Entertainment · Music · 2 hrs ago
AI in music rekindles debate over whether new tools count as art
A music critic is pushing back against claims that resistance to AI-made music is like past opposition to new music technology.
The debate involves generative AI tools and musicians, including the British dance duo Two Shell.
Supporters compare AI with synthesizers and samplers, which were once criticized as threats to music.
The critic argues those instruments still required people to bring ideas and creativity to the work.
They also reject the claim that AI is inevitable and should simply be accepted.
The piece does not describe any policy decision or next step.
Debate over generative AI in music centers on whether it is a creative tool or produces work that should not count as music or art.
Some AI-music practitioners argue that resistance to new technology has accompanied earlier musical innovations.
Writer Rob Harvilla rejects that comparison, saying synthesizers and samplers still require human creativity.
Harvilla argues that AI companies do not simply give untrained musicians access to music-making.
- Who
- AI-music practitioners and writer Rob Harvilla.
- What
- They disagree over whether generative AI belongs in music-making and whether its use is comparable to earlier technologies.
- When
- The article is published October 12, 2026; it also identifies the column as dated April 23, 2022.
- Where
- Not stated
- Why
- Practitioners argue that resistance to AI echoes earlier reactions to new music technology; Harvilla says synthesizers and samplers still require human creativity.
AI-music practitioners
Rob Harvilla
Whether AI belongs in music
AI-music practitioners
Practitioners say backlash against AI resembles earlier objections to synthesizers and sampling.
Rob Harvilla
Harvilla rejects the comparison, arguing that synthesizers and samplers still require human creativity.
Whether AI expands access
AI-music practitioners
Practitioners say AI can help new voices make music.
Rob Harvilla
Harvilla says companies such as Suno do not level the playing field for untrained voices.
Fuck that shit.
This story does not have a timeline yet.
- Writer
- Rob Harvilla
- AI music company cited
- Suno
- Music duo cited
- Two Shell
- Column date stated in article
- April 23, 2022
Sources
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