The GeekWire Podcast has been featuring a segment called “My AI,” focusing on the latest AI tools that are shaping the way people work. However, the segment was missing a musical intro or jingle to enhance its presence on the show. In an attempt to resolve this issue, the team turned to AI technology to create a catchy song that could serve as the theme for the “My AI” segment. They experimented with two AI-based text-to-music generators, Udio and Suno, and were impressed by the results, which included both catchy tunes and more mediocre results.
One of the songs generated by Suno for the segment featured an electronic pop tune with lyrics that referenced the technological future. Additionally, the team explored different genres, resulting in a country music-themed jingle that appealed to fans of that style. Another tune, produced by Udio, had a German electronic band Kraftwerk vibe that resonated with one of the team members. Despite some songs being less impressive, the underlying technology was still considered remarkable.
While the AI-generated music was interesting, it raised complex questions about the creation, usage, and implications of such technology for human creators. One issue that arose was whether the songs could be used commercially, especially given the ongoing litigation involving the services from the Recording Industry Association of America. The RIAA complained about services like Udio and Suno using copyrighted material to generate synthetic musical outputs that could compete with genuine recordings in the market.
The response from Suno highlighted the extensive analysis and study that went into developing the AI capabilities to imitate various genres and musical styles. The argument was made that while specific recorded renditions of songs can be protected by intellectual property laws, genres and musical styles themselves are not subject to ownership. The conflict arose when considering whether it would be ethically sound for the GeekWire Podcast team to use the AI-generated music for the “My AI” segment, given the potential legal and ethical implications raised by the RIAA complaint.
In light of the complexities surrounding the use of AI-generated music and the ongoing litigation, the team decided to hold off on incorporating the songs into the show for the time being. The project might undergo further examination and discussion before reaching a final decision. As the team grapples with the implications of AI in music creation, they are left with lingering questions about the ethical and legal ramifications of using such technology. Despite the initial excitement over the AI-generated jingles, the team is taking a cautious approach to ensure they navigate this new territory responsibly.
