Can you recognize if a song was created by AI technology?

Have you ever come across a song and found yourself questioning whether it was created entirely by artificial intelligence? In the music industry, the emergence of AI-generated songs like those from fictional bands such as Velvet Sundown is sparking debate on the fusion between genuine and synthetic music. As technology evolves, more creators are utilizing AI tools such as Suno and Udio to produce music, challenging traditional methods.

While some listeners may not mind the origins of the music they enjoy, others may be curious to distinguish between human-made and AI-generated tracks. If you find yourself in such a situation, there are several approaches you can take to determine how a song was created.

One method involves conducting a background check on the band or artist behind the song. Manuel Mousallam, Deezer’s head of research and development, suggests looking for external cues like the presence of social media accounts, upcoming concerts, or releases by established record labels. Additionally, platforms like Suno and Udio often host AI-generated songs for creators to share their work. Although locating specific songs on these platforms may require signing up for an account, it can provide valuable insights into their origins.

Another technique to identify AI-generated songs involves paying attention to song tags. Streaming services like Deezer have implemented systems to label albums containing AI-generated content, helping listeners differentiate between human and AI-created tracks. By using proprietary technology to detect distinct patterns in AI-generated audio, Deezer aims to increase transparency in the music streaming landscape.

Furthermore, third-party online services offer tools to analyze songs and determine whether they are human-made or AI-generated. While these services may provide probabilities and insights based on uploaded songs or Spotify links, their accuracy can vary due to the limitations of the detection algorithms. Certain indicators, such as the quality of lyrics, can also provide clues to discern AI-generated music. AI-generated lyrics may exhibit certain characteristics like repetitive structures or common words, indicating the involvement of AI tools in the songwriting process.

However, as AI technology progresses rapidly, distinguishing between human-made and AI-generated content may become increasingly challenging. According to experts like Mousallam, relying solely on one’s ears to detect AI-generated tracks may not be foolproof due to the continuous advancements in generative models like Suno and Udio.

In conclusion, while there are methods to identify AI-generated music, the evolving nature of AI technology means that there is no definitive way to determine the production source of a song. As AI continues to reshape the music industry, the line between authentic creativity and machine-generated content becomes increasingly blurred, posing unique challenges for listeners and creators alike.