AI Music: Creativity or Copying? The Industry-Dividing Debate

Oliver McCann, a British visual designer with no musical background, fired up a chatbot and brought to life "imoliver," his art project based on AI-generated music. With simple lyrics and algorithm-generated melodies, it reached 3 million streams and signed with a record label, something unthinkable just a few years ago.

Its story reflects the rise of platforms like Suno and Udio, which allow anyone to create songs simply by typing a prompt. What began as a personal experiment has become a global trend that challenges the traditional music industry.

McCann's case isn't isolated. Fictional bands like Velvet Sundown or projects like Sleeping With Wolves are using AI to release complete albums, with cover art, lyrics, and production without human intervention.

But this wave has also sparked criticism. Record labels like Sony Music, Universal, and Warner have sued AI music startups for copyright infringement, comparing the current moment to the Napster era that changed music two decades ago.

Proponents of musical artificial intelligence claim that the technology democratizes creativity, allowing anyone to compose a song without needing to play an instrument.

However, critics are speaking of an avalanche of "AI garbage"—stereotypical, boring songs with "cheesy" lyrics—that could overwhelm streaming platforms. Deezer estimates that 18% of songs uploaded each day are created using AI, although they only represent a small portion of streams.

The central debate revolves around one question: can AI music be considered original?

• For some artists, AI is just a tool, like synthesizers or production software once were.
• For others, it represents a threat that devalues ​​years of training, talent and human creativity.

While Kate Bush and Damon Albarn have protested against musical AI, figures like will.i.am and Timbaland embrace it as a creative ally.

Experts compare this moment to the digital "Wild West." The lack of legal clarity regarding copyright is reminiscent of the digital piracy conflicts that fueled the rise of Spotify and Apple Music.

The consensus is that AI will continue to grow exponentially in music, especially among young people. What remains to be seen is whether it will be seen as a complementary tool or a substitute for human creativity.

Music created with artificial intelligence opens a historic debate. Are we facing a new art form that democratizes creation, or a risk that will reduce music to repetitive algorithms?

The only thing that's clear is that the future of music with AI is already underway, and it will decide not only what we listen to, but how we understand creativity in the 21st century.