Don’t Let AI Steal the Spotlight: Why Your Chill Beats Playlist Should Support Real Artists
When it comes to the much-discussed topic of AI’s threat to creativity, the thought that humans could unwittingly write themselves out of the narrative is a collective concern. By delegating every task to AI, could creative professionals be rendered useless, with machines seizing the opportunity to take over?
While many in the industry view this far-fetched theory as fear-mongering, the influx of AI-generated startups in the creative space appears to pose a substantial threat to real talent.
Also known as ‘AI-generated cottage industries’, these startups represent growing ecosystems of small businesses which leverage AI tools to develop niche content, products or services–and they are popping up all over the internet. YouTube is a hotbed of such ecosystems, with one particular category rapidly gaining popularity: the ‘chill beats / music’ industry.
Ever since COVID forced professionals to work from home, more and more of these playlists are surfacing on YouTube and similar platforms, providing easy-listening offerings to those searching for relaxing background music. In light of Nielsen research which found that “three quarters (75%) of people listen to music while working from home”, automated music streams and playlists appear to be a lucrative prospect for individuals hoping to use AI as a shortcut to passive income.
Keyword connoisseur and content director at Ayima, Andrew Martin, recently noticed the trend of AI-generated music streamers and playlists after clocking similar verbiage video descriptions. “If you happen to visit a YouTube channel that is full of "chill" music playlists that go on for hours, check the description for language like: ‘Sound or visuals were significantly edited or digitally generated,’ he says. “If you see this phrasing, chances are very likely this is an AI-generated loop that someone is using to make passive income. That same money could be going to actual artists or curators.”
While generative AI has proven to be useful across diverse creative pipelines, many in the industry are keen to raise awareness of circumstances in which audiences are robbing real, talented and hard-working artists of creative opportunities in favour of lesser-quality automated content. “Curating a playlist or finding a good curator isn't easy, nor is it something you always want to do with your time. And it would be fine if these channels were curating actual music, but they're not. Many of them are using generative AI tools to produce sounds that are ‘pleasing’ to the ear.”
“No judgment if you listen to any of these YouTube channels,” he adds. “Generative AI can be useful, I use it every day! But certain things shouldn't be slop, and music is one of them.”
With a wealth of expertise in music selection and branding, Heather Gardner, head of music supervision and licensing at Vapor Music, knows a thing or two about the cultural and emotional impact of human-made music.
Echoing Andrew’s take on the reproduction of sonically ‘pleasing’ sounds, Heather highlights how the brain registers and responds to unique and recognisable elements of a sound. “The reason that music is so powerful and universally relatable is because it reflects the human experience, regardless of genre or style, lyrics or instrumental. AI music removes that element, and synthesises emotion. I am constantly amazed at what emerging technologies can do, but we have a responsibility to support real humans making real art to ensure that those income earning opportunities don’t disappear completely.”
Houston Fry, head of music curation at Barking Owl, is in agreement with Heather and wholeheartedly believes the human experience is the source of truly great music. “Creating meaningful music is difficult to define, but one universal truth is that every musician is unique. Our experiences shape everything we play, hum, or sing, making music deeply personal and physical. That raw, unfiltered human touch is what makes it magical. Everyone's hands, breath, limbs and voice are uniquely expressive based on countless variables and experiences.”
So how exactly is AI replicating this sonic DNA? And why is it so convincing? “Chill beats are a great genre to discuss in this context because they’re relatively easy to create," says Houston. "Sampling – widely used in chill beats – was once seen as a threat to traditional music-making, much like AI is today. While sampling requires more human input than AI, both raise concerns about the loss of musicianship and originality."
"Some samples come from brilliant musicians, just as AI generates music based on human-created data. But artists using these tools should still inject their own creativity and touch rather than just assembling pre-made ingredients. If AI creates something and you claim it as your own, it’s like labelling processed food as organic – it ultimately comes down to consumer choice.”
Generally speaking, the wide-spread popularity of AI-generated music streams boils down to a lack of awareness. Given the impressive job these channels do to replicate human musicianship, it’s no surprise they are popular with millions of users around the world. In Houston’s opinion, if more true music lovers understood the impact these channels have on the wider industry, the less popular they’d be.
“AI can already generate impressive music and make music creation more accessible. People may not notice the difference and may accept AI-generated music without question. But those inspired by live performers and musicians will still seek out and appreciate real human expression. Live music remains incredibly popular, even transcendent. Ultimately, we feel what’s real, even if we don’t always consciously recognise it. AI can be a valuable tool, making music creation faster, cheaper, and more efficient. Instead of resisting an evolution that’s already in motion, musicians and music makers should take this moment to shine.”
An avid mentor of up and coming artists, Heather asks music lovers to value artistic integrity in the face of rapid industry changes. “Today’s artists and musicians are fully dependent on multiple, diverse revenue streams if they have a hope of making a living, and despite its low payouts, removing streaming revenue when listeners are choosing AI-generated tracks absolutely impacts the viability of a career in the music industry. And that’s not to mention the incredibly questionable legalities in the creation of the music itself and the copy-written source material from which AI learns.”
Reflecting on the broader implications of these changes, she concluded: “Devaluing art is a slippery slope, and these first steps will absolutely pave the way for what’s seen as acceptable in the future.”
LBB’s April Summers’ recommends the following human-made music curation:
The Lot Radio
OMA
Keep Hush
