AI in Music Production: Industry Applications

Published on 27 July 2023 9 min read

AI in Music Composition
AI in Sound Design
AI in Audio Mixing
AI in Music Distribution
AI in Live Performances
AI in Music Promotion
AI in Royalty Distribution
AI in Music Education
AI in Copyright Protection
Future Prospects of AI in Music Production

Imagine a world where you're jamming along to a hit song, and suddenly you discover that it wasn't a human who composed the melody, but a computer program—yes, we’re talking about AI in the music industry. Thanks to advancements in technology, this is no longer a far-off fantasy. Artificial intelligence has started to shape many aspects of the music industry, from composition to distribution. But let's start at the beginning: how is AI changing the way music is composed? Let's find out.

AI in Music Composition

Composing a catchy tune can be a challenging task, even for the most experienced musicians. But with the help of AI, creating music can be as simple as pressing a button. AI programs such as AIVA (Artificial Intelligence Virtual Artist) and Amper Music are transforming the way music is composed.

AIVA uses deep learning algorithms to analyze thousands of pieces of music, helping it understand and recreate various musical styles. It's like having a virtual Beethoven in your computer, ready to create a symphony at your command.

On the other hand, Amper Music is an AI music platform that enables users to create and customize original music with no expertise required. You just input your desired mood and style, and Amper creates a track that perfectly matches your needs.

These AI-driven tools not only speed up the music creation process, but they also allow non-musicians to compose their own music. This evolution illustrates the transformative potential of AI in the music industry, making music composition accessible to everyone, regardless of their musical skills.

But it's important to remember: AI is not here to replace human musicians. Instead, it offers a unique tool that musicians can use to enhance their creativity and broaden their musical horizons. So, whether you're a seasoned composer or a music enthusiast, AI can add a new layer of excitement to your composition process.

AI in Sound Design

We've talked about composition, now let's shift our focus to sound design. If you think about it, sound design is like the secret ingredient of a song—it sets the tone, creates the atmosphere, and makes the music come alive. And guess what? AI is starting to play a significant role in this area too.

Companies like LANDR and Accusonus are leveraging AI to revolutionize sound design. LANDR, for instance, offers an AI-powered platform that masters your tracks, fine-tuning the sound to professional quality. It's like having a personal sound engineer at your fingertips. With LANDR, you can achieve a polished, studio-grade sound without the studio-grade price tag.

Accusonus, on the other hand, utilizes AI to create tools for automatic audio repair. Ever had a recording ruined by background noise or a sudden, unexpected sound? Accusonus' AI tools can fix that for you, saving you time and the headache of manual audio repair.

AI's role in sound design doesn't stop at mastering and repair. It's also being used to synthesize entirely new sounds. Platforms like Google Magenta's NSynth use AI to blend different sounds together, creating completely unique audio experiences.

It's clear that AI in the music industry is not just about creating music—it's also about enhancing the way we hear and experience it. Whether you're a professional sound designer or an aspiring musician, AI tools can help you create a sonic masterpiece that truly resonates with your audience.

AI in Audio Mixing

Let's turn up the volume a bit and talk about audio mixing. If you've ever tried to mix a song, you know it can be a tricky process. You've got to balance all the different elements, make sure nothing overshadows anything else, and create a unified, harmonious sound. That's where AI comes into play.

AI-based platforms like iZotope's Neutron are changing the game when it comes to audio mixing. Neutron uses AI to analyze your tracks and suggest improvements, giving you insights that might've taken hours to figure out on your own. It can identify issues with your mix, recommend adjustments, and even automate some of the more tedious tasks. It's like a personal mixing assistant that never takes a coffee break.

And then there's LANDR, which we mentioned earlier. In addition to mastering, LANDR also offers AI-assisted mixing. It automatically balances the levels of your tracks, adjusts EQ settings, and applies compression where necessary. The result? A smooth, well-balanced mix that sounds like it was done by a pro.

AI in the music industry is making audio mixing more accessible and less intimidating. Even if you're new to music production, AI tools like Neutron and LANDR can help you create mixes that sound like they were done by a seasoned professional. So the next time you're struggling with a mix, remember: you've got AI on your side.

AI in Music Distribution

Imagine having your own personal promoter, tirelessly getting your music to the right ears at the right time. That's what AI in music distribution is all about.

Take Amuse, for example. This innovative platform uses AI to analyze data from thousands of music streams. It looks at things like what people are listening to, where, and when. Then, it uses that information to make smart predictions about where your music could do well. It's like having a crystal ball for your music career.

Another great example is Spotify's Discover Weekly feature. It uses AI to analyze your listening habits and recommend new music that you'll probably love. It's a great way to discover new artists and songs, and for musicians, it's a powerful tool for getting your music heard by new audiences.

AI-driven platforms like Amuse and Spotify are revolutionizing the way music is distributed. They're taking the guesswork out of promotion and helping musicians reach the people most likely to enjoy their music.

So, if you're an aspiring musician, don't be afraid to embrace AI in the music industry. It might just be the secret weapon you need to get your music heard by the right people.

AI in Live Performances

Picture this: You're at a concert, the energy is electric, the music is pulsing, and the stage is alive with lights and visuals that sync perfectly with the rhythm. This isn't just a result of meticulous planning or sheer luck—it's AI in the music industry at work.

WaveAI's Alyx for instance, is an AI that can improvise a live music performance. It doesn't stop there. Alyx can even respond to the mood of the crowd and adjust the tempo or style of the music accordingly. This is the equivalent of a DJ reading the room and adjusting their set, but it's all done with AI.

