With tech giants embedding AI into their products, the music industry explores AI with mixed results, from stem separation tools to text-to-music services. Is it a threat?
While major Digital Audio Workstations (DAWs) like Logic Pro are slowly integrating AI, smaller developers are leading the charge with groundbreaking innovations. Companies like Hit’n’Mix, Moises.AI, and Wavtool are at the forefront, pushing the boundaries of what AI can do in music production.
Hit’n’Mix: Pioneering Audio Separation
Martin Dawe, founder of Hit’n’Mix, has been working on audio separation for over 30 years.
His journey began with scanning sheet music and evolved into developing Hit’n’Mix Infinity, a tool that uses machine learning for audio source separation and cleanup.
This technology allows users to deconstruct music tracks, making it easier to edit and modify them.
Moises.AI: A Drummer’s Dream
Geraldo Ramos, co-founder and CEO of Moises.AI, started the company in 2019 with the goal of isolating drum tracks so he could play along.
The app now offers a multi-platform solution for separating and modifying existing music, making it a valuable tool for musicians and producers alike.
Wavtool: Browser-Based Innovation
Keith Chia, developer of Wavtool, focused on creating a browser-based platform for music production.
Launched in March 2023, Wavtool leverages AI to generate, edit, and remix music, offering a unique approach to music creation that is both accessible and powerful.
The Rapid Rise of AI in Music
The past two years have seen a surge in AI adoption in music production, driven by advancements in hardware and software.
Companies like Apple are building powerful neural processors, while improved graphics cards accelerate AI processes.
This technological progress, combined with growing market demand, has led to a proliferation of AI tools for music creation.
Market Demand and Technological Advances
Moises’ Ramos highlights the role of improved AI models and market demand in accelerating AI adoption.
“AI has been powering music software for a while, but new and improved AI models are coming to market constantly,” he says.
This sentiment is echoed by Wavtool’s Chia, who notes that AI simplifies the music creation process, making it more accessible to people without extensive musical training.
RipX DAW: A Powerful AI Music Suite
RipX DAW, developed by Hit’n’Mix, stands out as one of the most advanced AI music tools available.
Riley Knapp, an AI business strategist for Hit’n’Mix, explains that RipX can separate and clean up audio tracks, offering capabilities that were unthinkable just a few years ago.
This makes it a valuable tool for producers looking to edit and enhance existing music.
The Future of AI in Music Production
As AI continues to evolve, its role in music production is expected to grow.
Developers like Chia believe that AI will become an integral part of the creative process, offering new ways to generate and manipulate audio.
“We expect AI song generators to get much more creative and controllable,” he says.
Ethical and Legal Considerations
Despite the excitement, there are concerns about the ethical and legal implications of AI-generated music.
Issues like copyright and the potential for AI to replace human musicians are hotly debated. However, many in the industry believe that AI will complement rather than replace human creativity.
“AI is only going to get more advanced and more commonplace,” says Dawe. “But it seems likely that it will augment rather than replace humans’ input into the music-making process.”
Why This Matters
For music producers, the rise of AI represents both a challenge and an opportunity. AI tools can streamline the production process, offering new ways to create and manipulate music.
However, producers must also navigate the ethical and legal complexities that come with AI-generated content. Embracing AI can lead to innovative and efficient workflows, but it’s crucial to balance technological advancements with human creativity to maintain the soul of music production.
Read more about AI in music production.