As I am backpacking my way across Europe, I already knew I was going to be walking into museums that held names as internationally known as Picasso, Van Gogh, Mucha, and so on. But the one artist that I have been waiting years to see, and was now finally able to see, was Banksy. The forever unknown street artist that has now become a household name. Initially being seen as a loiter and trespassing graffiti bollock, Banksy has used his art to create and provoke thought into those that are lucky enough to see his work. I remember the day I fell in love with his art truly was when I learned he was traveling to places around the world that no one would dare go to, just to spread a message. When Banksy went to the Gaza Strip and turned the destruction into art, or when Banksy started mocking the government unapologetically to prove his point. 
So, here I am, after years of waiting to see Banksy, on my journey abroad I was lucky enough to not only see one or two pieces of his, but well over a hundred in his own exhibit. Pieces collected over the years from museums, and private collectors; which Banksy actually opposes. These pieces have me literally questioning my whole life. They have me thinking maybe I could reach my purpose through a different method and reach the minds and souls of millions. Banksy has redone and mocked pieces from fellow artists like Warhol and has made them his own. He has mocked political figures, made them more personal, and has even turned religious figures into what some would call a joke. 
I love him for this, I think Banksy is not meant to be enjoyed by everyone. Only those who understand his humor and his message. Only those who are meant to rebel in this world and see it for what it truly is, trash. Banksy has showed me that past this trash of a world we live in, we can get some sick twisted beauty out of it. So Banksy, whoever you are, wherever you are; I thank you. For you may never be my favorite artist, thank Basquiat for that one, you will always be up there. I hope you continue to break the standards of society and keep redefining what art is supposed to be. And as auctioneers keep giving your pieces away for top dollar to those who can hardly say your name, let alone understand your work -- I hope you never sell yourself to the fame, glory and money. 
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StableDiffusion
The Illusion of Creativity
AI-generated music is often marketed as “artistic” or “educational.” But what does it really teach?
- That style can be replicated without understanding.
- That emotion can be simulated without feeling.
- That effort can be bypassed with a prompt.
For young creators, this sets a dangerous precedent. Why learn to play guitar when an algorithm can do it faster? Why study harmony when AI can generate chord progressions in seconds? The risk isn’t just laziness — it’s the loss of depth, discipline, and the tactile joy of creation.
I have listened to several AI-generated music covers. My initial reaction was one of considerable impressiveness, particularly regarding the reimagining of classic pop hits in diverse genres with novel arrangements. Here is one good example a-ha — Take On Me
However, after engaging with several such Ai generated song covers, a sense of emotional detachment emerged, attributable to the perceived absence of human artistry and genuine sentiment, resulting in a technically flawless yet ultimately soulless auditory experience.
Copyright in Crisis
What does the copyright law say about AI generated music, especially in field of music covers. Who is liable for copyright in this case, AI developers, people who used AI to generate music or people who published it on music platforms?
Recent lawsuits show that the music industry is pushing back hard:
- Universal, Sony, and Warner sued AI music platforms Suno and Udio in 2024 for allegedly training their models on copyrighted songs without permission Ars Technica The Lyon Firm.
- They’re seeking up to $150,000 per infringed song, arguing that the AI outputs resemble famous tracks and voices (e.g., Mariah Carey, Michael Jackson).
- These lawsuits target the developers of the AI tools — but they raise broader questions:The legal gray area is training data. Courts haven’t yet ruled definitively on whether using copyrighted songs to train AI counts as infringement or fair use Sites at USC.
But who’s liable?
Role | Legal Risk | Why |
AI Developers | ✅ High | For training on copyrighted material without licenses. |
Users | ⚠️ Moderate | If they intentionally recreate protected works. |
Publishers/Platforms | ✅ High | For distributing infringing content. |
The grey area lies in training data. Courts haven’t yet ruled definitively on whether using copyrighted songs to train AI counts as infringement or fair use. Meanwhile, AI-generated works themselves aren’t eligible for copyright unless a human provides substantial creative input — leaving them in legal limbo.
The Educational Mirage
Some argue that AI music helps people learn genres, production styles, or vocal techniques. But this “education” often lacks context. It’s like learning to paint by watching a printer — technically impressive, but creatively hollow.
True musical education involves:
- Struggle and iteration: Learning through mistakes.
- Emotional connection: Expressing what words can’t.
- Cultural lineage: Understanding the roots of sound.
AI shortcuts bypass all of this. And in doing so, they risk flattening the rich terrain of human creativity into a sterile landscape of algorithmic mimicry.
Why This Fight Matters
This isn’t just about music. It’s about the future of art, storytelling, and human expression. If we allow machines to dominate creative spaces, we risk turning culture into content — optimized, monetized, and devoid of soul.
We must ask: Do we want a world where art is made by machines, or one where machines help humans make better art?
5 Key Takeaways
- AI-generated music blurs the line between innovation and erosion in the creative arts
- AI-generated music raises questions about copyright, culture, education, and artistic expression
- AI-generated music can replicate style without understanding, simulate emotion without feeling, and bypass effort with a prompt
- AI-generated music sets a dangerous precedent for young creators by potentially leading to a loss of depth, discipline, and joy of creation
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