Tuning up with AI: a shift in the music scene

"I am never afraid of innovation." That's how Erwin Blom answered my question about his feelings toward AI music apps. Owner of Fast Moving Targets, a company specializing in media, technology, and innovation, Blom has a rather optimistic stance on using artificial intelligence in music creation. "Artists should immediately start using all these tools to find out how they can benefit from them." As the lead singer and guitarist of the Amsterdam punk band Eton Crop, Blom has vast experience in music production which makes him see AI as just one of the many technologies that have revolutionized the music scene.

Over the last months, AI music generators have become a sensation on the internet. Users have been uploading AI songs on social media for the sheer joy of entertainment. "I think it can be a lot of fun for people who don't make music and just want to create something funny for the birthday of a sibling." For him, it is important to democratize technology so everyone can enjoy the perks and constraints offered by certain innovations.

Not a new practice

"We can't stop technology from evolving," he says while reminiscing about the emergence of sampling in music production. Back in the 70s, DJs started using snippets of existing recordings to create new music. Recently, there have been discussions about the legal aspects of AI music, especially concerning the use of copyrighted material by AI providers and software. Yet, Blom believes that this is not a new phenomenon.

"Even before the AI boom, artists have always been inspired by other artists." Many musicians still use samples in their artwork, therefore, he explains that it's possible to draw similarities between apps like Suno and Udio to professional music creation. In a certain way, the process of generating music with AI resembles the way artists produce records influenced by all sorts of songs. "The only difference is that AI-driven tools can access a larger scope of music to draw inspiration from."

A threat or a tool?

Amid the rise of generative AI, the threshold to enter the music industry is now very low. Everyone can start uploading music to streaming platforms, becoming a potential danger, according to Blom. "As these technologies become more accessible, we start seeing a lot of crap, which reduces the value of music". On the other hand, using AI tools to assist musicians in their creational process can also be very helpful. "Now, there are really good mastering and mixing tools driven by AI, so it's easier to make sure that music sounds really good."

As a technology enthusiast, Blom encourages artists to embrace these new tools because it has great potential to spark the imagination. "Musicians will have more creativity, and they can use these tools as an idea box. So when we look at the edges of technology, it is possible to generate something original and different."

The outlook of independent artists

In Groningen, the alternative band Cosmic Microwave has experimented with AI tools to assist in certain parts of music production. According to Lana Selimovic, drummer and singer of the band composed of physics and astronomy students, "AI tools and plugins are sometimes useful to adjust parts of a song, especially in the mixing and mastering process." Inspired by the versatility of Radiohead, the 21-year-old musician describes her band's original songs as a mix of hard rock metal with jazz and blues.

Despite seeing the positive effects of AI for assistive purposes, Lana believes it's unfair that independent artists have to compete with fully AI-generated songs. "It takes years of practice to learn how to play an instrument, and a lot of effort is invested in the thought process of recording original songs. But now, with one prompt, it's possible to generate entire tracks."

This changing music scene, however, does not frighten Lana. "AI can't replace the human mind or surpass musicians' abilities. There's no personal touch or emotional attachment in these AI songs, so artists should not be afraid," she says.

Adjusting the 'sound'

Apart from the current copyright dilemma involving AI providers, Blom believes there's no problem in enjoying AI-generated tracks. "If AI makes a brilliant song that makes someone happy and sing along, I honestly don't see any problems." As new technology advances, it is hard to predict how the music industry will look in the upcoming years, but for Blom, one thing is certain: "The role of musicians will be different, but human connection will remain."