AI Cover Songs: Everything You Need To Know

· By Will Harken

AI Cover Songs: Everything You Need To Know

Welcome to the thrilling frontier of AI cover songs, where you can make any voice sound like your favorite artist.

As someone who's been on the front lines, creating AI-powered covers for musixy.ai and musicmadepro.com, I've tried A LOT of the tools out there. Vocal cloning is a canvas for creativity, allowing artists to push the boundaries of what's possible in terms of speed and quality.

If you're curious about how AI is changing the game or you're ready to take your musical talent to new heights, you're in the right place. Let's explore the ins and outs of AI cover songs together.

Ready to unleash the power of someone else’s voice?? Let's hit that high note together (sorry for the pun): Start your song with AI.

Want to skip around? Here’s an outline!

  • Reasons To Create AI Cover Songs
  • Top Tools To Make AI Cover Songs
  • Two Common Issues With AI Cover Songs
  • The Legality of AI Cover Vocals
  • Quick Summary + Getting Started
  •  

    Reasons To Create AI Cover Songs

    AI cover songs might seem like a gimmick at first glance, but there are ACTUALLY good reasons for them to exist. Here's why you might want to consider producing your very own AI-powered musical masterpiece:

    1. Explore the Fun Side of AI

    Music is about exploration and expression, and what better way to do that than by intertwining technology with creativity? AI cover songs provide a unique opportunity to experiment, even if you aren’t super skilled at music.

    It's a chance to push boundaries and see how AI can interpret and transform your favorite songs into something new. Whether you're a bedroom producer or a shower singer, AI gives you a playground to explore music in ways that were once relegated to the realm of imagination.

    It's true that many AI covers don't quite capture the essence of having the original artist perform the song with their unique musicality. However, they do provide a glimpse into an alternate musical universe where anything is possible, and any voice can take on any song.

    2. Go Viral with Minimal Effort

    Let's face it, creating buzz on social media often requires something novel, catchy, or downright quirky. AI cover songs hit all those notes. 

    With minimal effort, you can create a track that has the potential to go viral. It's not just about singing a song; it's about giving your audience a 'wow' moment as they hear a familiar tune in an entirely new way. 

    Plus, with platforms like YouTube brimming with cover songs, an AI twist can give you that edge to stand out from the crowd. Then again, that might only last for so long.

    3. Promote AI Creativity and Earn

    If you have a knack for spotting tech trends and monetizing them, AI cover songs can be a lucrative avenue.

    By creating and promoting AI cover songs, you can affiliate with AI cover creators like Voicify. It's a win-win: you get to be part of an innovative musical movement while potentially earning affiliate revenue. 

    As you showcase the possibilities of AI music, you become a trailblazer, guiding others to these tools and benefiting from their curiosity and creativity.

    Voicify Affiliate Sales

    4. Understanding the Real Limitations

    Creating AI cover songs isn't just about the end product. 

    It's also about understanding the current limitations of AI in music. By engaging with AI music creation, you gain a deeper appreciation for the nuances of human performance and composition that AI has yet to master. 

    This knowledge is invaluable, not only for developing a critical ear but also for appreciating the irreplaceable quality of human creativity in music.

    AI cover songs are more than a novelty; they're a statement about where we are in the timeline of music and technology. 

    Whether you're in it for the fun, the fame, or the finance, AI cover songs are a fascinating addition to any musician's repertoire. And remember, as technology advances, so too will the quality and authenticity of these AI-driven tunes. 

    Who knows - Maybe one day, they'll be indistinguishable from the real thing.


    Top Tools To Make AI Cover Songs

    If you’re looking to dip your toes into the world of AI cover songs, here are the top four tools that will help you channel your inner music producer and create some truly unique covers. Some of these links are affiliate links, because I like money.

    1. Lalal.ai

    Lalal.ai offers a crisp and intuitive platform for extracting vocals and instruments from any audio track. This tool is a game-changer for creating cover songs as it allows you to isolate vocals and then replace them with AI-generated ones. The process is straightforward and the results are impressively clean, making it an ideal choice for both beginners and seasoned producers looking to experiment with AI music.

    2. Kits.ai

    For those who crave more technical control, Kits.ai provides a more hands-on approach. This platform lets you tweak and fine-tune the AI to your preferences, offering a more tailored experience. Whether you're looking to generate unique instrumental backdrops or rework existing tracks, Kits.ai gives you the tools to bring your creative visions to life.

    3. Covers.ai

    At Covers.ai, you’ll find a user-friendly interface that simplifies the process of creating AI-assisted cover songs. This platform specializes in transforming your voice to sound like popular artists or creating instrumental versions of your favorite tracks. It’s perfect for those who want to quickly produce covers without getting bogged down in the technicalities.

    4. Voicify (My Pick)

    My top recommendation, Voicify, stands out for its commitment to quality and user experience. Voicify's powerful AI algorithms are designed to deliver high-quality vocal transformations, making it possible for your covers to have the voice of famous singers. Their focus on refining their product means you’re likely to get the best possible outcome for your AI cover songs.

