A new era of music, shaped by generative AI

To begin, let us briefly define generative AI.

Generative AI refers to “a technology that uses deep learning and machine learning to automatically generate digital content—such as text, images, music, and video—that resembles what humans create.”

Conventional AI has primarily been used to derive answers or make predictions within predefined parameters based on data provided by humans. Generative AI, on the other hand, leverages deep learning to iteratively learn on its own, and then uses the patterns and features it has acquired to create entirely new content.

In this sense, generative AI possesses a distinct and advanced capability compared to traditional AI: the ability to generate original content based on its own learned representations.

Next, let us look at how generative AI is being applied in the field of music through a concrete example.

Suno AI is a service that generates music from text. Even without any knowledge of music production, users can create original songs simply by inputting lyrics or a concept for the track.

I personally tried generating a song using Suno AI. You can listen to the result via the link below:
https://suno.com/song/c3ab6b26-735a-464b-bf41-874ab1b81c8f

Using ChatGPT, I first generated lyrics based on the theme of summer, and then input them into Suno AI. The entire process took less than a minute, yet the system automatically produced a melody, rhythm, vocals, and even a full band arrangement that matched the lyrics—resulting in a fully realized piece of music.

Dear Glenn is a system that recreates the performance style of the legendary pianist Glenn Gould. By leveraging generative AI, it enables the performance of pieces that were never actually recorded—so long as the musical score is available. The system consists of AI software that generates performances in Gould’s distinctive style, combined with a piano equipped with automated playback capabilities.

Watch the performance video here

In addition, there are initiatives that use Dear Glenn to present “ensembles beyond time,” bringing together contemporary musicians—such as violinists—with performances generated in the style of Glenn Gould.

For those who appreciate classical music, many have likely listened to Gould’s performances at least once. The ability to recreate his distinctive playing style and interpretation through AI is, without a doubt, a fascinating development.

The question of copyright ownership for music created by generative AI has become a significant issue. Copyright law is generally designed to protect human creative activity; however, in the case of AI-generated works, the ownership of rights is often unclear.

Should the rights belong to the AI developer, the user who utilized the AI, or even the AI itself? Perspectives differ across countries, and legal frameworks and case law are still evolving.

It is likely that further discussion and clarification on this matter will continue in the years ahead.

The advancement of generative AI is bringing about profound changes in the world of music.

In particular, its presence is growing in the field of composition. While there are concerns that generative AI may replace human composers, I believe that the future lies not in “replacement,” but in “coexistence.”

For example, the advent of photography once challenged the value of realistic painting. However, this led to a renewed appreciation of the unique qualities that only painting could offer, allowing it to evolve and persist with new forms of expression. Similarly, the spread of recorded music transformed the nature of concerts. People no longer needed to attend live performances to hear the same piece repeatedly. As a result, concerts evolved from spaces of reproducibility to platforms for expressing the individuality and presence of the performer.

Looking back at history, new technologies have not eliminated existing art forms; rather, they have expanded the possibilities of expression. In the same way, generative AI is likely to become a tool for creating new value in music.

With the adoption of generative AI, the process of composing music—once requiring significant time and effort—has been dramatically streamlined. Even so, human creativity and sensibility continue to hold enduring value.

As generative AI expands the possibilities of music, we are entering an era in which we must consider how to utilize this technology and how to coexist with it.

By fostering a relationship in which generative AI and humans work together, we can look forward to a richer future for music.

 References: A New World of Music Created by AI: From Fundamentals to Future Outlook
References: [Music Generative AI] Next-Generation Composition Technology by AI
References: AI-Driven Music Production Is More Widespread Than We Think
References: Will Composers Disappear Due to Generative AI?
References: Is the Future of Music in AI? Key AI Music News from 2023