LONDON (AP) — While musicians typically rely on instruments like guitars and keyboards, Oliver McCann, known as imoliver, turns to artificial intelligence. McCann’s music covers various styles from indie-pop to country-rap, despite having no musical training. “I can’t sing or play instruments,” he admits.
At 37, McCann transitioned from visual design to exploring AI as a creative tool. Recently, he signed with Hallwood Media after one of his tracks gained 3 million streams, marking a pioneering moment as he became the first AI music creator to secure a record label deal.
AI music creation is on the rise, led by tools like Suno and Udio. Notably, a fictional group named Velvet Sundown went viral, showcasing entirely AI-generated music and raising questions about authenticity and the quality of AI-generated content. Critics worry about “AI slop”—low-quality, mass-produced work—which poses a threat to the music industry.
Generative AI could reshape the $29.6 billion global music market. According to Deezer, 18% of songs uploaded daily are AI-generated, though they account for a minuscule portion of total streams. Larger platforms like Spotify have yet to release figures on AI music.
Josh Antonuccio, a media expert from Ohio University, describes the surge of AI music as a “tsunami.” Young people are increasingly comfortable with AI, leading to even more music production. However, this surge has also sparked concern in the industry: musicians worry their original works are being used to train AI models without compensation.
Last year, major record companies like Sony and Universal filed lawsuits against AI music generators for copyright infringement. Recent reports indicate negotiations may not just settle disputes but also establish rules for fair artist compensation when AI is involved.
Many artists are divided on AI technology. Over 1,000 musicians, including stars like Kate Bush, protested proposed AI laws in the U.K., fearing loss of creative control. Conversely, icons like Timbaland and Imogen Heap have embraced AI, viewing it as a new method to craft music.
Scott Smith, frontman of an AI band called Pulse Empire, sees AI as another tool for creativity. “People think you’re letting computers do all the work. I disagree,” he says. He and McCann both invest significant effort into their projects, generating numerous versions to bring their ideas to life.
McCann often creates up to 100 different versions of a song to ensure it meets his vision. However, many AI-generated lyrics can feel cliché or unoriginal. Lukas Rams, who creates music under the name Sleeping With Wolves, finds AI lyrics tend to be basic and rely on repetitive structures.
Despite these shortcomings, AI offers aspiring musicians a shortcut into the industry. As Rams highlights, he has crafted three albums using AI, blending metalcore and EDM, and is eager to share his work widely.
Experts emphasize that AI’s influence can change the landscape of music creation. Antonuccio notes that what once required a studio could now be achieved on a simple laptop. However, the absence of clear copyright laws makes the market uncertain. He likens the current landscape to the early days of file-sharing, where legal battles helped shape today’s music distribution landscape.
As AI continues to evolve, many are hopeful it will find a permanent place in the music world. “We’re entering an era where anyone could create the next big hit,” McCann asserts, seeing potential for AI music to achieve chart success as acceptance grows.
For more insights on the evolution of AI in music, you can check this Deezer report on AI trends.
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