Artificial Intelligence (AI) tools can now help composers generate melodies, harmonies, and even entire songs! These tools are useful for music creators who want inspiration, assistance in creating musical ideas, or to streamline production. However, a question that arises is, “who becomes the rightful owner of such songs?” Copyright as a topic has been covered extensively in this blog (4 parts), and also as a video tutorial series (10 episodes) by top experts in the industry. AI and its impact on copyrights is yet to be addressed globally in this context.
Before we move on, get to know how a Hindi song was made using an AI app.
- Step 1. The app used was “Saaz” (not yet associated with SA brands).
- Step 2.* I made up a “song brief” about a lover who is missing his ex. And wants to meet up with her over a “dosa” that she loves to eat.
- Step 3.* Then wrote the original lyrics (call them silly if you want).
- Step 4. Just pasted the lyrics into the app’s input window.
- Step 5. Chose ‘Pop’ from the genres available.
Done.
* = the only human input in this example
The whole song was ready in about 20 seconds – the composition, singing (with accent), harmonies, music arrangement and the mixing – all by AI.
Listen to this AI generated song first
This (paid) app also gives a “Prompt” feature which generates lyrics (currently in English). And it also allows the owner to commercially release the final mp3. All this for at a cost of Rs. 20 per day.
Note: RipX DAW can extract instruments and vocals from mp3 files, which can then be dubbed at the comfort of your home.
In AI generated songs:
Q1: Who becomes the rightful owner? And how are the royalties to be divided according to the Copyright law?
Q2: Will royalty societies make AI a member as an “author” (lyricist / composer) in the near future?
Q3: What if the app user puts all song-credits under his own name, and releases it on music streaming apps worldwide via a distribution platform like Rebeat? Who will know if it wasn’t an original creation?
In next 1-2 years, these AI tools will become even more powerful in terms of their features offered – language support (for lyrics/translations), allow one to choose from a variety of voices that will sound Indian, and ‘artificially’ original.
Yes, AI can be a powerful tool for music creators, allowing for greater efficiency, creativity, and audience engagement. However, it also presents challenges, such as over-reliance on automation, intellectual property concerns, and the potential for job displacement.
A similar concern arose when first synthesizers, then hard-disk based recorders, then computers and then powerful VSTs & plugins came in as music-creation tools. But today, every modern musician uses this technology to produce music. And these tools are used as an ally, and not seen as a threat.
Should we make use of these AI tools as a creative partner, or should we shrug them off as a gimmick?
Think about it.
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