AI and Music: The Latest Developments in an Ever-Changing Industry
Artificial intelligence (AI) is changing everything, including the music industry. Algorithms, deep learning, and generative AI are allowing computers to create original music without human involvement. Platforms like Authentic Artists, Bandlab, and Boomy can now produce AI-generated music at the touch of a button, while Tencent Music’s streaming service reportedly hosts over 1,000 songs featuring AI-generated vocals. However, while this music may not become commercially viable in its own right anytime soon, it might still be a handy resource for accompanying creative works. In fact, Musixmatch creates on-the-go lyrics for tunes playing on Spotify, YouTube, or Apple Music among other platforms.
Though AI may not entirely replace human creativity, AI can certainly augment it. Once a song is written, AI tools can enhance its sound by boosting its quality audio or applying effects to create master recordings. AI music recommendation can also create new playlists based on listeners’ unique tastes, with services like Shazam identifying music playing around them and automatically adding it to their favorite streaming music services.
However, the question of copyright and authorship remains in flux, especially as machines or algorithms are now creating music. The U.S. Copyright Office has issued guidance stating that a musical composition is not copyrightable when generated via a user prompt. This guidance offers some protection for artists that use AI elements to augment their creativity. Thus, while AI may not replace human musicians, it will continue to play a vital role in creating the music we will all be listening to in the future.
