A How-To Guide: Creating Music with AI Music Generators

Music has long been an integral component of human culture, and with technological advancement comes new opportunities. One recent trend in music creation is using generative AI l to produce original compositions quickly and with minimum effort. In this guide, we will discuss what generative AI is, and how to best utilize this tool in creating music.

What Is Generative AI? 

Generative AI is a subfield of artificial intelligence that uses algorithms to generate new data sets. In the case of music, generative AI is used to create new compositions by learning from existing music. It can also create entirely original melodies, harmonies, and rhythms.

AI music generators are software programs that use machine learning algorithms to analyze existing music. They create pieces based on patterns or structures they identify in them. They may create melodies, harmonies, or even entire songs depending on their capabilities.

How Do AI Music Generators Operate?

Most AI music software use machine learning models in their AI system. Common techniques used by AI generators include deep learning and neural networks.

Deep learning involves training an artificial music generator on a large dataset of existing music. The generator then analyzes the patterns and structures of the music to create new compositions.

Neural networks mimic how our brain works when creating music. They recognize patterns within pieces and generate compositions around these patterns.

Once trained, generative ai models can create new compositions based on various inputs. These may include parameters such as tempo, key, and genre. It can also be specific musical elements such as melodies, harmonies, and rhythms.

Soundful sources a wide range of sounds for its music. Our human-aided AI platform then uses these sounds to write and produce each song uniquely. Soundful enables users to download and use any track royalty-free, according to the user’s subscription tier. This provides our users with great flexibility.

A person using a keyboard and an AI music generator to create a new song.

How AI Music Generators Can Create Music

Utilizing AI music generators like Soundful to compose music is a relatively straightforward process that only involves a few basic steps. Here is an in-depth step-by-step guide on creating music:

Step One: Choose an AI Music Generator

There are numerous AI music generators on the market today, each offering different features and capabilities. 

You’ll want to take into account your desired genre and level of experience with music production before making a decision. Some generators may be tailored more toward beginners, while others offer advanced options.

With Soundful, any level of creator can begin creating unique tracks on their own within seconds. Soundful allows you to manipulate your tracks based on BPM and Key. You can also select from over 50+ templates (sub-genres) including “LoFi” and “EDM”.

Step 2: Input Parameters

Once you have decided on an AI music generator, the next step should be entering the parameters for your composition. These may include the tempo, key, and genre, as well as any specific musical elements such as melodies or rhythms.

Soundful’s AI generator has a user-friendly interface that allows you to input these parameters using sliders or dropdown menus. 

Step 3: Generate Music

Once your parameters have been entered, the next step should be creating your compositions with AI music generators. Most AI music generators should produce results quickly. Your composition should be ready usually within seconds to several minutes depending on the complexity of your composition and tool capabilities.

Once your music generator has composed a piece, you can listen to it. You can then make any adjustments needed to fine-tune your piece. Some generators allow for real-time editing while others require you to generate new compositions each time you make changes.

With Soundful, you can edit and re-generate a track as many times as you would like. You can also “create a similar” from one of your existing tracks. This is useful as it keeps the theme and feeling the same, but varies the composition.

Step Four: Export Your Composition

After you are satisfied with your composition, it’s time to export it. Most AI music generators allow you to export your composition as a MIDI file. After downloading the MIDI, you can then import it into a digital audio workstation (DAW) such as Ableton Live or Logic Pro.

Soundful allows for all tracks and loops to be exported as either an MP3, WAV, or as a STEM pack. The STEM pack includes the midi, mix+master, and stem.

You can make any final adjustments to the composition from there. You can also add additional instrumentation. Finally, mix and master the track to your liking. With Soundful, you can also upload and monetize it as is to your favorite platform depending on your subscription level!

A music producer using an AI music generator for a new album

Tips for Utilizing AI Music Generators

AI can be an extremely valuable way to save time and foster creativity. Here are a few tips to ensure you maximize its potential:

Experiment with different parameters: 

Don’t hesitate to experiment with various tempo, key, and genre settings in order to see how they affect its output. This experimentation can lead to new and unique compositions.

Combine AI-generated music with human musicianship: 

Consider using AI-generated music as a starting point and then adding additional instrumentation or melodies played by human musicians. This can add a layer of human creativity and emotion to the composition.

AI music generators should not be seen as replacements:

While AI may save time and encourage creativity, it should never replace human creativity. Instead, use them as tools that enhance your music production process.

AI music generation is an ever-evolving field, and new tools and techniques are constantly being created. Stay ahead of this dynamic field by constantly expanding your knowledge. Keep learning new tools and exploring existing ones to stay at the cutting edge.

Final Thoughts 

AI music generators are a powerful tool for musicians and music producers looking to create new and high-quality compositions. AI music generators can save time and inspire creativity. They do this by using machine learning algorithms to analyze existing music and generate new compositions. With a few basic steps, anyone can use AI music generators to create their own original music.

As this technology continues to evolve, the possibilities for creating content are endless. So why not give it a try and see where your musical journey takes you?