Artificial intelligence (AI) music has generated significant buzz, but it often lacks depth and originality. While the technology offers efficiencies and new avenues for experimentation, the output can be disappointingly formulaic. The music distribution industry tends to focus on popular trends, producing a vast quantity of music that often lacks unique flair. The archetype of a struggling musician has shifted from a “90s white girl with a guitar” to the fabricated personas of today”s AI-generated artists.
Reports from Billboard indicate that AI artists are gaining traction in the music scene, yet a closer look reveals they are often products of human creativity. A pressing question arises: How many of these AI artists represent diversity, particularly among Black artists?
Examples like Xania Monet and Unbound Music illustrate the potential for AI to capture a core sound, albeit with some limitations. Musicians may argue that the music produced still feels superficial and lacks complexity. Both artists manage to deliver decent acoustic mixes, with Unbound Music noted for its generic guitar rock blues, all under the guidance of human oversight.
What is often overlooked in the discussion of AI music is the critical role of human musicianship. AI lacks the capability to create music autonomously; it does not excel without human input. The technology itself is a constraint rather than a solution. To truly innovate outside the mainstream, musicians must embrace creativity, as algorithmic patterns and outdated waveforms cannot replicate the depth of human artistry.
Historically, human artists have also produced forgettable work, resulting from a mix of complacency and a lack of inspiration. This issue is not exclusive to AI-generated content; the music landscape is filled with uninspired arrangements from all artists. While one can argue that AI lacks emotional resonance, many traditional artists produce work devoid of substance as well.
Delving into the technical aspects of music creation reveals the challenges artists face. Recording often involves a lengthy process of second-guessing, tweaking, and refining—tasks that can be both time-consuming and costly in a studio setting. The process of developing a musical idea is inherently exploratory, as artists like Paul McCartney have suggested. Inspiration can strike from anywhere in the mind, demanding a willingness to explore and experiment.
AI”s promise lies in its potential to assist in mixing, arranging, and enhancing creativity, but it cannot replace the intuitive insights of musicians. Imagine enhancing a track with strings or a soulful choir—these ideas stem from human creativity, not AI. While AI can facilitate certain tasks more quickly, it cannot conceive innovative concepts on its own.
Ultimately, AI may serve as a valuable tool for musicians, but it cannot substitute the unique vision and emotional depth that human artists bring to their craft. Embracing this technology while fostering creativity is the key to navigating the evolving music landscape.
