How would the role of musicians evolve if AI could create chart-topping hits? The impact of AI on musicians, educators, and entrepreneurs in the creative industries is significant and multifaceted. In this article, we explore AI’s profound transformations, its challenges, and the quest for a balanced approach between creativity and technology.
From the early days of algorithmic composition to today’s sophisticated AI-powered tools, the journey of AI in music has been marked by innovation and controversy. In the 1950s, computer scientists began experimenting with algorithmic music, leading to the creation of simple melodies. Fast forward to the 21st century, and AI can now produce entire symphonies, write lyrics, and even mimic the styles of famous artists.
The rise of AI in creative sectors has dominated discussions in the last year, sparking both excitement for new possibilities and concerns about job displacement. Significant layoffs in industries like graphic design and game design have been linked to the adoption of AI tools, or more broadly, the replacement of human artists by AI systems. On the other hand, AI can be invaluable for musicians and songwriters in their creative processes, allowing them to create content within seconds, generate sound-alike vocals, isolate individual elements from a single track, and accomplish much with limited resources and in a fraction of the time.
Understanding how artificial intelligence is shaping music and the creative industries today is becoming increasingly important, regardless of your role in these ecosystems. As Ricard Robles, co-founder and co-director of Sónar—a well-known festival dedicated to the intersection of music, creativity, and technology—said: “We must acknowledge the fact that AI is transforming the creative industries. Therefore, it is not very useful to follow extreme visions of dystopian futures but rather to encourage further education and debate among creators and the general public.”
Views about the current state of music tech from Sónar+D
Sónar+D – the tech-focused part of the Sónar festival – whose 12th edition was celebrated last week in Barcelona, consolidated as a key event in the MusicTech space. Over three days, the festival explored innovative frontiers of immersive entertainment and augmented reality, along with AI applications in music and art, while critically examining the associated uncertainties and risks. The presence of international artists, academics, and university researchers notably elevated the discussion beyond mere monetary and business aspects.
The panel discussion “Generating Panic?” opened this edition of Sónar+D at SónarAgora, addressing the fears and realities of AI in the arts and cultural industries. Moderated by Eduard Alarcón and Antònia Folguera, the panel featured experts such as Artur Garcia (Barcelona Supercomputer Center – BSC), Manolo Martínez (Universitat de Barcelona), Marta Handenawer (Domestic Data Streamers), Marta Peirano (Journalist and Author), and Rebecca Fiebrink (University of the Arts London), discussing why AI generates fear and its implications.
There was a consensus that more AI literacy is needed for artists (and the rest of us), as increased knowledge can help them take advantage of AI and alleviate the panic generated by unfamiliarity. While Peirano expressed more scepticism about AI’s overall impact, drawing parallels with old myths and (erroneous) assumptions that we can keep doing whatever we want with our planet as technology will save us from the climate crisis, hinting that a wiser approach with AI is needed, Fiebrink highlighted AI’s potential to lower barriers and improve experiences in music education and creation, while acknowledging some limitations.
In addition to the talks, lectures, and panels, the Project Area of Sónar+D, featured over over 100 projects, ranging from AI and immersive AV to gaming, from music to film and fashion, from 19 different countries, showing practical innovation across creative industries and giving the opportunity to attendees to test, experiment and have some fun.
Highlights included Intelligent Instruments Lab’s innovative new instrument designs, as well as AI tools like Krea.ai at Creative AI, the latest modular synthesizers and musical tools, learning how Nina Protocol is building a different model of platform for releasing, discovering, and supporting independent music based on blockchain, along with other innovations in the MusicTech space.
Startup pitches that got our attention
As happened last year, it’s the MusicTech pitch session presented by Barcelona MusicTech Hub and MusicTech Europe, the European Association For Music Technology Innovation, where we found some startups worth checking out. Here’s a selection of the pitches:
- Copyright Delta – blockchain-based web3 tools for music royalty capture, security, and payments. B2B2B solutions for media, AI, and IP industries.
- BeatBlocks – an app for iOS built by Playable Technology that uses AI and music technology to enable everyone to make music in real-time with LEGO bricks and other children’s building blocks.
- Moonai – a period pain relief app that reduces menstrual and pelvic pain through neuroscience-based sounds. B2B, for example by offering their solutions to private health clinics, and B2C, with a membership for private users.
- Forte! – an AI-powered assistant, specifically targeted to music producers, automating repetitive tasks in the mixing process.
- Your Music Marketing – an ads manager platform entirely dedicated to the music industry, primarily focused on B2B and with an integrated AI proprietary tool to optimize music advertising campaigns.
- Meloom – an edtech startup promising to let you create a personalized plan (with AI) to learn a new musical instrument while improving your well-being.
- FEST – an all-in-one solution for organizers, to provide festival-goers with a comprehensive that they can set up in just a few minutes.
The path forward: Balancing AI with human creativity
In conclusion, the impact of AI on music and the creative industries is undeniably transformative. The advancements showcased at events like Sónar+D illustrate AI’s potential to transform how music is created, shared, and experienced. From lowering barriers to music education to enabling rapid creative experimentation, AI offers powerful tools that can enhance artistic expression and innovation.
However, alongside these opportunities come significant ethical considerations. The potential for job displacement in creative sectors, the challenges of ensuring fair compensation and recognition for human artists, and the risk of homogenizing creativity are critical issues that must be addressed. It is essential to create frameworks that protect the rights and livelihoods of creators while promoting the responsible use of AI technologies.
In this context, the EU AI Act represents a first attempt to move in that direction. As one of the first comprehensive regulatory frameworks addressing AI, it aims to ensure that AI technologies are developed and used in ways that respect fundamental rights, promote transparency, and foster innovation responsibly. By setting standards for AI deployment, the Act seeks to mitigate risks such as biased algorithms and unintended economic consequences, ensuring a balanced approach to technological advancement.
Achieving equilibrium in this new landscape requires thoughtful regulation, education for all parties involved, and ongoing dialogue among stakeholders, with a commitment to preserving the integrity of human creativity. Will we be able to create a future where technology and artistry coexist harmoniously? We must certainly try.
