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I use AI audio generators to spark inspiration or even craft entire compositions, but I’ve learned they come with hidden pitfalls.
1
Generic Output
One of the most significant red flags when using AI to generate music is the risk of producing generic, cookie-cutter tracks. While AI tools can create music in various genres and styles, the output often lacks the human elements that make music feel fresh or innovative. These generators typically rely on pre-existing templates, established musical patterns, or a library of samples. As a result, the music they produce often sounds formulaic and lacks individuality.
If you use an AI tool to create a commercial song, the resulting track might sound similar to other songs within its genre without your unique voice or signature style to make it memorable and distinct. As technology improves, AI will start producing more intricate and innovative music. However, it will likely still lack the soul, spontaneity, and spark of true artistic expression.
If AI generators create most of your music, mixing in a human element can make it sound significantly more convincing and original. This element could be as dominant as a vocal track or as subtle as a manually played percussive instrument. Additional audio and MIDI tracks can be added using a free online audio editor or digital audio workstation.
2
Copyright Issues
With the increasing use of AI-generated music, there are growing concerns about copyright and intellectual property. AI music generators are trained to emulate existing songs, patterns, melodies, and rhythms that can be gleaned from copyrighted material. This raises important legal and ethical questions about ownership and fair use.
A high-profile example of this issue occurred in 2023 with the music of Canadian artists The Weeknd and Drake after AI-generated songs that replicated their voices appeared online. These songs were created by AI models based on the artists’ existing work and raised alarms regarding copyright infringement and unauthorized use of their likeness and sound. This, in turn, sparked a debate about whether AI-generated music should be considered original, given that it draws upon existing copyrighted material.
If you publish AI-generated music, it could be strikingly similar to works under copyright protection. While AI doesn’t “copy” in the traditional sense, it can adapt elements from existing music in ways that could lead to legal complications. Therefore, you must be cautious about data sources and ensure that the music you produce using AI does not infringe on copyright law to avoid facing lawsuits or financial penalties.
3
Quality Concerns
Another significant drawback of AI-generated music is that it often lacks the emotional depth, intricacy, nuance, and musicianship of work created in the traditional way. While AI can quickly generate melodies, beats, and chord sequences, it struggles to replicate the subtleties that make music resonate with the listener.
As a musician, I have spent my life surrounded by artists who pour hard work and personal experience into their music. Whether it’s an emotionally charged vocal track, a complex chord progression, or an intricate song arrangement, human creativity instills music with a richness that AI cannot easily replicate.
An AI audio generator might be able to create a catchy tune, but it will typically lack the meaning or emotional expression that comes from the mind of a human composer. The subtleties of rhythm, phrasing, and improvisation—key components of what makes music genuinely compelling—are often too complex for AI to grasp. Therefore, it is essential to be mindful of AI’s limitations when using it to create music.
4
Morally Gray Areas
Even if an AI-generated song sounds awesome, there are moral and emotional aspects to consider. For many musicians, music creation is all about the journey from a spark of inspiration to the final polished track. While AI can churn out a technically proficient song, it lacks the personal investment of creating something from scratch.
Furthermore, using AI to generate music can raise ethical questions about artistic integrity. Relying on a machine to create something is basically cheating or, at the very least, taking a shortcut. You cannot claim that a project is an authentic form of artistic expression when an algorithm has done most of the heavy lifting.
If music creation shifts too much toward automation, it could reduce the appreciation for musicians who dedicate years to honing their craft and creating original work. While AI audio generators offer exciting opportunities for music production, too much reliance on AI will ultimately undermine the essence of what makes music meaningful.
These significant red flags regarding the use of AI audio generators shouldn’t be overlooked. As the technology continues to evolve, musicians, producers, and consumers must stay mindful of the challenges and weigh the benefits and drawbacks for the good of the industry as a whole.