AI and Music Production: Artists’ Conflicts, Choices, and True Feelings

As AI technology rises in the world of music production, artists who have been creating music with their own hands for many years are facing complex emotions. In this situation, we are compelled to confront our own motivations.

Facing the Need for Approval

It’s time to honestly question ourselves about the underlying motivations for music production:

• Is it for pure self-expression?
• Or is it to gain approval from others?

For many artists, the answer is not simple. Often, the reality is that both are intricately intertwined.

The Nature of the Need for Approval

The need for approval is one of the basic human desires. The desire to be recognized and appreciated by others through music is a driving force for many artists. However, with the rise of AI, the way this desire is fulfilled is changing.

• The Possibility of AI-Created Songs Gaining Popularity
• Tendency to Value Mastery of AI Over Technical Proficiency

The Possibility of AI-Created Songs Gaining Popularity

a) Evolution of AI’s Music Creation Capabilities

• Advanced machine learning algorithms enable AI to generate music close to human sensibilities
• Learning hit song formulas through analysis of vast amounts of data, creating songs likely to be popular

b) Providing New Musical Experiences

• AI’s unpredictable combinations of sounds and structures create fresh auditory experiences
• Enabling genre fusion and innovative expressions unbound by conventional music theory

c) Personalized Music Production

• Generating and modifying songs in real-time based on listeners’ preferences and moods
• Providing optimized music experiences for individual users

d) Efficient Music Production and Distribution

• Constant provision of new music through AI’s rapid song generation
• Immediate response to listener demand in collaboration with streaming platforms

e) New Forms of Collaboration

• Exploring unprecedented musicality through collaboration between human artists and AI
• Establishing new production styles utilizing AI as a creative partner

f) Ethical and Legal Challenges

• Copyright issues for AI-generated songs
• Blurring of the line between “real” music and AI music

Tendency to Value Mastery of AI Over Technical Proficiency

a) Complexity and Specialization of AI Tools

• New expertise required to operate advanced AI music production tools
• Importance placed on understanding AI characteristics and utilizing them effectively

b) Importance of Creative Direction

• Not just mastering AI, but creative judgment on how to use it becomes subject to evaluation
• Demand for the ability to fuse uniquely human sensibilities with AI capabilities

c) Redefinition of Technical Skills

• AI tool operation skills recognized as a new “technique” in addition to traditional instrument playing and composition skills
• Basic knowledge of data analysis and machine learning becomes important for music producers

d) Balance Between Efficiency and Creativity

• Valuation of the ability to produce efficiently using AI while demonstrating unique creativity
• Ability to balance time and effort savings with maintaining artistic quality

e) Pioneering New Expression Methods

• Emphasis on innovativeness in creating new musical expressions and production processes using AI
• Evaluation of experimental approaches that go beyond conventional music frameworks

f) Importance of Adaptability

• Demand for the ability to flexibly adapt to rapidly evolving AI technology
• Valuation of the attitude to continuously learn new tools and methods

g) Re-evaluation of Humanity

• As AI capabilities increase, paradoxically, elements that only humans can do are emphasized
• Key is how to combine uniquely human elements like emotional expression and narrative with AI

h) Ethical Judgment

• Questioning of ethical judgment regarding AI use and ability to set appropriate usage boundaries
• Importance of ethical perspective in maintaining balance between technology and art

The Courage to Face Oneself

In the current situation, artists are required to have the courage to honestly face themselves:

1. Music for Oneself

• Creation not influenced by others’ evaluations
• Self-satisfaction and self-realization as the main objectives

1. Music Seeking Approval

• Emphasis on audience reactions
• Responding to trends and market needs

1. Music for Oneself

a) Pursuit of pure self-expression

• Creation disregarding social evaluation and commercial success
• Challenge to frankly express one’s emotions and experiences
• Reflection of individual uniqueness and life experiences that AI cannot imitate

b) Enjoyment of the creative process itself

• Attitude of enjoying the music production process itself
• Emphasis on personal growth and learning rather than perfection
• Using AI tools as a means of self-exploration

c) Pursuit of artistic perfection

• Pursuit of artistry not influenced by commercial success or public preferences
• Music production based on one’s aesthetics and philosophy
• Creation of universal values that transcend time and trends

d) Music as self-therapy

• Self-understanding and emotional processing through music production
• Music as a tool for personal healing and growth
• Self-discovery in the process of converting inner conflicts and joys into sound

2. Music Seeking Approval

a) Aiming for resonance with the audience

• Music production that aligns with listeners’ emotions and experiences
• Attitude of actively incorporating feedback and evolving
• Understanding and reflecting audience needs using AI analysis tools

b) Pursuit of social influence

• Social change and raising issues through music
• Expanding influence by aiming for music that reaches many people
• Exploring effective message delivery using AI

c) Balancing with commercial success

• Aiming for economic independence as an artist
• Seeking balance between market needs and artistic expression
• Fusion of efficient production using AI and uniquely human creativity

d) Adaptation to technological innovation

• Active incorporation of latest AI technology in music production
• Experimental approach to explore new possibilities in musical expression
• Pioneering new genres through the fusion of technology and human sensibility

3. Fusion of Both: Finding Balance

In reality, many artists try to balance between these two extremes:

• Harmonizing self-expression and audience needs
• Aiming for both commercial success and artistic perfection
• Utilizing AI while highlighting uniquely human sensibilities
• Moderately pursuing both self-satisfaction and social evaluation

4. Importance of Self-Dialogue

The most important aspect in this process is honest dialogue with oneself:

• Regularly reviewing and re-evaluating one’s creative motivations
• Personally reconstructing the definition of success
• Reaffirming one’s significance as an artist in light of AI’s existence
• Consciously adjusting the balance between desire for approval and self-expression

The Image of Continuously Evolving Artists

In the age of AI, artists are required not only to create music but to constantly face themselves and continue evolving. While oscillating between music for oneself and music seeking approval, this process itself can become a source of creativity.True courage lies in the ability to accept this complex inner conflict and transform it into creative energy. Now that AI has been added as a new element, artists may have the opportunity to confront their essential value and pursue deeper self-understanding and expression.

Coexistence with AI: New Forms of Approval

The emergence of AI has the potential to change the form of approval itself:

• Exploration of new musicality through collaboration with AI
• Establishing uniqueness through the fusion of uniquely human sensibilities and AI

Conclusion: Facing One’s True Feelings and Evolving

Ultimately, the relationship between AI and music production is an issue that each artist needs to face their true feelings about and make decisions. What’s important is:

• Honestly re-examining one’s motivations for creation
• Not denying the desire for approval, but considering how to handle it
• Reframing AI not as a threat, but as a new means of expression

While the form of music production may change, the value of human sensibility and creativity remains unchanged. Especially in the age of AI, reaffirming one’s pure love for oneself and music, and continuing to evolve based on that, will be the key to paving the way as an artist.