Creativity and AI: A symphony or cacophony?
While AI can offer opportunities for efficiency and exploration, human expression is at the heart of music
Art by @RESLUS
The world of music has always been a realm of human expression, emotion, and creativity. However, with the rapid advancements in artificial intelligence (AI) technology, a new chapter is unfolding – a debatably harmonious collaboration between music and AI.
AI algorithms have proven to be valuable creative collaborators for musicians and composers. By analyzing vast amounts of musical data, AI systems can generate melodies, harmonies, and rhythms that resonate with human listeners, like the videos that are sweeping social media presenting our favourite artists covering other artists’ songs, some eerily identical and others a reach.
This partnership allows musicians to explore new musical territories, break traditional boundaries, and push the limits of creativity.
However, AI’s integration into the world of music brings both pros and cons. While it offers numerous opportunities for creativity, efficiency, and exploration, there are also potential drawbacks to consider.
AI will never have the distinct human experiences, relationships, emotions, and musings that make people care about and feel connected to music. AI shouldn’t be seen as a threat to artists who emphasize personality.
The use of AI in music raises ethical questions, particularly regarding copyright infringement and intellectual property. Determining ownership and giving proper credit to both AI-generated and human contributors can become challenging, potentially leading to legal and ethical disputes.
Sure, it can curate personalized music recommendations based on individual preferences and listening habits like Spotify already does. But in the Black Mirror world of things, is it really such a great idea?
For the longest time, pop music has been based on a simple formula – catchy choruses, rhythm to dance to, and cheesy romantic lyricism. But efforts to further reduce pop to a simple, lucrative equation have grown over time.
The speed and preciseness with which AI can pop out a Drake song is growing to be something quite disconcerting. If exploited, the tech could put added pressure on artists, with an increase in output and a decrease in creativity.
This could not only lead to a writers’ walkout but job displacement for musicians, composers, and other music industry professionals. Tasks that were previously performed by humans, such as session musicians, arrangers, or even composers, may be automated or replaced by AI algorithms, potentially impacting employment opportunities.
Eventually, it boils down to the future and where we want it to go. Would it be great to have personalized songs by our favourite artists? Sure, but it would take away the beauty of essential musical knowledge, such as music theory, improvisation, or the ability to perform live music without technological assistance.
As someone who has studied music theory and plays two instruments, music is a talent that cannot be replicated, it can only be imitated. And do we really want to destroy music from Queen, ABBA, and the allegorically rich imagery of Taylor Swift’s lyricism?
When we venture out into the future, it’s important not to overcomplicate things. Of course, AI makes our lives easier, but at what cost? I want music to cry to, fall in love to, rage to, even music for a sushi restaurant. AI isn’t able to give us that.
