In a ground-breaking move, Google has launched MusicLM, an innovative AI tool that can generate music based on textual descriptions. This technology, now publicly available via the AI Test Kitchen app, is set to revolutionize the way we create and interact with music.
MusicLM
Google has unveiled MusicLM, an experimental AI tool designed to transform textual prompts into melodies. Users can now experiment with this feature in the AI Test Kitchen app, available on the web, Android, and iOS platforms.
Creating Music with Text
With MusicLM, users can input prompts like “soulful jazz for a dinner party” or “create an industrial techno sound that is hypnotic.” The AI tool will then create multiple versions of a song based on the input.
We have covered the latest Google news here.
Fine-Tuning with MusicLM
The tool allows users to specify the type of instruments, such as “electronic” or “classical”, and the desired mood or emotion for their MusicLM creations.
Ethical Concerns and Challenges
Despite Google’s initial reluctance to release MusicLM due to ethical concerns, including potential copyright infringements, the tool has now been made public.
“MusicLM had ‘no immediate plans’ for release, given the ethical challenges,”
co-authors of Google’s academic paper published in January
Working with Artists
Google reveals that it has been collaborating with musicians and hosting workshops to see how this technology can empower the creative process. As a result, the version of MusicLM in the AI Test Kitchen will not generate music with specific artists or vocals.
Legal Grounds for AI-Generated Music
The legal aspects of AI-generated music are still a contentious issue. In 2020, the record label of artist Jay-Z filed copyright strikes against a YouTube channel for using AI to create covers of songs. However, YouTube reinstated the videos, citing “incomplete” takedown requests.
Intellectual Property Concerns
AI-generated music, which often imitates familiar sounds, has been under scrutiny for intellectual property issues. Music labels have been quick to cite intellectual property concerns, leading to the removal of AI-generated songs from platforms like Spotify.
For more on how Google is integrating AI into various sectors, check out our article on Google’s ARCore collaboration with Singapore Tourism Board for AI-powered guided tours.
Future of AI in Music
A whitepaper by Eric Sunray, a legal intern at the Music Publishers Association, suggests that AI music generators like MusicLM might infringe on the United States Copyright Act’s reproduction right. This is because AI tools “learn” from existing music to produce similar effects, making some artists uncomfortable.
With several lawsuits currently in progress, the legal landscape surrounding AI music generators could soon be clarified. As we wait for these developments, the public can enjoy and experiment with Google’s pioneering AI tool, MusicLM.
Conclusion
As the world of music enters a new era with AI generators like MusicLM, the intersection of technology and creativity becomes more intertwined than ever.
While this pioneering tool opens up exciting new avenues for musical expression, it also brings to the fore complex legal and ethical issues that need addressing. With the ongoing legal proceedings, it’s expected that the landscape of AI-generated music and its copyright implications will soon gain clarity.
Want to learn more? Our website has everything you need to know about this topic.
