A.I. is already making an impact on the music industry. The largest music company in the world is getting in on the movement. Universal Music Company employs superstars like Taylor Swift, John Legend, and Billie Eilish. Now, the company is teaming up with AI wellness company, Endel, to provide a one-of-a-kind experience for artists and fans alike.
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According to a press release, the companies have developed a project that will allow artists to use the power of A.I. to create functional music soundscapes. The soundscapes are designed to assist listeners in daily activities like sleep, relaxation, and focus. Additionally, the companies say the partnership is designed to respect the rights of the creators.
The project has predictably created a lot of buzz in the music industry. However, this is not the first time that Endel has delved into the music world. The company previously worked with artist James Blake on his soundscape, “Wind Down.” That project was released as an album in 2022. Other artists that have waded into the world of A.I. music include Miguel and Grimes.
Subsequently, functional music has become a big business. The genre is one of the most popular music sub-genres, racking up more than 15 billion streams every month. However, limited technology has created sub-par recordings. Additionally, the technology has created issues with artists having voices copied onto songs they didn’t make. Hip-hop legend Ice Cube recently stated he would sue anyone who used A.I. to copy his voice.
Earlier this month, fans of Frank Ocean were tricked into buying fake A.I. generated tickets. These problems have created an ethical dilemma around the technology. UMG says it sees this project as a way to use the technology in a responsible way. “We believe in the incredible potential of ethical AI as a tool to support and enhance the creativity of our artists, labels, and songwriters, ” said Universal Music Group’s Chief Digital Officer, Michael Nash.
The role of A.I. in music has been a divisive topic. Artists such as Olivia Jean and Aryon James have panned A.I. music. However, other industry vets like Jason Mraz and Chris Bellew have spoken more optimistically. A.I. is an unknown frontier for both society and the music industry. It will be fascinating to see how artists and labels adapt to the new technology.
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