A study by Stephen Arnold Music (SAM) and SoundOut has shed light on the rapidly evolving role of artificial intelligence (AI) in the music industry, particularly in the pop genre. Conducted with thousands of respondents across the United States, the research compares the musical outputs of AI against the compositions of acclaimed pop star Taylor Swift. The findings illustrate both the capabilities and limitations of AI-generated music, provoking a discussion on the future of creativity in this sector.
Generative AI has sparked a significant transformation in various industries, and the music business is no exception. With changes in how record labels manage their music portfolios and how streaming services recommend tracks to listeners, the role of AI continues to expand. At the same time, there remains a contentious debate about AI's involvement in creating music from scratch.
The prior experiment conducted by SAM and SoundOut aimed at assessing AI's proficiency in producing music that aligns with specified emotional criteria. While AI demonstrated an ability to create sound that is broadly engaging, it fell short in delivering the emotional depth that human composers can infuse into their work. This gap raises critical questions about AI’s future role in music creation, especially regarding its capacity to capture and convey the emotional complexities that resonate with audiences.
In their follow-up study, SAM and SoundOut specifically evaluated whether AI could generate songs that rival Swift's heartfelt and catchy numbers, contributing to discussions about AI's potential in pop music. The results are now available on SAM’s website, indicating a noteworthy advancement in AI's capabilities. However, the prevailing consensus remains that while AI can produce appealing music, it lacks the inherent charisma and emotional nuances that human artists bring to their performances.
David Courtier-Dutton, CEO of SoundOut, highlighted a significant finding: “Consumers seem willing to embrace AI music if the song is sufficiently appealing, even if it lacks an artist connection.” This suggests that while the personal connection to artists may not be paramount for some consumers, the quality and emotional resonance of the song itself hold considerable weight.
Chad Cook, president and creative director of SAM, elaborated on the distinction between human and AI contributions to music, noting, “With sonic branding, our composers combine analysis, artistry and subjectivity to get the right musical ‘feel.’" Cook further clarified that AI serves as an inspirational tool in the composition process. However, he emphasized the necessity of human creativity and emotional insight, particularly in producing music that effectively impacts brand messaging.
The overarching conclusion of the study presents a cooperative future for music creation, suggesting that AI will not replace human composers but rather work alongside them. The research finds that both humans and AI can share creative responsibilities, with AI as a supportive tool in the artistic process.
“AI is here to stay,” the study concludes, urging musicians, music agencies, and leading brands to explore collaborative opportunities with AI technology rather than viewing it as competition. As the music industry continues to evolve, the integration of AI could reshape the creative landscape, fostering new forms of artistic expression while still relying on human emotional depth to connect with audiences.
Source: Noah Wire Services