You’ve NEVER Heard AI Music Like This :(
Howto & Style
Introduction
In a world where technology is advancing at lightning speed, the music industry is not left behind. Today, I want to share with you my thoughts on the integration of AI in music creation and reflect upon a personal experience that has reshaped my perspective as a lifelong musician.
For over 15 years, I've been a dedicated musician, songwriter, and lyricist, pouring my emotions and life experiences into my craft. Music is my passion—it's what makes me feel alive, so it's with some hesitance that I share what I’m about to reveal.
Recently, I experimented with a website called Udio, a platform that generates music based on lyrics or general themes. While the process initially seemed straightforward—enter your lyrics, get a song—the complexities soon became clear. After crafting my own lyrics, I fed them into the platform, where it produced various renditions of how those words could be expressed through song. After much trial and error, one version struck a chord with me—I felt an intense connection to the melody and arrangement.
Listening closely to the music, I found myself captivated by the nuances—the in-breaths and emotional weight of the piece. Ironically, the song that emerged felt more like an embodiment of my feelings than anything else I had created.
Here are the original lyrics I wrote:
Hey there, familiar, your taste I recognize
I remember you, that feeling, and that look in your eyes
I know that feeling; I can feel it in my skin
It's been so long, but I would recognize you everywhere I've been
So I'm waiting in the wings for the pain it always brings
Love's a double edge, we know it is, but still, I want to sing
And so we're standing in the shadow of the darkest place I've ever been
And rain falls like the patter of the only thing I want to see forever
Never a stranger, I noticed you last night
Creeping and unwelcome and laying by my side
You're part of me, I know it—you're blowing my disguise
There's a part of me that wants you here to darken all my skies
So I'm waiting at the edges of the tears in my design
Love's a landmine, and I know it is in the middle of my mind
And so we're standing in the shadow of the darkest place I've ever been
And rain falls like the patter of the only thing I want to see forever
As I performed this piece on my guitar, stripping away the AI-generated stems, I felt the lyrics come to life in a different way. My interpretation was raw and human; however, that left me contemplating a troubling question. The words, the emotions—were they still truly “mine” if they were now forever tied to a specific musical interpretation from an AI?
Can I claim ownership of this song? While Udio provides the means to use the music generated, I struggle with understanding how much of it truly belongs to me considering the AI’s role in shaping it.
This revelation brings us to a crucial juncture: the future of music creation. Is this merely a way to make music more generic, or will it lead to a vibrant revolution and an expansive palette of creativity? The truth is, music is no longer solely a human enterprise.
Looking forward, I plan to continue using AI as a tool in my songwriting journey, but I will maintain transparency about its use. I believe it’s essential to communicate to my audience that they’re listening to a song influenced by algorithms, rather than assume that my work is purely human-made.
In conclusion, as technology continues to evolve, the dynamics of music composition will change. While I embrace this technology with all its possibilities, my commitment to honesty will always remain.
Keywords
- AI Music
- Music Creation
- Udio
- Songwriting
- Originality
- Music Industry
- Emotional Connection
FAQ
Q: What is the main concern regarding AI in music creation?
A: The primary concern is the question of ownership and authenticity when human emotions and lyrics are intertwined with AI-generated melodies.
Q: Can AI-generated music convey genuine emotions?
A: Yes, AI-generated music can evoke emotional responses, but the depth of feeling is often influenced by the human songwriter's experience and intent behind the lyrics.
Q: Are the lyrics used in the AI music truly original?
A: Although the lyrics may be original, the musical arrangement generated by AI ties them to a specific interpretation which complicates the sense of ownership.
Q: How will transparency affect music consumption in the future?
A: Being upfront about the use of AI in music may influence how audiences perceive ownership and authenticity in songs, promoting discussions about the nature of creativity in an AI-assisted landscape.
