Google Invents Music AI Tool That Can Generate Any Genre Just From Text
While ChatGPT makes its rounds on the internet as the new “it” artificial intelligence model, it appears Google has been keeping an even more impressive algorithm under wraps.
The technology giant recently published research on MusicLM, a new system that generates music in any genre just from a simple text description.
Of course, this isn’t the first AI music generator on the scene. As per TechCrunch, Google previously attempted the feat with AudioML, and ChatGPT’s parent firm OpenAI has tried to take on the challenge with Jukebox.
What sets MusicLM apart, however, is its extensive training database comprising 280,000 hours of music.
According to Engadget, this allows the system to produce tracks with impressive “variety and depth,” combining genres and instruments while piecing tunes together using abstract concepts that systems usually can’t grasp.
Google Research's text-to-music AI.
— ØLIPRA (@olipramusic) January 27, 2023
that’s it that’s the tweet pic.twitter.com/wuKg6F2vZ2
For example, as per the tech publication, inputs can be as vague as telling the algorithm you want a mesh between dance music and reggaeton with a “spacey, otherworldly” vibe that can bring about “a sense of wonder and awe.”
In addition, MusicLM can even come up with tracks based on a person humming a tune, whistling, or just from a description of a painting.
For example, researchers created tunes out of descriptions of Henri Matisse’s Dance, The Scream by Edvard Munch, and Napoleon Crossing the Alps by Jacques-Louis David.
There’s even a ‘story mode’ where several descriptions can be stitched together to form a complete set or soundtrack.
Of course, not all the tunes it generates are Billboard-worthy. Some may not sound as polished or have muffled vocals in the background. Plus, as with all algorithms, songs can come out with repetitive elements that a human touch usually avoids.
Google's new music model MusicLM is the breakthrough of the week.
— Pete (@nonmayorpete) January 27, 2023
Here it is in action.
Just describe the music and it'll generate the track: pic.twitter.com/xAhzHfGnMH
It seems there’s still a long journey ahead for this impressive technology. Researchers at Google aren’t planning on releasing the toolkit any time soon, due to copyright concerns over the melodies used.
Perhaps, in the near future, AI could become the new forefront of music generation.
[via Engadget and TechCrunch, cover image via Michael Vi | Dreamstime.com]
