ARTFUL NOISE??
-Shreya Sai Duddu
What is music, if not a depiction of a person’s emotions through different sounds in this universe? A blend of grief, joy, fear, and loneliness with nature’s harmonies, perhaps a way to connect with it, or a path to find your true self. Music has always been a form of expression, a freedom of matted thoughts being put out into the world, but the entrance of AI has undoubtedly sent tremors in this world. Not only has AI revolutionized the music industry, but has also raised several questions which are worth pondering.
Many individuals assert that AI isn’t taking over music but is expanding it, using it as a tool to explore new avenues and not as a replacement for human creativity. Well, beauty lies in the eyes of the beholder, but a question to ponder is whether AI-generated music will eventually become more popular and successful than human-created music.
The dedication, passion, commitment, and sweat with which great musicians or artists have achieved fame, all their effort, perhaps have just become old cassettes piled up on a shelf, with no one to brush the dust off! Several arguments have been formed on the ethical considerations, ownership, and authorship of the music generated by self-learning machines, mainly bordering on the ease with which man can create tracks worth millions, by just making a few adjustments on his keypad and letting AI handle the rest.
A remake involves reinterpreting and re-recording a song, often with creative changes, while a remix involves altering and rearranging the elements of an existing song to create a new version with a different sound or vibe.
AI-made remixes can be perceived as lacking the depth, subtlety, and emotional resonance that come from human creativity. Critics argue that these remixes prioritize catchy formulas and market trends over artistic vision, resulting in a homogenization of music and a loss of the distinct qualities that make each artist’s work unique. Furthermore, the use of AI in remixing can raise questions about copyright and intellectual property. Since AI algorithms analyse and sample existing songs, there is a potential risk of copyright infringement if proper permissions and licenses are not obtained. This aspect of AI-made remixes highlights the importance of respecting and protecting the rights of original creators.
The usage of algorithms and machine learning techniques to analyze existing songs and create new versions based on patterns and trends identified in the data, results in no ethnicity. These remixes can be generated quickly and efficiently, often without direct human involvement in the creative process.
One of the main concerns raised about AI-made remixes is the potential loss of the human touch and the emotional connection that comes from music created by human artists. Music has long been celebrated as an art form that conveys emotions, experiences, and the unique perspectives of the creators. The creative decisions, nuances, and personal expressions brought by human artists are often cherished by listeners.
Ultimately, the impact of AI-made remixes on the charm of music is subjective. While AI technology brings opportunities for innovation and efficiency, it is essential to strike a balance between the benefits it offers and the preservation of the unique artistic qualities that make music a deeply personal and emotional experience. The integration of AI in the music industry should be approached thoughtfully, with a focus on nurturing creativity and maintaining the authenticity that has captivated listeners for generations.
But just like how Bauman’s term of liquid love describes the condition of constant mobility and change in the portrayal of love over the years, perhaps it’s time we understand and accept the concept of liquid life in the music industry as well. After all, music has flowed like old wine through several generations but perhaps just poured into fancier glasses!