Know how to ask AI to create a sick beat? It might get you a deal with a record label

While artificial intelligence is known to have made an impact on the music industry, it could also change our understanding of musicians, who would no longer be required to spend hours crafting their vocal or instrumental techniques.

Recently, Oliver McCann, also known by his stage name as imoliver, signed with Hallwood Media, an independent record label. The deal was struck after the 37-year-old creator hit three million streams.

While this might seem like the right course of action for any up-and-coming musician, what makes this situation different is McCann's approach to creating his music.

The artist, who, according to AP News, is actually a visual designer, has started using AI as a tool to advance his creativity, making Hallwood Media the first music label to sign an agreement with an AI music creator.

Not that long ago, people were questioning the sudden fame of the band Velvet Sundown, which was later confirmed to be AI-generated.

With AI being used to generate music and other types of media, more people are worried that it could also produce more low-quality content, making it harder for other, smaller creators to make their breakthrough. This would change the industry landscape, and not for the better.

AI-powered tools like Suno and Udio can make anyone a music creator. It has also impacted the global music industry market, which is worth almost $30 billion, with streaming being one of its primary revenue drivers.

For example, Deezer, the music streaming platform, estimates that 18% of the songs uploaded to its platform daily are created by artificial intelligence. What might be comforting is that this number accounts for only a small fraction of the total streams.

While record companies such as Sony Music Entertainment and Universal Music Group filed lawsuits against Suno and Udio for copyright infringement, the practice of using AI in music seems to be a thing, with some creators stating that it helps them with the creation process.

While the use of AI splits music professionals into two camps, users on Reddit also shared their take on AI-generated music.

“The future will be fake accounts watching and listening to fake content. Wooh!,” wrote one user, referring to the fact that very often such music is “listened to” by bots.

Among user proposals to start marking AI-generated music, others also noted that “all AI-generated music (and art) should immediately become public domain and royalty-free to use by anyone.”

The success of AI music creators sparks debate on future of music industry
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Many Redditors also question the actual meaning of being a musician.

“TBH, if you make music for a living, you should focus on the concert experience anyway. Between streaming, pirating, and getting drowned by other artists, your best bet is standing out in your live performances,” wrote one user.

“Calling them ‘music creators’ is an insult to actual music creators and art in general,” added another netizen.