Remember when companies thought the internet was just a phase? Like, “Sure, Brenda in accounting can handle the website between filing TPS reports and making coffee!” Yeah, that didn’t last. Soon, every business needed a Webmaster. Then a Social Media Manager. And now? Welcome to the era of AI Overlords (and the people who feed them prompts).
AI isn’t just coming—it’s basically moving into your brain rent-free, and the music industry is first in line for the remodel. Here’s how your future Spotify playlist might be made by robots, curated by holograms, and sung by digital avatars who never ask for a green room with all-blue M&Ms.
1. Music Designer (Not “Songwriter” Anymore, Sorry)
Remember when synthesizers were accused of “killing real music”? Well, AI just threw the whole funeral. Companies like Hallwood Media (run by a former Geffen exec) are signing artists like Imoliver—a “music designer” who uses AI platforms like Suno to crank out whole albums without ever touching a guitar 6. Is it art? Is it slop? Is it both? The debate is hotter than a vinyl record left in the sun.
Why it matters: Labels love this. Why deal with diva behavior when an AI never shows up late to the studio? Music designers are the new rockstars—except they probably wear VR headsets instead of leather pants.
2. Virtual Pop Star Creator
Move over, Gorillaz. AI-generated bands are here, and they’re never getting canceled. Germany’s Ben Gaya is one example—an AI singer with an Instagram bio that says he’s “designed with state-of-the-art technology and a deep love for all things musical” (so, basically, he’s ChatGPT with autotune). These virtual stars don’t do drugs, don’t date badly, and—most importantly—don’t demand profit sharing 6.
Why it matters: Record labels are already experimenting with AI acts. Who needs Bieber when you can engineer BieberBot 3000?
3. AI Voice Agent
RIP voice actors? Maybe. AI can now clone voices so well that some producers are already using them illegally. But there’s a new job emerging: AI voice agents, who broker deals for celebrities to license their digital vocal twins. Think: Morgan Freeman narrating your audiobook without ever leaving his couch 6.
Why it matters: If your favorite artist dies, their estate can keep dropping new tracks forever. Elvis hologram tour, anyone?
4. Hologram Specialist
ABBA’s “Voyage” show in London made millions using holograms of the band—while the members are still alive. Why tour at 75 when you can put your motion-captured avatar on stage forever? Hologram experts are about to be in higher demand than guitar techs 6.
Why it matters: Soon, your favorite legacy act might be performed by lasers. And no, you won’t get your lighter out—you’ll wave your phone instead.
So…Is This the End of Music?
Kinda? But also—new jobs! New tech! New ways to make art without actually knowing how to play the tambourine! The music industry is embracing AI faster than you can say “auto-generated Drake diss track.”
Love it or hate it, the future is here. And it doesn’t need a bathroom break.
SO: AI is changing music forever. Songwriters are now “music designers,” virtual pop stars are replacing human ones, and your favorite singer’s voice might be licensed like a Netflix subscription. Also, holograms. So many holograms.