This guest post is written by Martin Nedved, co-founder of AIMS, a platform of AI-based products designed to search and tag catalogues of music, and which is a supporter of next week’s NEXT summit in London. In this article, he explores the “urgent need for advanced tools to help the music industry survive and thrive”, and looks at how AI tools can benefit artists, listeners and industry professionals alike.

The music industry is no stranger to change. From vinyl to cassette tapes, CDs, and now streaming, the way we consume music has evolved dramatically over the past few decades. However, the industry is now facing a new challenge – an inundation of music content. With the advent of AI-generated music, the industry is about to experience a flood of new tracks, and the current tools in use may not be enough to navigate this new world.

The Inundation of Music Content

According to industry experts, hundreds of millions of tracks are going to be added each year, and a significant proportion of these will be AI-generated. While the idea of AI-generated music may seem exciting, it can potentially flood everyone. The music industry must be prepared for this influx of content.

Tools That are Not Fit for Purpose

The tools currently used by music platforms, users, and professionals may not be suitable for this new world. Search algorithms are still reliant on metadata and user-generated tags, which may not be sufficient for finding AI-generated tracks. Additionally, AI-generated music may not have a specific genre, mood, or other identifiable features, which means that traditional categorisation may not work. Therefore, new tools need to be developed to ensure that the right tracks are being found and used for the right situations.

The Value of AI Tools for Search and Discovery

While the hype around AI-generated music is understandable, the industry should not overlook the value of AI tools for search and discovery. These tools can help find the right track for the right usage and situation, ensuring that users get the best possible experience. By using AI tools for search and discovery, the industry can make it easier for users to find the content they need, and creators can get their music in front of the right audience.

AI Tools Complement Human Abilities

It’s important to note that AI tools are not here to replace humans, but to complement their abilities. By taking over repetitive and time-consuming tasks, AI tools can allow industry professionals to focus on the more creative aspects of their work. This, in turn, can lead to deeper connections with artists and more engaging musical experiences for audiences. AI tools can provide valuable insights into user behaviour, allowing artists to tailor their music to suit their audience’s preferences.

Benefits for Artists, Listeners, and Industry Professionals

AI tools have the potential to benefit all stakeholders in the music industry. These tools can help artists identify trends and preferences, enabling them to create music that resonates with their audience. These tools can help listeners discover new music and create personalised playlists that match their unique tastes. For industry professionals, AI tools can help with data analysis, trend forecasting, and more, allowing them to make more informed decisions about their business.

The Urgent Need for Advanced Tools

Clearly, the music industry needs advanced tools to navigate the tidal wave of music content coming it’s way. These tools must be designed to help users find the right tracks for the right situation, and they must be able to handle the flood of AI-generated content that is on the horizon. If the industry fails to adopt these tools, it risks losing users and creators, which could significantly impact revenue and innovation.

Conclusion

The music industry is standing at the edge of a noteworthy transformation. The introduction of AI-generated music possesses the potential to bring about a revolution in the industry, however, it also presents a significant challenge. To navigate this new realm, advanced tools are required, which the industry’s current tools may not be sufficient to handle. In response, new companies specialising in specific use cases are developing these advanced tools, allowing for discovery experiences independent of big streaming platform algorithms. By embracing these tools, the industry can simplify the process of discovering new music and ensure that artists can showcase their music to the appropriate audience. The time to act is now – sink or swim, the choice is ours.

Music Ally’s next Learn Live webinar will help you build the strategies for artists to thrive in new international markets!

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