Currently, songwriters appear to be in a state of uncertainty regarding artificial intelligence and the impact it may have on the music industry. While AI can certainly facilitate certain aspects of the songwriting process, the possibility of it fully replacing the emotional elements that songwriters infuse into their work seems unlikely. In the realm of creativity, many are adopting a cautious approach, observing AI’s role and potential effects.
Nonetheless, technology has already equipped musicians with numerous tools that have revolutionized their creative landscape. Take, for instance, Andy Hildebrand, a geophysical engineer and mathematician, who transformed music over 25 years ago with the creation of Auto-Tune, a tool that corrects vocal pitch. Now, AI is emerging, and tech specialists claim it could be just as revolutionary as the internet was almost four decades ago. The lineup of AI platforms in the songwriting domain—including BeatStars, Audoir, Boomy, Jarvis, Splice, BandLab, Soundful, and ChatGPT—suggests that AI’s effect on the future of music can hardly be overlooked.
Insights from Grammy-nominated songwriter Ashley Gorley on AI and songwriting
SUCCESS reached out to prolific hit songwriter Ashley Gorley for perspective on the evolving landscape of creative professions. As of the latest reporting, Gorley boasts 67 No. 1 songs under his belt, a remarkable achievement no other artist across genres has matched. His collaborations span a multitude of artists, including Blake Shelton, Chris Stapleton, Morgan Wallen, and Carrie Underwood.
Considering Gorley’s exceptional success without technological assistance over the past two decades, the question arises: how much enhancement can AI truly provide to the creative journey?
“When collaborating, someone might bring up a loop, and I don’t question its origin,” Gorley shares. “I’m aware I’ve likely utilized a loop from Splice or Arcade, and I’ve collaborated with producers and writers who’ve introduced guitar, bass, or drum loops. We leverage those to spark melodies.
“There are moments when producer-centric songwriters reference those elements instead of me pursuing licks and loops to create an atmosphere,” he reflects on the initial generation of AI loop technologies.
Ashley Gorley discusses the song creation process
For every 100 songs you come across, there may be 100 different paths to their creation. The process varies from songwriter to songwriter. Some initiate their creations with pen and paper, while others may start at the piano. For Gorley, however, he relies on the Voice Memo app on his iPhone, even in collaboration.
“I tend to be more scattered. I need to walk around the space and vocalize thoughts as they arise. We first explore ideas together, or one person might initiate a vibe, or we might work with a complete instrumental that lacks lyrics,” he elaborates. “Once I hone in on a concept, I can envision how the story unfolds. That’s when I transition to the Voice Memos app… to express what I believe the song could become, refining it from that point.”
Gorley identifies as a topliner, the individual who contributes melody and lyrics after a base track has been established. “The topline represents the melody and lyrics—this is my expertise.”
Is it possible for AI to compose heartfelt songs?
A great song can emerge from any source. This is the prevailing thought among those who create these impactful pieces. Inspiration might strike unexpectedly, or it could stem from extensive hours filled with dedication and creativity—a blank page can sometimes lead to breakthroughs. Embracing various creative tools can prove beneficial.
“I’ll admit: I’m open to the idea. If I could type ‘break-up themes’ and receive 200 diverse suggestions, I’m all for it. It can serve as yet another source of creative inspiration, which is advantageous for all,” he remarks. “It might generate a song title, but it won’t encompass the melody, lyrics, or flow. There’s flexibility in the tools we employ. Production elements can be altered, but the melody and the narrative remain unchanged.”
According to Gorley, advancements in AI technology, such as VoxBox and Lalals, could surpass Auto-Tune by enabling recordings that closely mimic another singer’s voice. This means Carrie Underwood could be made to sound like Adele, and vice versa.
“A sound engineer can adjust my vocal tone using a plug-in to make me sound like a pop star,” he explains. “You could transform my voice to resemble Drake’s. It could be remarkably convincing and deceive listeners, but I’m uncertain about the ultimate implications of that.”
Will AI take over the role of songwriters?
From the earliest discussions surrounding AI’s place in music and songwriting, there has been a palpable skepticism regarding the likelihood of technology effectively replacing human creators. However, Gorley notes that he hasn’t encountered any panic regarding AI displacing songwriters. “Nobody seems to be alarmed,” he states. Yet, similar to how Auto-Tune became an invaluable asset for creators, AI might provide benefits for the upcoming generation.
“With Auto-Tune, adjustments can already be made to a vocalist’s pitch and tone,” he elaborates, indicating that this capability aids in promoting the song. When pitch issues are off the table, listeners can focus on melody and lyrics.
“I’m supportive of that approach. In many ways, it challenges songwriters to steer clear of crafting generic compositions like those generated by AI,” he notes. “The key is to find constructive ways to utilize these technologies.
“The world is yours. You have access to the internet; you have AI,” he emphasizes, “but individuals will still distinguish themselves by producing exceptional songs.”
