AI is making its way into music and media, so what’s the bigger impact of this?
It’s not only used for cyclical trends online, as artificial intelligence is more readily available, as well as more often used than people let up.
In the music and media industry, algorithms are already writing songs and scripts and other source material, but what we didn’t expect to become mainstream so soon is replica vocals.
This will and already has brought so many opportunities for creatives, and it should be interesting to watch it develop over the next few years.
The Rise of Replicas
In recent months, Artificially generated covers of songs (AI synthesisers) have been taking the internet by storm.
Though artificial intelligence has been around in the music industry for a lot longer than people think.
AI copies of musical artists’ voices are created by training AI models. They analyse and replicate nuances, timbre and pretty much everything that makes it unique.
For the most part, it’s not clocking on everyone’s radar, especially if you don’t tend to spend time on social media. It’s mainly being used to create ‘cursed’ or surprisingly impressive musical collaborations and new versions of songs.
ie. The Weeknd covers songs by Michael Jackson or cartoon characters creating the most heavenly harmonies.
But it’s all AI.
AI isn’t necessarily a big focus or interest for a large part of the population, although it is visibly becoming a mainstream trend right under people’s noses.
This is only the beginning, imagine what could happen within the next decade.
The Promise
In more of an industry setting, not a meme one, the potential of AI voice replicas is vast and varied.
The tech could allow musicians to explore new ways to express their musicality.
If they want to create songs in languages they don’t speak, simply bring in a translator and shadow singer, then pitch the vocals with AI to copy the Artists’ voice over into the mixer.
It can also enable the production and performance of musicians whilst they face challenges like vocal strain or physical limitations, unless you’re Dave Grohl (Foo Fighters) of course.
Voice replicas could bridge the gap between eras, allowing fans to experience the work of those who are no longer with us or performing. (ABBA Voyage)
Imagine being able to hear a newly released song by a legend from years ago, or seeing them live with holographic and projection aids.
We could preserve and extend musical legacies.
There Are a Few *Minor* Issues
As with all things AI, people aren’t super happy about it.
Critics are arguing that it could compromise artistic integrity, leaving no authenticity or emotion for the artist themselves.
There are concerns that it could devalue the originality of a voice and the significance of the music.
Obviously, consent and copyright laws are the biggest concern, legally.
Currently, anyone can get their hands on an artist’s vocal replica.
Distribution can be a complex legal and moral issue: finding a balance between honour and avoiding exploitation should be treated seriously.
The Future of Music and Collaboration
Despite all these temporary issues, replicas open up exciting and interesting blends and collaborations between artists.
They could even collaborate with themselves.
The personal nature of working with artists could be taken out of the production process but with the right permissions, musicians could collaborate with their idols that have since passed.
Not only the big artists can do this, however, but aspiring musicians could also put their favourite singers on their tracks.
AI in music, like in many other industries, could level the playing field.
New talent could make more of an impact and the music industry could be forever diversified, without obstacles in the way.
So, HOLY SH*T?
If AI can replicate musicians’ voices reasonably well already, what’s stopping the world of acting from giving it ago, voice acting at the least?
Not to say they’re not working on it or trying it out.
AI is developing insanely fast, yes you could try to ignore it based on the belief it will take your job, but it’s not at that point, for now.
Just keep it on your radar and read up on what you can, it’s doing amazing work that most people don’t even realise yet.
