Music news: A Maestro’s challenge – the rise and progress of AI

By Kamille Q. Cabreza

Music is a powerful tool that has been used for generations to convey personal messages with abstract interpretations.

But as time passes, delivering a unique piece is met with growing challenges as many talents emerge along with the evolution of technology in music production.

What once was a competition among skilled beings, today’s music industry debates the incorporation of artificial intelligence (AI) in creating original material.

The progress of AI in multiple sectors has helped companies meet quicker demands and attract more investors. 

But since its “mainstream” status in 2023, workers, including artists, worldwide shared one fear: to lose jobs and be overthrown by AI.

Evident presence of AI-generated music

According to a written press release by French music streaming service Deezer, its AI music detection tool discovered that about 10,000 of its daily uploads were produced using AI. This is equivalent to around 10 per cent of its overall music uploads.

With how fast AI-generated songs are crafted, the situation is considered a threat to musicians and self-producing artists.

The data cited by British magazine New Musical Express has prompted Deezer to continue its efforts toward content transparency to assure music streamers that such uploads are blocked out from algorithm recommendations.

But despite the movement of streaming services like Deezer, the question remains: can AI-generated music be considered original content?

Opposing perspective on AI as ‘helping tool’ for artists

A recent case involving a popular K-pop group sparked online debates after an article published by a British public service broadcaster brought the combination of AI and human creativity in a bad light.

Woozi, the lead vocalist and record producer of Seventeen, has refuted the British Broadcasting Corporation’s misrepresentation of his statement during a press conference last year, where his group is allegedly among artists that used AI in music production.

The BBC quoted that the singer admitted to “experimenting with the pros and cons” of AI in their work process.

This earned a counter-response from Woozi, who wrote in his Instagram stories: “All of Seventeen’s music is written and composed by human creators.”

Pledis Entertainment, the band’s agency, even called on the BBC to correct the information.

Fans also denounced the article, proving a point that “authenticity” is a crucial aspect judged within the industry.

AI-assisted song secures first Grammy

On the upside, AI helped the Beatles reach a milestone at the 67th Annual Grammy Awards as the first band to win in the “Best Rock Performance” category with its AI-assisted track, “Now and Then” (2023).

The song includes an unreleased recording of the late John Lennon playing the piano and singing some parts. Engineers separated Lennon’s voice from the piano sound using advanced machine-learning software, according to CNET.

Before unveiling the song, Paul McCartney assured that all parts are “real” and nothing is “artificially or synthetically created”.

The award emphasizes how a track with AI assistance can celebrate the legacies of artists while fostering inventiveness and originality.

Human responsibility in technological advancement

The music industry, however, still struggles in determining the fair application of AI and its effect on the authenticity of music production. It is up to an artist’s exploration that can promote AI as an effective tool in expanding the options for creators.

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