AI Music Generation Meets Human Scrutiny in Newfoundland's Seas

In the coastal vibe of St. John's, Newfoundland, an eminent figure in the local music scene scrutinizes the latest output from AI-powered music algorithms. Despite the impressive production quality, songs like "It Could Be Worse" and "Tales of The Atlantic," produced by the software in mere seconds, seem to lack the authentic touch that resonates with human listeners, particularly to a seasoned ear like that of Bob Hallett, a co-founder of the folk-rock band Great Big Sea. Listening to the algorithm's attempt at Celtic-inspired country music, Hallett detects a disconnect in both musical style and lyrical rhyme.

The Technological Stride and the Creative Divide

Technological advancements in music generation like Suno, which operates on prompts to create original melodies and lyrics, are advancing at an impressive pace. Academics like Jimmy Lin from the University of Waterloo predict the gap in quality between AI-composed tunes and human-made music will be narrowing rapidly. These generative AI tools are part of a burgeoning field that includes similar projects by Google and Adobe, and they employ data sets to predict auditory sequences much like text predictions in chatbots.

The Controversy of Copyright and AI Training

The training of these AI models using copyrighted material from artists who neither consented nor were compensated has raised legal concerns. The query of whether such use falls under fair practice remains unanswered, with the industry awaiting judicial clarity. Some artists, like Hallett, although wary of the potential for these platforms to disrupt established revenue streams, recognize the difficulty in regulating such technology.

AI in Commercial Music and the Human Touch

There's potential for AI-generated music in commercial spaces that require catchy jingles, as acknowledged by Lin. However, Hallett argues that music aiming to genuinely connect with listeners would benefit more from the human element. The essence of music for many remains rooted in its ability to convey sincere stories and emotions—something AI has yet to master.

AI, music, technology