bbc.com
AI-generated song wins AKB48 songwriting contest
In a televised competition, an AI trained on the style of composer Yasushi Akimoto beat Akimoto himself in a songwriting contest for AKB48's 67th single, with the AI-generated song "Omoide Scroll" winning by over 3,000 votes.
- What was the outcome of the AKB48 AI songwriting competition and its immediate implications?
- The AI-generated song "Omoide Scroll" won by 14,225 votes to 10,535 for Yasushi Akimoto's song. This resulted in the AI song becoming AKB48's 67th single, while Akimoto's was removed from YouTube. The result will be closely watched for impact on the music industry and charts.
- How was the AI trained, and what were the key differences between the AI-generated song and Akimoto's entry?
- Google's Gemini software trained on Akimoto's work (essays, vocabulary, songwriting) generated lyrics and chose the performer. Akimoto's "Cécile" was a Motown-inspired song about a girl's obsession with her friend, while the AI's "Omoide Scroll" was a modern lite-techno track about heartbreak in the digital age.
- What are the longer-term implications of this event for the music industry and Akimoto's views on the role of AI?
- The success of the AI-generated song challenges the role of human creativity in music, particularly concerning data mining and finding the 'maximum common denominator'. While Akimoto was initially disappointed, he acknowledged the AI song's quality, suggesting AI's growing influence on creative fields.
Cognitive Concepts
Framing Bias
The article presents a balanced view of the AI songwriting competition, detailing both the human composer's and the AI's contributions and perspectives. The headline accurately reflects the event. While the AI's victory is highlighted, the article also includes the human composer's reactions and commentary, providing a comprehensive picture.
Language Bias
The language used is largely neutral and objective. There is some use of descriptive adjectives (e.g., 'lite-techno', 'emotional storytelling'), but these are not overly subjective or loaded. The article avoids inflammatory or biased language.
Bias by Omission
The article could benefit from including details on the specific criteria used by fans to judge the songs. Information on the demographics of the voters might also add context. However, given the scope of the article, these omissions are not significantly misleading.
Sustainable Development Goals
The article directly addresses advancements in AI and its application in music creation. The successful use of AI in composing and producing a popular song showcases innovation in the music industry and its potential to transform creative processes. The integration of AI into the creative process highlights the potential of technology to enhance creative output and efficiency. The use of Google's Gemini software for training the AI composer is also relevant to technological innovation.