How can you tell if music is AI-generated? It’s a tricky question, but there are some telltale signs if you know where to look. Here’s a quick guide to help you spot the differences.
No Live Performances or Social Media Presence
One of the first indicators of an AI-generated artist is a lack of live performances or a strong social media presence. The Velvet Sundown, an AI-generated band, quickly gained popularity without any live shows or social media accounts. This absence of real-world interaction can be a red flag.
Formulaic and Emotionally Flat Music
AI-generated songs often have a formulaic feel, lacking the emotional depth and substance of human-created music. They tend to follow generic verse-chorus structures and may not have satisfying endings. Additionally, AI music might sound breathless and lack the natural phrasing and emotional delivery that humans bring to their art.
Unrealistic Productivity and Mashup Sounds
AI artists can produce multiple albums simultaneously, which might seem impressive but can be a sign of AI involvement. These songs often sound like a mashup of classic rock hits, put through a blender. While this might be suitable background music, it lacks the creativity and originality that human artists bring to their work.
Perfectly Polished Vocals
AI ‘singers’ sometimes sound too perfect, with no strain in their vocals and overly polished production. This lack of imperfections and natural variations can be a clue to their AI origins.
Odd Phrasing and Unnatural Delivery
Pay close attention to phrasing and emotional delivery. AI music might have odd phrasing and unnatural emotional expression. It hasn’t felt heartbreak yet, so it tends to follow patterns rather than creating genuine human emotion.
Consonants and Consistency
Listen for slurred consonants and plosives (hard sounds like ‘p’ and ‘t’). AI vocals might also feature ghost harmonies, where backing vocals appear and disappear randomly. These signs are hints rather than proof, and it’s not always easy for casual listeners to detect AI-generated songs.
Transparency and Ethical Questions
The use of AI in music raises ethical questions. Artists like Imogen Heap have created AI personas and released singles, with transparency about their involvement. However, there’s currently no legal obligation for streaming platforms to label AI-generated songs, despite calls for more transparency. This lack of disclosure can be frustrating for listeners who want to make informed choices.
Does It Matter? Engagement vs. Informed Choices
The presence of AI in music is a controversial topic. Some argue that enjoyment drives engagement, and the music people love serves its purpose regardless of its creation method. Others believe listeners should have the right to make informed choices about what they listen to. Artists like Dua Lipa and Sir Elton John have protested the use of their songs in AI training, highlighting the ethical concerns surrounding AI in the music industry.
In conclusion, while it’s challenging to definitively determine if music is AI-generated, being aware of these signs can help listeners make more informed decisions. As AI continues to evolve, the music industry must address the ethical questions and transparency concerns it raises.