According to Cointelegraph, the creative industry is increasingly concerned about the impact of artificial intelligence (AI) on their work, particularly in the realm of music production. Issues such as copyright infringement during AI model training have already led to significant lawsuits in North America. Additionally, there is growing anxiety about the potential loss of job opportunities to AI, which can now generate images, text, and musical compositions with ease.
Niche tools like Suno AI can create complex musical pieces quickly, while major tech companies like Google and Meta have developed their own music-focused AI models. These advancements have led musicians to question their futures. At the 2024 World Congress on Innovation and Technology in Yerevan, Armenia, a panel of industry experts and musicians discussed the potential outcomes of this intersection between creativity and technology.
Armenian musician and producer Nick Egibyan expressed his concerns, noting that AI can perform tasks at the same level as human arrangers and producers. He recounted hearing a track that moved him, only to discover it was AI-generated, which made him fear for his job security. Matthias Röder, a music and technology strategist, acknowledged the significant changes in music due to AI but emphasized that the essence of artistry remains in human creativity and vision. He argued that while AI can replicate certain tasks, it cannot replace the unique ideas and visions that define true artistry.
Prominent Armenian composer and conductor Sergey Smbatyan highlighted that AI could enhance productivity by handling routine tasks, allowing musicians to focus on more valuable aspects of their work. He stressed that humans still hold the creative baton, while AI can manage the rest.
The panel also discussed the emotional resonance of AI-generated music. Röder pointed out that the primary source of emotion in music lies with the audience. He believes that AI can create music that evokes emotions, similar to how human composers do. However, he emphasized the importance of human guidance in making AI-generated music truly impactful. Röder described AI as a powerful educational tool that can stimulate musical creativity and enhance the learning process for aspiring musicians.
