Music creation has been in a constant state of evolution since its conception, from tape recording to the introduction of digital interfaces and now AI-generated tracks. AI isn’t entirely new within the industry though, with DAWs such as Logic Pro introducing digital Drummer, ‘a revolutionary virtual session player that automatically plays along with your song in a wide variety of drumming styles and techniques,’ all the way back in 2013. But companies like Suno AI have taken this idea to another level by allowing anyone with an internet connection to create complete ‘original’ compositions through prompts and topics, so why bother making music?
I suppose this asks a similar question to why people buy paintings over photographs; digitalised creation just can’t replicate the emotion and connection that real time and thought goes into art. Sure, AI can create a great track quickly, but the substance behind seeing your favourite artist play your favourite song can’t be replicated.
AI influencers and musicians have already started gaining traction with completely digital footprints. FN Meka became the first ever completely AI artist to be signed to a major label, gaining over 10 million followers on TikTok, 1 billion views and 500,000 monthly listeners until his cancellation only 10 days after the announcement for controversial content.
Take Noonoouri as another example, a completely digitalised persona boasting 465k on Instagram and 60,000 monthly listeners on Spotify, ‘the first digital figure ever — under contract with IMG Models and Warner Music’.
YouTube tastemaker and the ‘internet's busiest music nerd’ Anthony Fantano also shared his thoughts on AI art in a recently uploaded video focusing on AI artist Anna Indiana and AI music’s general lack of, well, anything.
Read also: Anna Indiana — This "AI Singer-Songwriter" Is Proof Human Music Is Not in Danger
Despite major labels embracing these potential low-cost high-profit artists, they have also begun to contradict their actions, getting into legal disputes with AI companies. Notably, ‘Sony Music Entertainment, Universal Music Group, and Warner Records fileding claims against AI startups Suno and Udio for copyright infringement,’ with the labels suggesting copyrighted material has been used to train the AI, infringing exclusive copyright. Whilst this is a contradiction as the labels begin to sign AI artists, more complicated frameworks will need to be placed in order to create a balance and fair play, as AI needs to be taught via music and it wants to learn the best music is bound to be under a label or artist.
💡You can read more on the majors' lawsuits against Suno and Udio here.
So far, four of the year’s biggest hits have come from singer-songwriters — Noah Kahan, Teddy Swims, and Benson Boone, each taking over the charts with their "detailed storytelling, vulnerable vocals [and] scruffy guitar strums that could lead a song anywhere from folk to rock to country to pop". Martin Talbot, who runs the official charts, talks about the rise in country saying, "There is a growing interest in guitar and storytelling music over recent years, spanning country, Americana, folk and roots." This can be seen in artists such as Beyoncé and most recently Post Malone stepping back from their usual high-level pop productions to create country inspired albums.
With the live sector growing 25% in 2023 and a 6% forecast, it seems there is more demand for live experiences than ever ‘particularly amongst Gen Z and Millennials.’
With over 300,000 people attending UK festivals as I write this, it’s clear fans are hungry for more live music, with 6 of the 7 Leeds Festival headliners being traditional singer-songwriters. Do you think Liam Gallagher has ever used Suno?
It’s impossible to mention the last two paragraphs without including touring and in particular Taylor Swift; she has slammed the door open for acoustic singer- songwriters and led her fans into the depths of great stories and simple tunes, and the numbers don’t lie. Hot off the back of her 5 sold out nights at Wembley, it’s been reported that her UK tour has generated over £1 billion pounds for the economy, from the creation of the music to personable moments at a show—this is a realism AI just can’t capture.
The most important thing I’ve learnt is that AI should be used in specific areas to elevate the bigger picture. TSE breaks down how AI can enhance live music rather than overtaking it, from lighting that synchronises to the music to mapping devices that allow for the best sound and treatment for each bespoke venue, even use of apps such as Soundful, creating bespoke sample packs and inspiring artists music. But it should never be used to replace or even try to better the emotion and relatability of great songwriting and storytelling.
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- "6-12 months ahead of Suno, in AI time"—Udio Users Make an Average of 864K New Songs Every Day
