So, AI-generated music is a thing now. Not just some weird experimental noise, but actual *songs* racking up millions of streams. The Velvet Sundown, Aventhis... these aren't bands, they're algorithms masquerading as musicians. And people are *listening*. Millions of 'em.
Synthetic Dreams or Music Industry Nightmare?
The Rise of the Machines (and Their Music)
One million monthly listeners for The Velvet Sundown? Seriously? Their Spotify bio admits they're a "synthetic music project." It's right there in black and white—or, more accurately, glowing pixels. At least they're being upfront about it, I guess. But does anyone actually *care* that they're listening to something dreamed up by a computer?
Deezer says 18% of uploads are AI-generated. EIGHTEEN PERCENT. That's insane. It's like a virus infecting the music industry. And while these AI bands are raking in cash--The Velvet Sundown made over $34,000 in a month--real artists are struggling to pay rent. I mean, give me a break.
AI-generated music is going viral. Should the music industry be worried? - CNBC
Tilly Louise, a U.K. pop artist, called it discouraging. No kidding. It's already a brutal landscape for indie musicians. Now they have to compete with... robots?
And then you've got Timbaland launching an AI pop star. Of course. Why not? Because that's what the world *really* needs. Another manufactured celebrity devoid of any actual talent or soul. But hey, at least it's efficient, right?
AI Art: The Greediest Capitalist's Wet Dream
The Human Cost of Algorithmic Art
Anthony Fantano, the music critic, nails it: AI art is just a way for "greedy capitalists" to cut out actual artists. He ain't wrong. It's the ultimate race to the bottom. Why pay a human when you can get a machine to churn out endless streams of generic garbage?
The American Federation Of Musicians is urging everyone to support human creativity. Good luck with that. In a world obsessed with instant gratification and cheap thrills, who's going to bother with actual effort and emotion?
And offcourse, the big labels are suing Suno and Udio for copyright infringement. Which is ironic, considering how much "inspiration" those labels have historically "borrowed" from smaller artists. It's the pot calling the kettle a slightly different shade of black.
Look, I get it. AI tools have been used in music production for years. Logic, Pro Tools... they're all packed with algorithms. But there's a difference between using AI as a tool and letting it *be* the artist.
Jason Palamara, a music tech professor, says AI can now create songs with verses, choruses, and bridges. So what? A paint-by-numbers kit can create a picture with colors and shapes. Doesn't make it art.
Keith Mullin from the Liverpool Institute for Performing Arts says the music business has adapted to big tech shifts before. Napster, streaming... yeah, but this feels different. Those were about distribution. This is about *creation*. Or, more accurately, *replication*.
And music professors are teaching students how to use AI. Well, that's just great. Let's train the next generation to be obsolete. Then again, maybe I'm the crazy one here. Maybe this is the future of music. Maybe I'm just a grumpy old man yelling at a digital cloud.
So, What's the Point of Even Trying Anymore?
It's not even about the money, is it? It's about the principle. It's about the slow, agonizing death of human expression. It's about a world where everything is manufactured, processed, and sanitized. And honestly... I'm not sure I want to live in that world.
