In a recent article in The Cornell Sun, student Eve Riskind raises concerns about the implications of AI-generated music. She highlights several legitimate challenges, including the potential for AI to replace traditional music roles, such as composing for commercials, corporate training videos, and background music. She also warns of the economic impact on creative musicians who could lose royalties as auto-generated tracks gain popularity.
These are important points and worth discussing. However, I believe the issue isn’t as alarming as Ms. Riskind suggests. Instead of a looming threat, I see AI as a powerful creative tool with the potential to expand what’s possible in human artistry.
The Changing Landscape of Music Creation
Yes, AI is reshaping the music industry. AI systems like Suno and Tad.ai can churn out competent background tracks or mood music with astonishing speed. For certain commercial uses—advertisements, YouTube vlogs, and corporate environments—this has already become a go-to solution. These applications don’t typically require deep emotional resonance or human storytelling, which makes them perfect for AI’s capabilities.
But does this spell the end for human creativity in music? Hardly.
Creative Empowerment, Not Suppression
AI-generated music should be seen as an addition to the artist’s toolkit, not as a competitor. Just as synthesizers and DAWs revolutionized music production without replacing musicians, AI has the potential to elevate human creativity.
AI tools can:
- Spark inspiration by generating new sounds and arrangements.
- Reduce barriers to entry for aspiring creators who lack formal training.
- Assist artists by automating repetitive tasks, leaving more time for creative exploration.
These capabilities don’t stifle creativity—they amplify it. Imagine an indie musician who needs a specific ambiance for a song or a filmmaker who needs affordable but high-quality scoring. AI makes these things possible for creators on a budget, fostering more artistry rather than less.
Room for Both Humans and Machines
The scenarios Ms. Riskind describes—AI taking over ad jingles and corporate tunes—are valid. But these were never the pinnacle of musical creativity; they were commercial necessities. Meanwhile, the music that connects us on a deep level—whether it’s a stirring symphony, a heartfelt ballad, or an electrifying rock anthem—will always come from human experience.
AI can help shape these forms, but it can’t replicate the lived experiences, emotions, and cultural nuances that define human artistry.
Embracing the Future
Rather than fear the rise of AI-generated music, we should embrace its possibilities. As creators, we can integrate AI into our workflows to explore new horizons, tell richer stories, and create art that reflects the unique blend of human emotion and machine innovation.
Let it come. Let it develop. Let it serve creativity.
AI’s potential is vast, but its role is clear: it’s here to assist, not to replace. As long as we hold onto the values and perspectives that make us human, AI will be an ally in our creative journeys—not an adversary.
What’s your take on AI’s role in music creation? Let me know in the comments or on social media. Let’s keep the conversation going!
This post was inspired by Eve Riskind’s thought-provoking article in The Cornell Sun. Read it here.
