How does AI in Music Work?

We’ve only just begun to crack the surface of what artificial intelligence can do. A recent breakthrough is that of AI music, which uses generative AI to compose and produce tracks. This new use of AI is quickly transforming how we approach consuming music and is making composition accessible to almost everyone with software like AI music generators.

In this guide, we’ll explore how AI music is made, what you should know beforehand, and how to get started with Adobe Express.

What is AI in music?

Artificial intelligence, or AI, can take many different forms in music. It can be used to compose, produce, enhance and even perform songs.

AI music works by generating tracks based on inputted prompts. This process utilises machine learning and algorithms to analyse vast quantities of musical data and patterns to create everything from simple melodies to complex compositions. How AI music is made will depend on the software you use, though this is the basic process.

While this guide mainly focuses on using AI tools to make music and enhance the production process, it’s not the only use of AI in music. In fact, AI can also be used for various associated tasks, from mixing in the studio to providing personalised playlist recommendations to music app users.

How is AI used in music?

AI can be used in music production to assist with several tasks. Artificial intelligence isn’t only there to generate songs, rather it can be utilised across the entire process. For example, it can be used to:

• Compose full songs. AI can create pieces tailored to specific genres, moods or even individual artists’ sounds.
• Production. AI can be used in music to assist with mixing, mastering and sound design.
• Create backing tracks. These simple (or complex) melodies can be used for live performances, presentations, advertisements, or YouTube videos. For live performances, these can even be tailored to interact with artists in real time.
• Recreation of sound. AI can recreate the sounds of people’s voices and instruments. Useful for if you have a specific sound in mind.
• Inspiration. You can use AI music tools to help generate new and random ideas to help you beat your creative block.

How does AI make music?

It depends on the tool you use, as most AI music generators will work in slightly different ways based on their output. Some will be more geared towards generating lyrics, while others will be experts at creating full compositions.

However, most generative AI models will use machine learning to make music. This involves them analysing data and patterns in existing music, lyrics, compositions and other recordings to build out their own musical capabilities.

How does Adobe Express make AI music?

The Adobe Express AI Music Generator uses prompt-based software to help you make AI music. These types of AI tools make music composition accessible to everyone and are quick and easy to use.

Here are some of the features you can expect from Adobe Express:

• Combine music genres and experiment with your creativity
• Use text-to-music keyword prompts to craft quick compositions
• Refresh, re-generate and edit songs to your heart’s content
• Duplicate or combine clips to create a full-length song
• Record audio and vocals in the app to add to your tracks
• Quickly add your songs to other Adobe Express projects – like presentations and videos.

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Good to know.

What is the advantage of AI in music?

AI in music can be used to assist artists with a variety of tasks. For example, mixing and editing songs and composing melodies. They can also help generate new ideas and get you out of a creative block. All you need is to create a prompt, then you can refresh and edit the final result until you’re happy.

What are the downsides of AI music?

Nothing can really beat the power of human creativity – it’s what we do best. With this in mind, some people think AI music can lack quality, complexity and authenticity. There are also ethical issues to consider, as artificial intelligence can only draw from existing media to create songs.

How can AI be useful in music and media?

AI can be an incredibly useful tool when creating things like copyright-free backing tracks for presentations, videos and live performances. It can also help edit songs and inspire you for your next musical project. AI can be used to create full tracks, although most people often use it as a tool to assist in the creative process.

Is Adobe Express free?

Yes, our free plan offers many core features including thousands of templates, photo editing and effects, animation, and 2GB of storage. See our pricing page for details and to compare plans.