Why is everyone angry about AI music? (Miss Krystle podcast)

The rise of AI in music production has sparked a heated debate within the industry, pitting traditional musicians against AI-generated content creators. This controversy was recently highlighted in a segment of the Top Music Attorney Podcast.

Entertainment attorney & music artist Miss Krystle sat down with artist/creator Benn Jordan and music industry leader/strategist Michael Pelczynski, both also working for AI voice cloning platform Voice-swap, to discuss the future of music in the age of AI.

The root of the anger: AI’s impact on the music market

Michael Pelczynski delved into the core issue, stating, “I think it comes back to the bottom line – how everyone is making money in music today, which is streaming.” He highlighted that streaming accounts for about 83% of global music industry revenue, but the current model is fundamentally broken.

The streaming model has created a situation where “everyone is competing with everyone,” Pelczynski explained. This means that niche artists are vying for the same piece of the pie as global superstars like Taylor Swift and Drake. The introduction of AI-generated music exacerbates this problem, potentially saturating the market with content that requires minimal human input.

The economic impact of AI in music is a significant concern. Pelczynski suggested that the future might lie in a different approach: “What share of influence do I have in these generative AI platforms that is making music based off of my music? That’s informing how to create this content.” This perspective aligns with the growing trend of AI tools in music production, as explored in the article “The 8 Best (Free) AI Music Generators in 2024!”, which highlights the potential of these technologies to reshape the industry.

Misguided anger and the need for perspective

Benn Jordan offered a unique perspective on the anger surrounding AI music. He pointed out that some of the anger is misguided, particularly when artists attack other artists. Jordan stated, “I refuse to make a video tearing down another artist… it’s one of the golden rules of my channel.”

Jordan emphasized that technical skill doesn’t necessarily equate to artistic value or cultural impact. He used the example of Aphex Twin, saying, “I can play many more instruments than Aphex Twin can play… I probably play more instruments than Rick Beato plays. That doesn’t mean I’m a better musician, that doesn’t mean I’m a better artist, that certainly doesn’t mean I’m more iconic than Aphex Twin.”

This insight highlights the need to look beyond technical proficiency when assessing the value and impact of music, whether created by humans or AI.

For those interested in exploring AI tools: Here’s a database of various AI tools that can assist in music generation, voice cloning, mixing, mastering, and more.

Debunking the myth: “People don’t care about music anymore”

Jordan directly addressed Rick Beato’s controversial video, which used Google search trends to suggest a decline in interest in music. Jordan firmly stated, “It was a terrible source of data on his part. It was poor research. I think he’s very wrong.”

He explained that the decline in Google searches for “music” doesn’t necessarily indicate a lack of interest. Instead, it likely reflects changes in how people access music. “I bet if you went to like a nursing home, people would be typing in ‘music’ [in] Google when they wanted to listen to music, but most of us just built in the Spotify app now and listen to music,” Jordan pointed out.

This insightful observation challenges the notion that AI is somehow diminishing people’s interest in music, suggesting instead that consumption patterns have simply evolved.

Benn Jordan’s response to Rick Beato

Despite his disagreements with Beato’s conclusions, Jordan took a conciliatory approach. He expressed a desire for collaboration rather than confrontation, saying, “I live not far from him. He’s more than welcome to come down and listen to all sorts of crazy experimental music and sample some stuff with me. That’d be a lot of fun.”

This gesture underscores Jordan’s belief in the power of dialogue and shared experiences to bridge the gap between traditional and AI-assisted music creation. It also highlights the potential for established musicians to explore and integrate AI technologies into their work, rather than viewing them as a threat.

This collaborative approach is crucial as the industry grapples with questions about the future of music production and the role of music producers.

The path forward: Balancing innovation and tradition

The podcast explored the complex issues surrounding AI in music, including artistic integrity, economic impact, and technological advancements. Panelists advocated for fairer streaming models and emphasized the need for open dialogue among industry stakeholders. As AI integration continues, balancing its potential with the human essence of music creation is crucial. The discussion concluded optimistically, suggesting that collaboration between traditional musicians and AI developers could be the path forward in this evolving landscape.

For those feeling apprehensive about these changes, Scared of AI Music? You’re Not Alone. Let’s Talk About It. addresses common fears and misconceptions about AI in music, offering a balanced perspective on its potential benefits and challenges. As the industry continues to evolve, staying informed about these tools and their potential impact will be crucial for musicians, producers, and industry professionals alike.