Artificial Intelligence (AI) has arrived, bringing with it new realities and possibilities for various creative processes. In this context, the future of music composition and production is promising, yet also challenging for those hesitant to embrace it.

Here, we will explore the impacts of artificial intelligence on music and how we can better navigate this scenario by taking advantage of the benefits it offers.

Artificial Intelligence: A Tool, Not a Substitute

Artificial intelligence has the potential to be a powerful tool for artists, but it is unlikely to completely replace human creativity. Art is born from our individual and collective experiences, the emotions we live and feel, and our subjectivity—elements that AI does not intrinsically possess and are not contained within an algorithm.

Rather than replacing the human aspect of creations, artificial intelligence can be a partner that expands our creative possibilities and accelerates various processes, also serving as a source of new inspirations. This partnership can be a symbiotic relationship, where technology complements human creativity.

Which Artists Have Used Artificial Intelligence? Positive and Negative Examples

Björk used artificial intelligence in an unusual way in “Kórsafn”, a pioneering soundscape project in which the Icelandic artist generated a series of vocals sung by a virtual choir. As if that were not enough, the real innovation is that the sounds vary according to climatic data, changing in real time and generating dynamic, unique compositions based on nature. Undoubtedly, AI was used here to enhance her artistic vision, not replace it.

American composer Holly Herndon trained a customized AI to collaborate vocally on her album “PROTO”, released in 2019. The artist used artificial intelligence to experiment with new sonic textures, keeping her creativity at the center.

“For now, AI does not exist autonomously. Humans create art with AI models that are inspired by humans,” the artist stated.

What Are the Benefits of Artificial Intelligence for Music?

Accelerating creative processes: AI can give your project an initial boost and help generate a first version of ideas for melodies, harmonies, or lyrics.

Exploring new sonic territories: Tools like Riffusion (audio generation from images) and Google Magenta allow for the experimentation of unusual combinations in creating sounds, voices, and instruments.

Accessibility: The technological advances enabled by AI can be used to expand the range of music production to individuals with limited technical training or access to professional software and equipment, thereby democratizing artistic creation.

What Are the Drawbacks of Artificial Intelligence for Art?

Not all interactions between artists and artificial intelligence are successful. Problems can arise when AI is used without ethics, authorization, or respect for artistic authenticity.

The use of AI must be guided by clear and ethical intentions. Artists should lead the creative process, using artificial intelligence as a resource that enhances the human vision. Authenticity, emotional expression, and connection with the audience will always be central elements of music—elements that machines can scarcely replicate.

Below are some examples of controversial cases where AI may be misused:

Deepfakes: AI software has recreated the voices of artists like Drake, Britney Spears, and The Weeknd, generating “fake” songs or covers that were never actually produced. In Brazil, a car commercial that “resurrected” Elis Regina through deepfake techniques drew criticism from part of the public. Beyond ethical concerns, these practices also raise issues regarding copyright and the authenticity of a work.

Automated and Generic Music: Some AI tools produce generic tracks for jingles and music libraries, and there are also apps that automatically generate music “from scratch”. This can flood the market with sounds that lack a connection to artistic essence.

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