Then there's Imogen Heap's Mi.Mu Gloves. These high-tech gloves use AI to turn hand gestures into music in real time. Raise your arm, and the pitch goes up. Make a fist, and the volume goes down. It's like conducting an orchestra, but the orchestra is a computer.

These innovations are adding a new dimension to live performances. They're making concerts more interactive, immersive, and unpredictable. They're proving that AI has a place not just behind the scenes in the music industry, but on center stage too.

So next time you're at a concert, take a moment to appreciate the tech that's working in the background. It's AI that's making those unforgettable live music experiences possible.

AI in Music Promotion

Imagine you're a musician about to release your new single. You've poured your heart and soul into it, but how do you ensure it reaches the right ears? How do you get it to resonate with the right audience? Enter AI in the music industry.

Take the example of Amper Music. This AI tool can create unique promotional content like teasers, trailers, and snippets, all customized to the vibe of your music. It's like having your own personal marketing team, but it's all automated.

Then there's HyperFollow by DistroKid, an AI-driven tool that generates a custom link for your new release. When fans click the link, it automatically saves the release to their Spotify library. It even follows your artist profile. Just like that, your music finds its way to your fans, and you gain followers too.

AI doesn't just help you promote your music—it helps you understand your audience better. Platforms like Next Big Sound use AI to analyze listener data and provide insights. These insights can tell you who your fans are, where they're from, and even what other music they like.

The days of blindly throwing your music into the void and hoping for the best are over. With AI in music promotion, you can reach your listeners more effectively, understand them better, and ultimately, make music that resonates with them on a deeper level.

AI in Royalty Distribution

So you've composed a hit song, found your audience, and now it's time for the best part—getting paid. But, in the music industry, calculating royalties can be a tangled web. With so many streams, downloads, and plays across different platforms, it's tough to track everything. But guess what? AI in the music industry is here to save the day.

Gracenote, a Nielsen company, uses AI to identify and tag songs played across various media platforms. It can catch your song being played in a cafe halfway across the world or even in a YouTube video. It then collects this data and ensures you get your well-deserved royalties.

Another great tool is Revelator, a cloud-based platform that uses AI to track digital assets. It provides real-time analytics and breaks down your earnings by song, platform, and geography. This way, you can see exactly where your music is making the most impact.

Even the law is catching up. In 2018, the Music Modernization Act was passed in the U.S. This law aims to create a public database, powered by AI, to manage music rights and royalties. This way, no play goes unnoticed, and no artist goes unpaid.

With AI in the music industry, artists can focus less on the paperwork and more on what they love—making music.

AI in Music Education

So, you're thinking about learning to play an instrument or perhaps brushing up on your music theory skills. Traditionally, you might consider hiring a private tutor or joining a music school. But let's face it, these options can be expensive and time-consuming. Enter AI in the music industry, transforming the way we learn music.

Yousician, for instance, is an AI-based app that listens to you play an instrument and provides instant feedback. It's like having a personal music teacher available 24/7. You can learn at your own pace, and the AI adjusts its lessons based on your progress.

Next up is Amadeus Code, an app that uses AI to teach songwriting. It analyzes thousands of hit songs across genres and helps you understand what makes a song popular. It can even generate unique song ideas for you to work on.

For those wanting to learn music theory, HumOn is a great tool. You simply hum a melody into the app, and HumOn uses AI to transcribe it into sheet music. It's a fun and interactive way to understand music composition.

With AI in the music industry, anyone can become a musician. All you need is a smartphone and the passion to learn.

AI in Copyright Protection

Imagine you've worked hard on a piece of music, only to find it being used without your consent. Frustrating, isn't it? Protecting your music rights has always been a challenge in the music industry. AI, however, is stepping in to make things easier.

Meet Audible Magic, a company that uses AI to identify copyrighted music. When you upload a track, Audible Magic's technology scans it against a database of millions of songs. It can then identify any matches and alert the copyright holder.

Another example is Pex, which uses AI to track music usage across social media platforms. It helps to ensure that artists get credit—and payment—when their music is used in user-generated content.

AI isn't just about creating new music or learning to play an instrument. It's also about protecting the hard work of musicians and ensuring fair play in the industry. AI in the music industry is truly a game changer, isn't it?

Future Prospects of AI in Music Production

So, where is all this heading? What's the future of AI in the music industry? Let's take a look.

For starters, AI is set to become even more integrated with music creation and production. We've already seen AI compose music and assist in sound design. In the future, we might see AI software that can compose an entire album or even write a hit song. Who knows, the next chart-topping hit might be composed by an AI!

AI could also make music production more accessible. With AI tools, you don't need a fancy studio or expensive equipment. You could create a masterpiece right from your bedroom. This levels the playing field, allowing anyone with a passion for music to create and share their art.

Furthermore, the use of AI in the music industry could open up new avenues for personalized music. Think of a world where you could have a playlist that not only selects songs based on your mood, but also creates new songs just for you. That's the power of AI.

However, it's not all sunshine and roses. AI in the music industry also brings up issues of copyright and authorship. Who owns the rights to a song composed by an AI? These are complex questions that we'll need to answer as we move forward.

Despite these challenges, the future of AI in the music industry is exciting. The possibilities are endless, and we can't wait to see what's next. Can you?

If you're fascinated by the applications of AI in music production and want to learn more about the potential of AI in the creative world, check out the workshop 'The Insane Potential of AI-Generated Art and Design' by Aunia Kahn. This workshop will provide you with a deeper understanding of the creative possibilities offered by AI and inspire you to push the boundaries of your own work.