How to Determine if Your Favorite Song is Created by AI
Artificial intelligence (AI) has made significant progress in the music industry, with bands like The Velvet Sundown shaking things up. This AI band managed to deceive over a million Spotify listeners with its exceptional psychedelic folk tunes, prompting us to question whether machines have become so proficient that distinguishing between AI-generated music and human compositions is now a challenge.
Charlie and Nate delve into this topic by engaging in a stimulating game called “AI or Human?” during their discussion. This game involves exploring Wu-Tang deepfakes, phantom instruments, and tracks that combine the sounds of iconic artists like Dire Straits and Tom Petty. Through their exploration, they identify five key indicators that can help music enthusiasts discern artificial music from human-made compositions. These telltale signs range from simplistic rhyming schemes to ever-changing vocal tones across different songs.
One alarming realization is that a mere six months ago, AI-generated music was characterized by chaotic compositions that were hard to listen to. However, the current landscape shows a remarkable improvement in the quality of AI music, with these algorithms becoming increasingly proficient at mimicking human creativity. The potential for AI music to rival human compositions is a looming possibility that raises questions about the future of music production and consumption.
During their discussion, Charlie and Nate reference a multitude of songs, including The Velvet Sundown’s “Dust on the Wind,” Post Malone’s “Chemical,” and Crosby, Stills, Nash & Young’s “Ohio.” They also touch upon the uncanny similarities between AI-generated tracks and timeless classics like “Dust in the Wind” by Kansas, “House of the Rising Sun” by The Animals, and “Have You Ever Seen the Rain?” by Creedence Clearwater Revival. The evolution of AI music is evident in newer compositions like The Velvet Sundown’s “Where War Remains,” “Mirrors in the Smoke,” and “Marching Shadows,” mirroring the iconic styles of bands like Pink Floyd, Buffalo Springfield, and The Velvet Underground.
The possibilities presented by AI-generated music are further exemplified by Hip Hop Intelligence’s AI Wu-Tang and AI Eminem tracks, which seamlessly blend with human-made music. Student projects like “Echoes of Twilight” and AI-generated works like “In the Summertime” by Mungo Jerry showcase the vast potential of AI in music creation. As AI continues to refine its musical capabilities, we must prepare for a future where the line between human and AI music is increasingly blurred, posing both challenges and opportunities for artists and listeners alike.
In conclusion, AI music is no longer a chaotic and dissonant experiment but has evolved into a sophisticated form of artistry that challenges our perception of creativity and authenticity in music. As AI algorithms continue to progress, it is essential for music enthusiasts to stay informed and discerning when engaging with this new wave of musical innovation.