The many ways artificial intelligence is already being used in music
Imagine a realm so vividly portrayed that it feels tangible as if you could touch it with your own fingertips. You’re watching a concert in an environment that prompts a moment of pause, forcing you to question if technology has exceeded all initial expectations. It’s fantastical yet wholly unreal. Now, imagine you hear a song on the radio. It sounds and feels like your favourite artist in every way conceivable. Only the host reveals afterwards that it’s been crafted by artificial intelligence (AI).
The various manifestations of AI in our everyday consumptions and encounters with music are vast, but these two scenarios are likely to present us with a familiar sense of ambivalence. Firstly, we probably enjoy what we’re experiencing, but the realisation that it’s a complete fabrication puts us in a state of uncertainty. Should we enjoy things that aren’t technically real? More importantly, isn’t this exploitation?
Some, of course, are more sceptical than others. “This song is bullshit, a grotesque mockery of what it is to be human,” Nick Cave said, reacting to lyrics crafted in a manner reminiscent of his own distinctive style. While some felt the lyrics were an accurate portrayal of the legendary singer, others, including Cave himself, wholly rejected the entire exercise.
Therefore, AI can – and does – imitate the ways in which these experiences appeal to us, but they often fall short when it comes to replicating the substance that creates these facets in the first place. However, this is becoming an issue that reaches other corners of AI usage, not just music production and generation. AI-generated lyrics are one thing, but what about the other ways we can experience AI? And how problematic might they become?
The various ways AI is being used in music:
Music production, mixing, and generation
No matter how briefly believable a musical imitation might seem, one of the most significant issues is the nuances that make artists who they are. Façades can be replicated, while essence, for the most part, cannot. Nick Cave’s songs resonate so deeply because they’re drawn from the real-world darkness within him; he’s a man who’s endured unimaginable sorrow and adversity, delving into the deepest corners of human experience. AI can replicate the surface level of such experiences, but the real experiences that drive such art will almost never be present when created by an AI tool.
AI technologies can be beneficial, however, particularly when it comes to music creation. For instance, those who fancy themselves a producer or musician can download an app or software and begin crafting almost right away. However, this also raises concerns over musical quality, as they often place inexperienced music enthusiasts in the same ring as experts. In this way, many musicians favour AI usage as a way of streamlining mixing and production rather than creating entirely, as they still get to be in the driver’s seat but are equipped with better tools to help them work smarter.
Recommendation algorithms
Most of us experience AI in music in its most basic form on a day-to-day basis in our streaming platforms and services. Gone are the days of generic playlists and one-size-fits-all recommendations as AI-powered algorithms analyse user preferences, listening habits, and contextual data to curate personalised playlists tailored to our individual tastes.
While music discovery and listening used to be a more manual process, involving the purchasing of physical copies or burning songs to disks to fabricate mixed tapes and playlists, giants like Spotify and Apple Music utilise AI so that it’s all done for you – by paying attention to your behaviours and choices on the apps, they automatically generate playlists and radios based on what it thinks you might enjoy.
Copyright detection
While AI is being used to improve consumer experiences and listening habits, it’s also being used as a tool to enhance copyright infringement detection across various platforms. While there are many ways that AI can detect such issues, the basic reasoning remains the same regarding the protection of artists and original content.
While humans have historically detected copyright infringement themselves, AI can be used to up the ante on precision and draw out potential infringements by analysing content and comparing it against a database of algorithms. If matches are found, there are various actions that can be taken by the artist or original owner, including a takedown notice or redirecting monetisation to the rightful person.
Live performances
For decades, pyrotechnics have been an important aspect of live performances for many artists. Great spectacles can enhance audience experience and draw attention to certain aspects of the music that wouldn’t otherwise be experienced through audio recordings alone. AI can help power these experiences, making more immersive realities possible.
Moreover, holograms are becoming more commonplace, like ABBA Voyage, which recreates digital avatars of the original band members so that it feels like you are experiencing them at the peak of their fame. Alongside its visual benefits, holographic performances like these increase the possibilities of live music, making seemingly unimaginable possible, like collaborations between musicians, enhancing artistic expression, and delivering performances of songs that may not have been performed live.
Virtual reality
In the gaming world, virtual reality (VR) technologies have become one of the highest forms of user experience and entertainment. Gaming has almost incomprehensible capabilities when it comes to crafting various environments and experiences, and so when applied to music, certain innovations can impact artists and audiences in several ways.
For instance, the most common example is VR headsets, which allow users to transport themselves to different places and experience different worlds. This also makes it possible for them to attend concerts virtually without physically being there. For the artist, this may yield numerous benefits, particularly for ticketed events, which allow freedom from the restriction from physical venues while still delivering near-perfect virtual performances.
But…are there any AI music laws?
Aside from copyright and licensing legislation, we have yet to advance industry legal protections against various forms and usages of AI. According to various sources, AI-generated music cannot qualify for copyright protection if it has been untouched by human intervention. Still, this isn’t official law, rather it remains advisory and suggestive from authoritative and official organisations and boards.
Given the rapid advancements in AI technology and its increasing relevance in the music industry, policymakers and industry stakeholders are growing interested in addressing the legal and ethical implications of AI use in music. This may lead to the development of new regulations or guidelines tailored to the unique challenges posed by AI-generated music.
In the meantime, musicians, AI developers, and music industry professionals are being encouraged to stay informed about relevant legal developments, adhere to existing laws and regulations, and consider ethical considerations when creating and using AI-generated music.
