Are you discovering new music that raises the question—could it be generated by an artificial intelligence? The rise of AI-generated music is increasingly noticeable on popular streaming platforms, often without any indication of its origins. Fortunately, there are effective methods to help differentiate authentic artists from those created by algorithms.
AI Music: The Illusion of Humanity
We live in a digital age where skepticism about the authenticity of online content has become necessary. You may find yourself asking: Is that viral video genuine? Or, is my beloved new band a facsimile produced by advanced AI technologies?
The infiltration of AI-generated music began several years ago, prompting user complaints across various streaming services. Although many of these tracks have since been taken down, the proliferation of AI music continues unabated.
Some of these virtual bands go as far as to produce AI-driven album art, social media images, and promotional music videos, all designed to deceive unsuspecting listeners. This tactic proves effective.
Initially, music profiles on platforms like Spotify did not disclose their AI origins. However, as user scrutiny increased—primarily due to identifiable AI-generated images on social media—the profiles have since been updated to acknowledge their synthetic nature, combining both AI and human creativity.
Among the most popular AI-generated “artists” are The Velvet Sundown, Aventhis, The Devil Inside, and Jet Fuel and Ginger Ales. While they may initially sound human, these tracks are often entirely the product of AI systems. As you listen, expect your playlists—like Release Radar and Daily Mixes on Spotify—to fill up with similar AI-produced music.
While some AI compositions showcase impressive quality, as a paying subscriber to a music service, many listeners prefer to support genuine artists rather than algorithms that can churn out music in mere minutes.
Identifying Key Characteristics of AI Music
Chorus Anomalies
A defining element of any captivating song is its chorus, which ideally maintains a consistent theme. However, AI-generated songs frequently display inconsistencies affecting their chorus. Attentive listeners may find that the initial rendition sounds polished, but subsequent choruses can become muddled or disjointed.
Watch for these inconsistencies as they often serve as a telltale sign that you’re listening to AI music. Even the most advanced AI systems can falter in maintaining coherence across repeated segments.
Suspiciously Similar Song Titles
A striking indication that an AI-generated song might be behind the numbers can be found in the titles themselves. For instance, I first noticed The Velvet Sundown in my release radar due to their title choices strikingly resembling other well-established tracks within the 70s rock genre.
Taking their popular release “Dust on the Wind”as an example, fans of the human band Kansas might instinctively compare it to their classic track “Dust in the Wind, ”which raises eyebrows regarding originality.
AI’s training on existing music often results in titles and sometimes lyrics that borrow phrases from preexisting works. Additionally, parallels may arise in band names and album covers; consider the similarity between The Velvet Underground (a human band) and The Velvet Sundown (an AI creation).
Quality Perceptions
If you’ve indulged in lo-fi recordings to unwind or concentrate, you’re aware of its distinctive sound quality. However, this aesthetic falls short of what listeners expect from newly trending artists on mainstream streaming platforms, where the audio quality is generally higher than most AI-generated tracks.
Pay attention to any signs of distortion—unnatural graininess in vocals, out-of-place autotune effects, or unexpected glitches that disrupt the listening experience. For example, while “Mercy on My Grave” by Aventhis has garnered over two million streams, its subpar audio quality raises concerns about its authenticity.
While the technology behind AI music is improving, there’s often a pronounced difference in production values compared to human musicians. Consider trying out platforms like Suno, Riffusion, and Udio to listen to AI-generated compositions.
Absence of Emotion
One critical aspect that distinguishes human musicians is the emotional depth they bring to their performances. For instance, Eric Clapton’s delivery in “Tears in Heaven”is packed with palpable emotion, an experience that AI cannot replicate.
AI-created music might come across as overly polished or, conversely, lifeless—lacking the nuanced emotional undertones that characterize human expression. Take a moment to experience “93 acres” on Udio to witness this lack of emotional richness.
Investigate Profiles and Social Media Presence
While the efficiency of AI-generated music might be appealing, it should be clearly indicated as such, allowing listeners to make informed choices. Look for profiles explicitly stating their AI-based origins; however, many opt to present themselves as real bands, which can complicate matters, especially when their social media portrayal reveals inconsistencies or errors.
It’s also common to find a lack of information about the producers or writers behind the music, raising further suspicions about its authenticity.
Utilize AI Detection Tools
Although not perfect, AI music detection tools can provide a useful first step in identifying synthetic songs. These platforms often allow you to upload audio files or input URLs from different streaming services, like Spotify. Consider exploring:
Further, having tools that detect various forms of AI-generated content can be advantageous. If you aim to minimize the presence of AI on streaming platforms, consider advocating for clearer labeling of AI-generated tracks, and explore options for filtering them from your playlists.
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