| On this almost autumn night, I sit and write on my now favorite swing. It's the audience to a fountain with water, overlooking an enormous and calming white moon. I am not alone, God is here. I can feel it. Bible in lap, I intended to read, but somehow I can't focus on anything but my distractions. My mind is being pulled in a million different directions from "if I should of stayed to help paint to backdrop for the upcoming musical" and "I have a 8:00 a.m. New Testament class, I really need to get back and prepare for bed." And yet, I stay. I can't get up from this moment of complete stillness, where no one can see me. And no one knows what I'm about. I think back on the times I’ve been on this very swing… Freshman year, on a summer afternoon, I came here with some friends, now acquaintances as time has gone by. We were young and clueless on life and the years to come. “Who would we be as seniors?” we wondered. Now, I know. That memory fades into another… It comes back to me all at once- I was on this swing 2 years ago at about this time of the year. I had been talking to a boy about our future and what we desired out of life. How we would build a life together and create a world of music and happiness for each other. He kissed me on the cheek like a promise for a future. This boy, now is most likely preparing to propose to his longtime girlfriend he's so deeply in love with. I smile to myself, knowing he found his dream within another person. All he ever wanted was love…Truly, I am more than happy for him. However, I’m still here. On this swing with God. Another memory comes quickly- I was on this swing 6 months ago on a cold winter night with my roommate. She was preparing for her wedding in May and I was in repair from a broken heart, trembling in fear to ever open up again. She held me as I cried and encouraged me to try and love again- to not be afraid. Mending my brokenness, we were on this swing. She, whom I adore so much, is now happily married having everything she's ever wanted with the only person she's ever been with. I go back to the night of her showing me love. Showing me that it will all be okay... on this swing. Here I am again. On this very swing, alone from anyone. It seems sometimes everyone around me has a constant moving life, from one big motion to the next, quickly growing into who they have always wanted to be. And I…sit here to swing, admiring the street lamps reflect off the water, wondering what will ever become of me in this life I forget to take advantage of more than often- Wondering how far, if I've come far at all, in the past 4 years of my college life. As my thoughts flood over everything I have inside, memories and distractions, a sweet whisper of serenity speaks into my ear, "See the moon." How beautiful and isolating it can make someone feel. "Think of Me as the moon. Still and here with you. Looking right back into you saying “Focus on me. I see your distractions in life. I see your distractions now. I see the moving trees and falling leaves, like memories pulling your gaze away from my plan. I hear each droplet falling into the pond drawing your attention away, and I know each car that drives by to distract you from solely Looking. At. Me... Focus.” I am continuously distracted by the events in other's lives and the progress they make within each and every day. I stray from my lane and look to another’s and think “What about me? What do I have to show?” Sometimes I think nothing. I haven’t the same friends, or relationships of the past characters in my "still in the making" life story. Am I falling behind on my path? Dear God, she is married and he is almost engaged. They are still friends, closer than ever. They are on track. I do not compare. Then, when things become too overwhelming to breathe on the thoughts I put myself through, I have moments like this. Quiet and peaceful. Where God says “See me as the moon-Focus on me and where I'm taking you. This path is not anyone's, but yours and I have a plan. These distractions are not significant; so do not make them what they are not. Journey, Focus on Me”. And so I swing… and remember, my path is unlike any other. I trust You and Your plan. |
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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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