You vs the Robots: Why Sonic Identity and Narrative Will Matter More Than Ever
In an era of AI-generated music, how can human artists stand out? Read about why developing a unique sonic identity and compelling narrative is essential for connecting with fans.
The landscape of music creation is undeniably changing. With access to powerful AI tools like Suno, which can generate full songs in less than a minute from simple text prompts, the barrier to entry for music production has dropped significantly. While there’s plenty to discuss regarding this new technology's implications, it raises an important question for us human artists: in a world flooded with algorithmically generated music, how do we make ours stand out?
While generic, faceless AI music will likely have a place in some situations, I believe that music enthusiasts will still seek a connection with human artists; people enjoy being fans. To catch the fans’ attention, artists will need more than just "good" music, because AI will be capable of that as well (and much quicker). Building a unique sonic identity and creating a compelling story around your project will no longer be optional but necessary for lasting success.
The Power of a Unique Sonic Identity
There's great value in creating a sound that is instantly recognisable. An artist's sonic identity develops naturally, shaped by external influences and internal creative decisions. It’s influenced by the music you listen to and the culture you're exposed to, but is ultimately defined by traits refined through practice: a distinctive performance style, customised vocal processing chains, a preference for certain harmonic progressions, or specific rhythmic tendencies. It’s the result of numerous factors that, together, set you apart from everyone else.
As we produce more music, our sonic identity evolves. We can explore it, nurture it, and embrace the elements that make our sound stand out.
Your sonic identity isn't just about the tools you use; it's about how you use them. It's the bespoke nature of your drum programming, the way you warp a vocal sample, or the custom-designed texture of a pad. It might be the particular way you sing; how you enunciate words, the character that comes through in your voice, or certain melodic tendencies you have. These are the elements that are difficult for an algorithm to replicate with true fidelity because they stem from your individual artistic perspective and years of honing a craft, and they can become recognisable traits that fans love.
Beyond Sound: The Essential Role of Narrative
Beyond the purely sonic, the narrative surrounding an artist has always been a key factor. Why do you make music? What themes do you explore? What experiences inform your creative output? This story provides context, depth, and a human connection that music by itself, however well-produced, often lacks.
If we imagine an AI-dominated environment where compositions can emerge with no discernible human origin, your narrative becomes a vital differentiator. People connect with stories. They connect with authenticity, struggle, triumph, and personal expression. An artist's journey - their inspirations, their challenges, and the meaning in their work - adds much more depth to the music itself. This narrative transforms a collection of sounds into an experience and gives listeners a reason to invest their time, attention, and money.
The Human Advantage
While AI tools will undoubtedly continue to evolve, they are, at their core, tools. They can generate, combine, and process. While they might be able to fill up Spotify playlists, they cannot (at least for now) feel, experience, or imbue music with the profound, often inexplicable, nuances of human emotion and intent.
This is where the humans have the edge. Real artists, flaws and all, with a sharp sonic identity and a clear narrative, can create something that resonates not just aurally, but emotionally and intellectually. In a world where music can be effortlessly conjured by a machine, the human touch - your unique sound, your story, your authenticity - becomes your most valuable currency.
💬 How do you think about your own sonic identity? What are the key elements that make your music sound like you?
Well articulated! It becomes a really interesting exercise where your 'taste' becomes key - followed by the importance of being able to iterate so you can actually properly articulate the quality of your 'taste'.