In the world of music creation, top songwriters who have worked with artists like Doja Cat, Jonas Brothers, and BTS are dispelling fears surrounding artificial intelligence (AI). During interviews on the red carpet at the BMI London Awards, these talented creators shared their thoughts on AI and its role in the creative process.
While opinions on AI in music are varied, these songwriters unanimously agree that AI can serve as a valuable tool. Some songwriters use AI to mimic the voice of an artist they are writing for, allowing them to check how a track sounds in that artist’s style. Others turn to AI to overcome writer’s block. However, they emphasize that AI cannot replicate the artistry and human emotion that are integral to making music.
Linden Jay says AI provides “exciting” opportunities for the music industry
One songwriter who advocates for AI as a creative tool is Linden Jay. He contributed to Doja Cat’s hit “Woman,” which won Song of the Year at the BMI London Awards. Jay views AI as a means to advance ideas and experiment with different sounds. He shared, “I’ve been using it a little bit in my writing just to help advance ideas. And, you know, I’m not the greatest singer in the world, so sometimes I sing and I’ll turn it into a famous artist’s voice, just to get an idea of if something is headed in a good direction.”
Aaron Horn says the music industry is always adapting to new tools and technology
Aaron Horn, Linden’s co-writer on “Woman,” shares a similar perspective. He believes that AI is a tool that can help fill in creative gaps and is excited about the constant evolution of tools in the music studio. While Horn hasn’t extensively used AI, he likens it to a rhyming dictionary, a resource frequently used by lyricists and poets to find suitable rhymes.
For Aaron and Linden, the essence of a “good song” remains unchanged, and they encourage the industry to embrace new technologies that can complement their creative processes.
Part of the art of songwriting is not being perfect straight away, says Jessica Agombar
Jessica Agombar, known for writing “What a Man Gotta Do” for the Jonas Brothers, has found inspiration in AI’s capabilities, particularly in mimicking voices. However, she acknowledges that concerns arise when unauthorized tracks use AI to clone vocals from established artists. Despite such challenges, Jessica believes that true artistry will endure. She stated, “For me, there’s always art in organic songwriting and producing, putting your own vocals on the record, and having some rough sketches of bad notes and bum notes. Because that’s rock and roll—I’m more for that than the whole clean, polished AI, computerized thing.”
Although it has its positives, Kamille says she’s trying to avoid AI for now
Kamille, renowned for her work with artists like Little Mix, Mabel, and Kylie Minogue, emphasizes the importance of maintaining authenticity and emotion in songwriting. She prefers not to rely too heavily on technology, stating, “I just feel like I want to just lean on my own brain and make sure I’m not losing that craft I have and becoming too dependent on it. I definitely feel like the key to songwriting is getting the emotion out of you and your heart. I think that’s a really important part that we shouldn’t lose as much as technology advances.”
In their collective advice to aspiring musicians, these seasoned songwriters encourage embracing AI as a creative ally but caution against excessive reliance. Aaron summarized, “Embrace AI and believe in yourself. Explore your own experience and humanity – that’s what AI can’t draw upon.” As technology continues to shape the music industry, the fusion of human creativity and AI innovation promises exciting possibilities while preserving the soul of music.