"Game-changing" new app generates music from text prompts
AI tool Udio has launched with the backing of musicians will.i.am and Common
A new AI tool which can generate music from text prompts has launched online.
Udio, which is currently in its beta testing phase, was developed by former researchers at artificial intelligence company Google DeepMind, who say its designed to make music creation "as easy as possible". It can generate a mastered track in under 40 seconds, according to a press statement.
"In just a few steps, users simply type a description of the music genre they want to make, provide the subject or personalised lyrics, and indicate artists that inspire," the team said. "Once a track has been created, users can further edit their creations through the app's 'remix' feature. This enables iteration on existing tracks through text descriptors, turning everyday creators into full-blown producers."
Udio has launched with heavy financial backing from Silicon Valley-based venture capital firm Andreessen Horowitz, while musicians such as will.i.am and Common have also added their financial support.
"This is a brand new renaissance and Udio is the tool for this era's creativity; with Udio you are able to pull songs into existence via AI and your imagination," will.i.am said in a statement.
Some have raised questions about Udio though, particularly with regards to how the AI used by the app was trained, and whether the copyright of musicians whose work might have been used in the training was respected. Others have described the app as soulless, saying it devalues the art of making music.
As Rolling Stone pointed out in their report on the tool: "There is substantial reason to believe that both Udio and [rival platform] Suno were trained on copyrighted music, without permission.”
Writing critically on X, electronic artist Telefon Tel Aviv said: "Oh wow, another group of music lovers making an app to replace musicians. Just curious, how did you source your training data? Care to share with the rest of us?"
Also taking to X, techno DJ and producer MATRiXMANN said: "Peeped some Udio rap and reggae AI music attempts. OMG that shit sounds like HOT garbage."
A recent study found that the majority of music fans believe that AI use should be restricted. Another study, carried out early last year, found that 60% of musicians are already using AI to make music though.
