The impact of AI on musicians' jobs is a complex and evolving issue. While AI technology has the potential to affect various aspects of the music industry, it's not a straightforward case of AI simply "taking" jobs from musicians.
Instead, the relationship between AI and musicianship involves a mix of challenges and opportunities. But one of the challenges will challenge your career if you're like me making music online.
Automation of Tasks: AI can automate certain aspects of music production, such as generating melodies, harmonies, and even entire compositions. This has raised concerns that AI might replace human composers, especially for tasks like creating background music for media, commercials, or stock libraries.
Collaboration Tools: AI tools can also serve as creative assistants for musicians, helping them explore new ideas, generate inspiration, and refine their work. These tools can enhance creativity rather than replace it, allowing musicians to experiment with new sounds and styles.
Job Displacement: Some jobs, particularly in areas like jingle writing (one of my jobs, oh no!), sound design, and background music production, might be at risk as AI-generated music becomes more prevalent and affordable. However, AI is less likely to replace musicians who are involved in live performances, personalized compositions, or highly creative and expressive works.
New Opportunities: AI can also create new opportunities for musicians. For instance, musicians can use AI to reach broader audiences, create interactive music experiences, or develop new genres and forms of expression. AI can also open doors to roles in tech companies, where musicians might work on developing or fine-tuning AI music tools.
Authenticity and Emotion: Music created by AI may lack the emotional depth, cultural context, and personal experience that human musicians bring to their work. Audiences often value the authenticity and connection they feel with human-created music, which AI cannot fully replicate.
Ownership and Royalties: The use of AI in music raises questions about intellectual property rights, authorship, and royalties. Who owns a piece of music created by AI? How should revenues be distributed if an AI tool was instrumental in its creation? These are ongoing debates in the industry.
Human Touch: There is a unique value in live performances, improvisation, and the human touch that cannot be easily replicated by AI. Musicians who focus on these aspects may find that their skills are more in demand, as audiences continue to seek out authentic, human-made experiences.
Adapting to Change: Musicians who adapt to technological advancements by integrating AI into their work may find new ways to innovate and thrive in the industry. Learning to use AI as a tool rather than viewing it as competition can be a way to stay relevant.
Hybrid Models: The future of music is likely to involve a hybrid model where AI and human creativity coexist. Musicians who embrace AI as a complement to their work can leverage it to push creative boundaries and explore new avenues.
Changing Roles: While some traditional roles may diminish, new roles and industries related to AI-driven music might emerge, such as curating AI-generated playlists, overseeing AI tools for live performances, or developing AI music technology.
In summary, AI has the potential to disrupt certain aspects of the music industry, but it also offers new possibilities for creativity and innovation. Musicians who adapt to and collaborate with AI technology may find that it enhances their work rather than diminishes it.
However, the impact of AI on jobs in music will depend on how both the industry and society navigate these changes.
As a session singer, writer, and producer that has worked with over 300 clients to provide high-quality jingles, singles, and features, Yona spends her time creating and marketing new music and helpful resources for creators. Check out Yona’s latest releases on her Spotify, her Youtube and share if you like it!
If you are in need of singer, songwriter or song producer services, see what Yona Marie can offer you on her services page.
