The Rise of AI-Generated Music and the Question of Authenticity
Recent weeks have seen significant success for Siena Rose, with three of her melancholic songs charting in Spotify’s Viral Top 50. Her most popular track, “Into the Blue,” has garnered over five million streams. Although, questions are arising about whether Rose is even real.
Is Siena Rose a Human Artist?
Streaming service Deezer, which has developed tools to detect AI-generated music, has flagged many of Rose’s albums and songs as being created by artificial intelligence.
Several indicators suggest Rose may not be a genuine artist. She has never performed a live concert and has released an unusually high volume of music in a short period – 45 songs between September 28th and December 5th. Even prolific artists like Prince would struggle to match that output.
Her Instagram account features a series of images with unrealistic lighting, a common characteristic of AI-generated visuals. Listeners have noted “AI artifacts” in her music, such as a subtle hissing sound often present in tracks created using applications like Suno, and Udio.
How AI Music is Created and Detected
The “hissing” sound is a byproduct of how these AI tools generate music, starting with white noise and refining it into recognizable melodies. Deezer uses this signature to identify AI-created songs. Other clues include inconsistent rhythms, generic lyrics, and a lack of vocal improvisation.
Some listeners have already identified these patterns in Rose’s music, expressing a sense of something “off” about her sound.
The Growing Trend of AI-Generated Artists
The situation with Siena Rose highlights a growing trend: the increasing sophistication of AI in music creation. In Sweden, a song that topped the charts was recently removed after it was discovered the artist, Jacub, did not exist.
The cost of launching an AI artist like Siena Rose is minimal, yet her music generates approximately £2,000 per week in royalties. This contrasts sharply with the significant investment required to develop traditional artists, such as the £1 million per member typically spent by K-Pop labels.
Industry Response and Concerns
Deezer reports that 34% of songs uploaded to their platform daily – around 50,000 – are now AI-generated, a significant increase from 5-6% just eighteen months ago. Bandcamp has taken a firm stance, banning all AI-generated music. Spotify is focusing on combating “harmful” AI-generated content, including music that falsely impersonates other artists.
Artists are also voicing their concerns. Paul McCartney, Kate Bush, Damon Albarn, Pet Shop Boys, and Annie Lennox issued a “silent album” as a protest against the leverage of copyrighted music to train AI models without consent.
Frequently Asked Questions
- What is AI-generated music? Music created using artificial intelligence algorithms and software.
- How can you tell if a song is AI-generated? Look for inconsistencies, generic lyrics, unusual sounds, and a lack of artist presence.
- Is AI music legal? The legal landscape is evolving, with concerns about copyright infringement and artist rights.
- Will AI replace human musicians? While AI can create music, many believe the emotional depth and creativity of human artists will remain valuable.
The debate surrounding AI music is just beginning. As the technology continues to evolve, it will be crucial to address the ethical and legal implications to ensure a fair and sustainable future for the music industry.
