Artificial intelligence (AI) has emerged as some perceive a game-changer in the ever-evolving landscape of music production. With its ability to analyse vast amounts of data, generate melodies, and even write lyrics, AI has found its way into songwriting. While some embrace this technological advancement with open arms, others remain sceptical. The choice to use or not use tech is always yours but here are some of the pros and cons of using AI in songwriting, delving into the potential benefits and the challenges it presents to the creative process.

Pros:

Boundless Creativity:
One of the most enticing aspects of utilising AI in songwriting is its unlimited creative potential. AI algorithms can generate melodies, chord progressions, and harmonies that may not have been conceived by human minds. This opens up new avenues for experimentation, pushing the boundaries of musical expression and offering fresh ideas for artists seeking innovation.

Efficiency and Speed:
Creating a compelling song is a time-consuming process that requires inspiration and craftsmanship. AI algorithms, on the other hand, can quickly generate musical ideas, saving artists valuable time. This efficiency allows musicians to explore a more significant number of concepts, iterate on compositions, and increase their overall productivity.

Collaborative Possibilities:
AI can serve as a collaborator, working alongside human artists to co-create music. AI can enhance the creative process by providing instant feedback, suggesting variations, and adapting to an artist’s preferences. It can function as a virtual band member, inspiring musicians and aiding in realising their artistic vision.

Accessibility and Inclusivity:
AI-powered songwriting tools have the potential to democratise music creation by making it more accessible to individuals with limited musical training. Novice musicians and aspiring songwriters can leverage AI algorithms to generate professional-sounding compositions, eliminating barriers and empowering a broader range of artists to participate in the creative landscape.

Cons:

Lack of Human Emotion:
While AI can mimic musical patterns and structures, it struggles to replicate the depth of human emotion and personal experiences that often define impactful music. Emotional nuances and storytelling elements that stem from the artist’s unique perspective may be lost when relying solely on AI-generated content, resulting in a potential loss of authenticity.

Replication and Homogenisation:
AI algorithms learn from existing musical data, which may inadvertently reproduce existing styles and trends. This could lead to a homogenisation of music, as AI-generated compositions may need more originality and distinctiveness. Artists must balance AI assistance with their creative instincts to maintain a unique voice.

Ethical Concerns:
AI in songwriting raises ethical questions, particularly regarding intellectual property and copyright. Determining ownership and the fair distribution of royalties for AI-generated compositions can be complex, as AI blurs the line between human and machine creation. Additionally, there are concerns about the potential misuse of AI, such as plagiarism or unauthorised sampling of copyrighted material.

Dependency and Loss of Craftsmanship:
Relying heavily on AI for songwriting may diminish the craftsmanship and skills that come with traditional musical training. Overdependence on AI-generated content could undermine the artistry and individuality of musicians. Artists need to maintain a balance between AI assistance and their own personal growth as creators.

Integrating AI into the world of songwriting brings advantages and challenges. While AI offers boundless creativity, efficiency, and collaborative possibilities, it needs to catch up in capturing human emotion and the risks of homogenising musical styles. Ethical concerns regarding ownership and the potential loss of craftsmanship further complicate the matter. As technology continues to evolve, striking a delicate balance between AI and human creativity will be crucial. The future of songwriting lies in embracing the potential of AI while preserving the authenticity and individuality that make music a profoundly personal and emotive form of art. I think time will tell; I struggled to embrace using midi in my music for a time. Now I love programming drum beats and creating my own unique rhythms. I have used a rhyming dictionary, a thesaurus and even Chat GPT to help with writer’s block and finish lyrics. I classify AI as I do midi, a guitar, an amp or Protools; it is just another tool in my songwriting kit. There is something about creating limits and parameters when making music as well. Though I still refuse to use autotune, what I am getting at is you can decide where you draw the line and find your own path. Like the awesome hip-hop group Black Sheep rapped, “The choice is yours.”

Thanks for checking out my blog, if you are interested in my music check out my latest single Underdog.