Making music just got easier! 9 AI hacks to try

“Music is the strongest form of magic.” Thus remarked, Jimi Hendrix and boy is he right. Who doesn’t love music? It has always filled people with love, energy, and positivity and is definitely one of the best forms of expression. The earlier revolutions in the music industry were made possible because of the creativity of artists, musicians and composers. But a new player has entered the scene recently – AI. Let’s have a look at the top AI tools that are making music creation fun and interesting.

AI tools for songwriting

Songwriting can many times be a challenging and time-consuming process, but AI is here to make it easier. Below are some of the best AI tools out there to create new lyrics, music compositions, melodies, and harmonies.

OpenAI’s MuseNet

• Pros:
  • Creates intricate compositions in various genres.
  • Can blend different styles seamlessly (jazz, classical, pop, etc.).
  • Customizable inputs, allowing for genre-specific outputs.
• Cons:
  • Limited control over fine-tuning individual elements of a song.
  • Requires some technical knowledge to use effectively.
  • Might feel too “machine-generated” for some users who want a more organic feel.
• Why pick it: If you’re looking for an AI that can generate diverse styles of music and help you break through creative blocks, MuseNet is perfect. It’s especially useful for producers who want to experiment with new genre combinations or get new musical ideas.

Amper Music

• Pros:
  • User-friendly with a simple interface for non-musicians.
  • Generates complete tracks, including melodies, harmonies, and lyrics.
  • Offers customization options for mood, genre, and instrumentation.
• Cons:
  • Limited to the preset styles and moods available in the system.
  • Lack of detailed control over every aspect of the music composition.
  • The quality of generated lyrics can sometimes feel generic.
• Why pick it: Amper is great for songwriters who want to quickly generate ideas or need a starting point for their compositions. Its simplicity makes it accessible, even if you don’t have deep musical knowledge.

Jukedeck (Now part of TikTok)

• Pros:
  • Allows for easy generation of melodies and lyrics.
  • Offers a variety of genres and customizable options for mood and tempo.
  • Great for content creators needing custom music quickly.
• Cons:
  • Somewhat limited in its complexity, focusing mostly on short songs.
  • As it’s now part of TikTok, some features might change or become more integrated with TikTok’s platform.
• Why pick it: If you’re a content creator or need quick, unique music for projects (especially for videos), this AI tool is an excellent choice even for people who aren’t in the music industry.

AI tools for beat generation

Creating unique and high-quality beats requires in-depth production skills. Now, AI is making it easier to generate beats that match your creative vision.

AIVA (Artificial Intelligence Virtual Artist)

• Pros:
  • Can generate beats in various styles, including classical, cinematic, and electronic.
  • Highly customizable and adaptable to different genres.
  • Great for creating full-length compositions with complex layers.
• Cons:
  • May be overkill for simple beats or short projects.
  • Requires a learning curve to get the most out of its features.
  • Less focused on real-time beat-making compared to some other tools.
• Why pick it: AIVA is perfect for producers who need more than just a simple beat. It’s ideal for those working on cinematic or orchestral projects or even blending traditional and modern genres.

 LANDR

• Pros:
  • AI-powered tools to generate beats, mix, and master tracks.
  • The platform is easy to use, thus, it is apt for beginners.
  • It can produce fast, high-quality beats with very little effort.
• Cons:
  • Limited in terms of deep customization or control over the music.
  • Relies on presets that can feel repetitive after some use.
  • Doesn’t cater to extremely complex or experimental styles.
• Why pick it: LANDR is ideal for beginner producers or content creators who need quick, polished beats without the hassle. It’s a time-saver when you need something solid to complement your track.

Boomy

• Pros:
  • Fast beat generation with a focus on user customization.
  • Creates beats across various music categories (hip-hop, pop, EDM, etc.).
  • The interface is easy for anyone to use.
• Cons:
  • Results may sound formulaic or lack the “human” touch.
  • Limited ability to tweak individual beat elements in detail.
  • Some genres may feel underdeveloped.
• Why pick it: If you’re a beginner or need a tool that can quickly create diverse beats, Boomy is your go-to. Its simplicity is perfect for those who need music without spending too much time on production.

AI tools for voice generation

With voice generation tools, AI can synthesize vocals that sound lifelike and expressive. Whether for demos or final productions, these tools are changing the way we create vocal tracks.

Vocaloid

• Pros:
  • Offers a range of virtual vocalists with distinct voices.
  • Great for creating catchy, electronic-style vocals.
  • High-level customization, including pitch, tone, and vibrato.
• Cons:
  • Can sound robotic or unnatural if not fine-tuned.
  • Requires some expertise to get the most realistic results.
  • Not suitable for genres that demand a more natural, live vocal performance.
• Why pick it: Vocaloid is ideal for electronic music producers, animators, or anyone looking for virtual vocalists. It’s perfect for those creating characters or experimenting with futuristic sounds.

OpenAI’s Juking (Jukedeck AI)

• Pros:
  • Uses deep learning for more natural-sounding vocals.
  • Customizable to fit various vocal styles and ranges.
  • Great for artists who want lifelike vocals without needing a human singer.
• Cons:
  • Still in development, so might not be as polished as some other tools.
  • Limited to the features offered within OpenAI’s framework.
  • Requires technical knowledge to fully leverage the capabilities.
• Why pick it: Juking is a great option for producers who want highly realistic vocals but don’t have access to professional singers. It’s perfect for indie artists or creators on a budget.

Synthesizer V Studio

• Pros:
  • Offers highly realistic vocal synthesis with extensive customization.
  • Produces expressive, nuanced vocal performances.
  • Great for both amateur and professional music producers.
• Cons:
  • Can be complex for new users to navigate.
  • Limited to the virtual singers available on the platform.
  • Might require extra time to perfect the vocals.
• Why pick it: Synthesizer V Studio is ideal for anyone who wants to push the boundaries of virtual vocal performance. It’s perfect for producers who need highly customized vocals with a lifelike touch.

The role of AI in music is still changing every day, but one thing is clear: it’s providing exciting new tools that are making the creative process more flexible and accessible. These technologies aren’t here to replace the magic of music-making; they’re here to add more value to it. Whether it’s helping you write lyrics, create beats, or generate voices, AI is giving artists the freedom to experiment and push their ideas further than ever before.

But even with all these powerful tools at our fingertips, it’s still the artist who brings the heart and soul to the music. AI simply gives us a new way to express our creativity. The key is to find the balance between using these tools to your advantage while staying true to your own voice as a creator.