AI and the music industry: How to stay competitive in the age of automation
AI AND INNOVATION
A closer look on how to stay ahead in the music industry in the Age of Automation and Artificial Intelligence (AI).
The music industry is constantly evolving, and with the rise of artificial intelligence (AI), it's more important than ever for musicians and industry professionals to stay ahead of the curve. From music production to distribution and everything in between, AI is changing the way we create and consume music, and with a plethora of new tools and technology available, it only makes sense to know what is in play, and have a general idea of how things are evolving. So, In this blog post, we'll explore how AI is impacting the music industry and what you can do to stay competitive in this new era we shall call " The age of automation".
Music Production
One of the most significant ways that Artificial Intelligence is impacting the music industry is in the realm of music production. AI algorithms can now be used to compose and produce music, from generating chord progressions and melodies to arranging and mixing tracks. The process is becoming increasingly streamlined, giving almost anyone willing to learn the tools the ability to create a full-fledged song.
For example, companies like Amper Music and AIVA have developed AI-powered composition software that can create unique and original music in just a matter of seconds. This technology can be used by music producers and composers to quickly generate ideas and inspiration for their projects.
While this technology is still in its infancy, it's becoming increasingly common for musicians and producers to use AI in their music-making process. Some artists have even released albums composed entirely by AI.
We can assume that almost anyone who has access to these kind of tools will be able to compete even with professionals with decades with experience. However... while this technology can be a valuable tool for musicians and producers, it's important to remember that AI-generated music is not the same as human-generated music.
While anyone without that much level of experience can use these tools to create something out of it, a musician or a producer with years of experience, will not only be able to use the tool in a more effective manner, but know how to add their own twist, by using their own techniques and not relying entirely on AI, allowing for more creative and unique results than a person who's releasing music that is 100% Ai-Generated.
As a musician, it's important to stay true to your artistic vision and not rely too heavily on AI, to stay ahead of the curve. AI should not be a substitute for Musicians, but just another tool to leverage their creativity and human capabilities.
Musicians and Composers like David Bowie, Pink Floyd, and Hans Zimmer have always been experimental and innovative in their approach to music production, using every option at their disposal to create the best sounding piece of art, and you should too!
Music Distribution & Promotion
AI is making itself feel present at every also changing the way music is distributed and presented to us.
Streaming services like Spotify and Youtube Music, have already been, for years, using AI algorithms to recommend music to listeners based on their listening habits. This can be a great way for discovering new music, but it also means that it's harder for emerging artists to get their music heard.
For example, Spotify's algorithm can now predict which songs will be a hit and how much each person will like it (based on their listening and app usage habits), and the platform's playlist curators are increasingly relying on these predictions to select which songs to feature.
This can make it difficult for new and independent artists to break through, as their music may not fit the algorithm's prediction of what will be popular, and it might also make it harder for any new and experimental type of music to emerge, since there is no past record of its success as a genre to make it worthy of an algorithmic recomendation.
To stay competitive in the age of automation, it's important for musicians to find ways to get their music in front of listeners. This can be done in a few ways like:
Learning as much as possible about how these algorithms work and trying to cater the music creation process as much as possible to fit them (A more technical, but less creative approach.)
Using social media and online platforms to organically connect and interact with fans and promote your music in a way that makes the audience engage, not only with the music, but also with the artist. (A more creative, and intimate approach)
Paying for advertisement space (A more direct, but costly option)
A combination of every point above and some more (A resource-hungry approach)
In summary, AI is transforming the music industry in many ways and it's important to stay ahead of the curve by understanding how it's affecting the many sides of the the industry such as music production, distribution and promotion. By staying true to your artistic vision, using social media and online platforms, and exploring new technologies, you can stay competitive in the age of automation.
If you'd like to have a deeper look into how to get your music in front of listeners, also check this article with 10 Music Promotion Tips for Independent Artists.
Enjoyment:
While it is important to look at the impact AI could have on the whole music industry, it is also as important ( i would argue even more important) to look at the impact it might have in the most personal level.
Remember that music is not just a business, it's an art form, and it's important to keep the enjoyment of creating and playing music at the forefront. It's easy to get caught up in the business side of things, but remember, either you are a musician, producer, composer or audio engineer, why you started making music in the first place, and don't lose sight of that passion and enjoyment.
The quality of your craft, will not only improve by having that unique "human touch" only you can give, but will go to next level if you also have fun and enjoy the process in every step of the way.
One way to keep the enjoyment in your music-making process is to use AI as a tool to enhance your creative process and not as a replacement for it. For example, using AI-powered music composition software to generate chord progressions or melodies can be a great way to spark some inspiration and come up with new ideas out of your own comfort zone. Additionally, using AI-powered mixing and mastering tools can save some valuable time and effort, allowing you to focus on the most enjoyable parts of the music-making process like experimenting with new sounds and instruments, and overall having fun.
Use AI as a tool to enhance your creative process and also to discover new and exciting music, and most importantly, don't lose sight of the passion and enjoyment that brought you to the music industry in the first place!