Google DeepMind and YouTube show off their "Music AI Sandbox"

May 16

	The "Music AI Sandbox" is a suite of tools designed to assist musicians in creating music in new ways. This project is a collaboration between Google’s AI division DeepMind and YouTube. The launch featured demos from musicians like Wyclef Jean, Justin Tranter, and Marc Rebillet. The introductory video reveals an interface similar to other AI music tools, driven by text prompts (including options to exclude certain sounds) and allowing users to input lyrics and specific chords. The model's output can be extended and enhanced. The musicians involved are enthusiastic. Wyclef Jean described the experience as exploring an "infinite crate" of ideas. Marc Rebillet likened it to having a friend suggesting new possibilities. Justin Tranter highlighted the tool's potential to help songwriters realize their visions. The pitch emphasizes that Music AI Sandbox is a tool for professional musicians, not a replacement, with human creativity remaining central to the process. This aligns with the music industry’s hopes for such technology, though it raises concerns for some industry segments. For instance, if the tool is made available to all YouTubers for creating video soundtracks, it could compete with platforms that license commercial music. The promotional video and blog post do not address what music was used to train the model behind Music AI Sandbox. However, YouTube has collaborated with Universal Music Group on the "Music AI Incubator," suggesting that the training approach is endorsed by the major label, known for its strict stance on permission, licensing, and payment. Despite this, Billboard reported in January that Google DeepMind had trained its model on copyrighted music and was attempting to secure deals post-training. As Music AI Sandbox becomes more widely available, clarity on these matters will be crucial. Beyond music, Google’s I/O event highlighted other AI advancements. One notable announcement is Veo, a text-to-video AI capable of generating 1080p videos, currently being tested by filmmakers and creators. This tool, like others, is pitched as an aid rather than a replacement. For those in SEO, Google’s application of its Gemini AI model to search is significant. AI is poised to revolutionize how people search for and discover content online, impacting how marketers ensure their content stands out. Source: www.musically.com