It seems that lately, the world has been losing many iconic figures who have touched the lives of others through their music or dance. We all know that no one moved finer than the king. It’s hard to believe but Michael Jackson would be turning 58 this year and in the world of dance music, MJ is at the top of being one of the great movers, shakers, and moonwalkers. What was it about the man that helped shape so much of our culture and invite us into a world of escapism through his passion filled dancing and song. Maybe it was his gravity lean in “Smooth Criminal” or when he stunned us all at the Motown 25th anniversary special where the world would first see his iconic moonwalk while performing “Billie Jean”. Jackson himself can best be described as an instrument of nature. Not only with his soulful voice but also the way in which he conveyed emotion. If there was a driving bass he became it, if there was a soothing clarinet in the background he became that too. In an interview Michael Jackson was asked what’s the biggest mistake a dancer could make and very simply he replied, “Not thinking, thinking is the biggest mistake a dancer can make. You have to feel." Every move was a vision in Jackson’s mind and he knew all the tricks of the trade when it came to giving people a show they would never ever forget. Michael Jackson became the physical embodiment of the music and showed the world that being a perfectionist is something he has always strived for and doesn’t come easy. Just ask those who were inspired by him. The young rappers, the young pop artists, the Beyoncé’s and Timberlake’s who all have voiced their admiration for the king. In his short time on earth Michael Jackson broke down the barriers for what an artist is capable of doing and gave us a lifetime of music and dance that will be passed down to generations to come. His vision and dream brought the excitement and joy to young dancers and singers. His voice and moves spanned across all age groups and still continue to send shock waves across the globe.
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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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