    Working with Music Made Pro

    While these tools are excellent for DIY projects, sometimes you might want a professional touch. That’s where Music Made Pro comes in. If you want expert help in crafting your AI cover song, our team is ready to take your vision and elevate it to a higher level. Tell us what you need, and we'll handle the rest – ensuring that your cover not only sounds great but also retains the essence of the original piece.

     Start Your Song

    Two Common Issues With AI Cover Songs

    Creating an AI cover song can seem like a walk in the park with today's technology, but there are a couple of stumbling blocks that are worth noting. Here's a rundown of the two most common issues you might encounter and some tips on how to navigate them.

    Vocal Clarity in AI Covers

    The first hurdle is ensuring that the AI-generated vocals are clear and free from glitches or artifacting. Tools like Voicify are great at swapping out the lead vocal for an AI-generated voice, but sometimes this process can introduce unwanted noise or distortions, especially in tracks with complex arrangements or multiple vocal layers.

    To avoid this, having the AI generate multiple takes and selecting the best one (also called “comping”) is key. But even then, you might need to do some more manual work.

    Post-processing in a DAW (Digital Audio Workstation) like Reaper or Ableton can also help iron out any kinks in the AI vocals. This can include EQing, Compression, FX, and AI Noise Removal.

    You may also need to adjust the input vocals to sound closer to the original artist. It involves tweaking your singing style or even hiring a singer who can mimic the vocal nuances of the original track. 

    If all this sounds daunting, I’d love to help you smooth out the rough edges.

    The Backing Track Conundrum

    The second issue is creating a new backing track that complements the AI vocals, especially if you're looking for something that aligns with the chords of the original song. Currently, there's no automatic way to generate a full backing track based on chord input, so you might need to collaborate with a music producer to achieve this.

    A creative workaround is using instrumental tracks from cover bands or sound-alike groups. These can provide a unique backdrop for your AI vocals, like those jazzy 1920s-style covers from Postmodern Jukebox. Just make sure to credit the creators properly.

    While tools like Soundraw.io offer some assistance in creating backing tracks, their lack of chord selection can make them hit or miss for cover song projects. Until AI advances enough to write entirely new accompaniments in the artist's style, the onus is on human creativity.

    Looking Ahead

    The future is promising, with AI's potential to create full backing tracks tailored to an artist's style. Imagine a world where Frank Sinatra could cover Billie Eilish with a completely reimagined backing track. But for now, that level of creativity is still a human endeavor.

    AI cover songs are a testament to the incredible leaps in technology, but they still need a human touch to truly shine. 

    Whether it's refining vocals or crafting a backing track, a blend of AI efficiency and human artistry is essential for making a good song right now. If you're looking to create a cover that stands out, consider enlisting my help right here, where I blend the best of both worlds to create something truly special.

    If you're diving into the production side of things, check out Reaper for a robust free DAW, or explore the features of Ableton (what I use) with their free trial for a more premium experience.

     

    When it comes to AI-generated cover vocals, we're navigating through uncharted legal territory, much like the emergence of deepfakes. The question of whether it's lawful and ethical to use someone's likeness – or, in this case, their vocal identity – without permission is complex and largely unsettled.

    Best Practices for Using AI Vocals

    At present, AI vocals occupy a legally ambiguous space. While no concrete laws govern the use of AI to replicate a singer's voice, there's a clear line when it comes to misrepresentation. 

    Claiming or insinuating that a celebrity directly participated in your project when they did not could land you in legal hot water.

    For those eager to incorporate AI vocals into their work, caution is key. Here are a couple of safer approaches:

    1. Use for Personal or Educational Projects: Keep AI vocals within the realm of personal enjoyment or academic exploration to sidestep potential legal issues.
    2. Clear Labeling: If you're set on releasing content publicly, steer clear of using the AI singer's name outright. Or use qualifiers like "AI-generated version of [Artist's Name]" or "[Artist's Name] Soundalike" to maintain transparency and avoid misleading your audience.

    A.I. Ed Sheeran

    The Music Industry & Spotify’s Stance on AI

    The recent removal of primary voice models from platforms like Voicify likely signals pressure from music industry giants. 

    Music Business Worldwide article points to the industry's growing discontent with AI vocal cloning, especially when it circumvents traditional royalties and permissions. 

    However, the same technology provides artists with increased exposure through user-generated content, complicating the debate.

    As per recent statements by Spotify CEO Daniel Ek, the platform does not plan to ban AI music outright but is taking a firm stance against soundalike tracks that could mislead listeners. If you're considering uploading AI-generated music to Spotify, it's prudent to avoid mentioning the AI artist's name to prevent potential takedowns.

    Even with the pressure, and the inevitable court cases that will set a precedent, I think it's likely AI cover songs and AI vocals are here to stay.

    AI cover vocals present an exciting frontier for musicians and creators. Even though they bring a host of legal and ethical considerations that are still evolving.

     

    Quick Summary + Getting Started

    AI cover songs open up a whole new world of musical creativity, and these tools are your ticket in. Whether you're looking to create something for social media, a personal project, or even commercial use, the right tool can make all the difference.

    Ready to give Voicify a try or reach out to me for help? Get ready to unleash your creativity and see where AI can take your music.

    0 comments

    Leave a comment