A Study on the Development Direction of Generative AI and Human Collaboration in Popular Music Creation: Focusing on Case Studies

Kate Seungyeon Lee

Keywords: AI, Music, collaboration, creativity, copyright

Abstract:

The advancement of artificial intelligence has led to a reevaluation of traditional definitions of creativity. While distinct from humans, generative AI possesses elements of creativity and assists human creative activities, functioning as co-creators. In the field of popular music, where efficiency and industrial aspects are crucial, collaboration has become a prominent creative method, and AI-human collaboration is actually being implemented in popular music.
This study analyzed the achievements and challenges of generative AI-human collaboration in the field of popular music and proposed future directions. The study selected eight representative cases that demonstrated technological advancements and industrial impact in the field of popular music since 2019, when generative AI became commercially available and capable of actual creative work. The analysis revealed that AI has contributed significantly to human creative activities by supporting human creativity, performing impossible musical tasks that overcome disabilities or life-threatening situations, popularizing creative activities, overcoming cultural barriers, and creating new collaborative environments. However, it confirmed that humans still have the ability to identify problems, initiate planning, and make final decisions. These achievements will establish collaboration with AI as an inevitable trend and essential element in the creative landscape of popular music.
However, collaboration with AI can raise ethical issues such as infringement on the rights of existing artists, cultural appropriation or distortion, and copyright issues. The legal and cultural frameworks to address these issues remain inadequate. A systematic approach to addressing copyright and ethical issues in the AI era is urgently needed. To address these issues, we propose the development of an AI verification program, an automated royalty distribution system, and improvements to the music distribution system through AI usage indicators. This will enhance the transparency of creative rights and foster healthy competition and collaboration.

Submission Number: 313