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One of the biggest conversations happening in music right now is around AI. With tools now capable of generating songs, recreating voices and producing tracks in seconds, it’s easy to wonder what this means for the future of artists, producers and songwriters.
So, let’s take a closer look at what AI really means for the future of the music industry – and what it means for you if you’re thinking about pursuing a career in music.
Can listeners tell the difference between AI and human-created music?
The honest answer is not always.
A 2025 study by Deezer and Ipsos found that 97% of listeners couldn’t reliably distinguish between AI-generated and human-created music in a blind listening test. That might sound surprising, but it doesn’t necessarily mean listeners want more AI-generated music.
The same research found that 80% of listeners believe AI-generated music should be clearly labelled, highlighting that transparency still matters to audiences. That’s reflected in the wider music industry too. Streaming platforms are increasingly introducing measures to identify AI-generated content and improve transparency. Deezer now tags AI-generated tracks, excludes many from personalised recommendations and has introduced measures to tackle AI-generated streaming fraud in an effort to protect genuine artists and their earnings.
Will AI replace musicians?
As AI becomes more common across the music industry, many aspiring artists are wondering what it means for their future. While nobody can predict exactly how AI will develop or what it will be capable of in years to come, it’s unlikely to replace the qualities that make artists successful in the first place.
Building a career in music has never been about simply creating songs. It’s about creating work that resonates with people. While technology can support parts of the creative process, it can’t replace the experiences, perspective and artistic voice that shape an artist’s work.
Think about your favourite artist. Chances are you don’t just enjoy their music in isolation. You follow their journey, watch interviews, see them perform live or connect with the stories behind their songs. Put simply, people don’t become lifelong fans because of a single hit (they don’t call them one-hit wonders for nothing). They become fans because they relate to an artist’s story, personality and creative journey. Live performances, interviews and behind-the-scenes moments all help create emotional connections that extend far beyond the music itself.
Building a music career in the age of AI
Ironically, as AI makes creating music more accessible, authentic artists are becoming even more valuable.
Releasing great music is still essential, but there’s more to it. Audiences now want to know who they’re listening to. That’s why building your identity as an artist is becoming just as important as developing your technical skills.
For independent artists, that could mean documenting your creative process, collaborating with other musicians, performing regularly, sharing the inspiration behind your songs or simply showing more of your personality online.
At the same time, understanding how new technology fits into modern music-making will become an increasingly valuable skill. Learn what it can help with, experiment with new tools and think critically about where your own creativity adds the most value.
What should aspiring musicians focus on?
Rather than worrying about what AI might be capable of next, focus on developing the qualities that technology can’t replicate.
1. Develop your own sound
AI learns from existing material. But your experiences, influences and creative perspective are uniquely your own. The more confident you become in your artistic voice, the more distinctive your music will become.
2. Build your personal brand
Whether you’re performing live, sharing your creative process or building an online community, helping people understand who you are and what you stand for is becoming an increasingly important part of building a successful career.
3. Learn the business as well as the music
Understanding marketing, branding, copyright, royalties and audience development can be just as valuable as writing great songs, particularly if you’re planning to release music independently.
4. Stay curious
The music industry has always evolved – and it always will. The artists who thrive tend to be those who embrace new opportunities, continue learning and adapt to change without losing sight of what makes them unique.
Ready to build your career in music?
Whether you’re interested in releasing your own music, producing for other artists or building a career in the wider music industry, LCCM’s Commercial Music course combines practical learning with real industry insight. You’ll develop your creative voice, collaborate with like-minded musicians and gain the skills needed to build a career in an industry that’s constantly evolving.
