AI is everywhere right now.
It’s not just a buzzword anymore - it’s becoming part of how music is made (for some people at least). But is that a good thing?
On one hand, you’ve got tools that help you mix faster or generate ideas when you're stuck.
On the other, you’ve got platforms that can generate full AI songs in seconds - sometimes based on music they weren’t allowed to touch in the first place.
Let’s talk about what’s helpful, what’s harmful, and where I personally draw the line. 👊
AI as an Assistant, Not an Artist
Let me start with the positive side.
There’s no question that AI can be a powerful assistant in music production, if used right.
Take tools like Ozone 11, LANDR, or Waves’ AI-based Illugen.
These platforms use artificial intelligence to analyze your mix, create presets from just a simple phrase, or even match your track to a reference. But are they replacing me as a producer? Not even close. ✋
They help me save time and stay focused on the creative part - shaping the vibe and emotion.
Another dope example is using an AI beats generator to quickly spark an idea. I've never used one, but I respect how some producers use AI-generated ideas as inspiration or a starting point.
Let’s say it gives you a melody you like. You don’t have to copy-paste it into a beat and call it done - You can flip it, resample it, or just use it as inspiration to build something from scratch.
That’s what real producers do.
The AI generated beat becomes a sketch - the final painting still should be yours.
So when someone asks, “Can AI make beats?”, the answer is: technically yes. But are those beats any good without a human behind the vision? That’s another story.
When AI Crosses the Line
While AI can be an incredible assistant, it’s important to recognize where it starts to do harm, and unfortunately, sometimes it does.
Especially when it replaces human creativity or uses music without permission. 👀
A big controversy in the music world recently involved tools like Suno, an AI song maker platform that can generate complete tracks.
Timbaland, a legendary producer, was involved in promoting Suno, even create a track under the AI persona “Baby Timbo.”
But the problem?
The track closely resembled a beat made by another producer, complete with his tag, meaning the AI had been trained on music without permission.
This raises serious questions about copyright and ethics.
When an AI tool creates an AI generated beat based on stolen or unlicensed samples, it doesn’t just threaten individual producers, it challenges the whole idea of ownership in music.
Many producers, including DJ Pain 1, have voiced their concern that such practices can hurt the music industry, especially for independent creators who rely on their unique sound.
So, can AI truly make beats without crossing ethical boundaries? The technology is there, but the human rules are still catching up.
Can AI make beats? Yes - but the bigger question is, should it?
As producers and artists, it’s crucial to demand transparency and respect for creators’ rights, ensuring AI becomes a tool that helps, not harms.
Making AI Work for You
AI is far from just a threat, it’s also a powerful ally in the studio. 🤝
Tools like Ozone 11, LANDR, and Waves’ AI-based Illugen are game changers for producers.
I personally use Ozone 11 in every mix. It helps me analyze my tracks and show me where I can improve my mixes. Sometimes I listen to its advice, sometimes I completely ignore it.
This kind of support means I can spend less time on technical chores and more on creativity.
AI here acts as a smart assistant - not a replacement.
By embracing AI as a beats maker’s helper, we can push the boundaries of music while still keeping the human touch alive.
For me another great example of tools helping to deliver your vision is Splice.
Although it’s not AI-based, it works on a similar principle of giving producers access to sounds they might not be able to create themselves.
For instance, if I want to add a live rock percussion or a real piano sound to my beat, but I can’t play those instruments at the level I imagine, I just jump on Splice and find exactly what I need. It’s like having a virtual session musician at your fingertips.
I feel the same way about AI. Sometimes we don’t have the skills, tools, or time to translate our ideas into reality. 💡
But I believe that AI - when used right - can be a powerful enabler, not just in music, but in many creative fields.
If we learn to use it wisely, AI might help us achieve sounds and effects that would otherwise be out of reach due to lack of resources or equipment.
Wrapping it up
Like I said earlier I create all my beats by my heart, but AI is changing the way music is made there’s no denying that.
Whether it’s an AI beats generator or an AI song maker, the impact is everywhere.
As a producer, I believe AI should be an assistant, not a replacement. It can speed up workflows, inspire creativity, and help us bring our visions to life - but the soul and emotion behind the music will always come from the human behind the controls.
The future of music isn’t about AI versus humans. It’s about how we can use AI tools to create songs that truly move people, combining the best of both worlds.
Let’s embrace AI thoughtfully, respect creators’ rights, and keep the human touch alive in every beat so we still can call them Songs and Beats, not AI songs, and AI beats.
If you are curious how my beats created by hear sound, you can listen to my catalog here.