platform of rapper Snoop Dogg, the "Snoop Dogg’s Kingdom"which allows fans to collaborate on music creation using artificial intelligence.

Despite the controversy regarding the use of artificial intelligence in artistic creation, it is undeniable that this technology brings unique possibilities and opportunities for the music industry. After all, AI can be a powerful tool for enhancing creativity, discovering new talents, and personalizing the user experience in music.