Anyone can remix a song using AI, but should they?

Why should we use AI to remix songs?

Whether you should or should not use AI depends on the process.

If someone gives you a one-click button to do all the work, it's the algorithm remixing the song, not you. These sites exist and you can check out the online remix app Fadr for example. But it's no surprise that they don't remix well. You'll be left with a generic and boring track. The first time was fun, but not very satisfying.

On the other hand, you can absolutely use AI along with your own music production methods to create something unique. This puts humans at the center of the music production process, not machines.

A quick example is to take the instruments and separate them from the audio file, also known as separating the stem. This is a time-consuming task that is more technical than creative, and people have been trying to automate this process for decades. In that case, why not use AI to improve this task?

Creative ways to use AI song remix tools

You should use AI to remix your songs, as long as it assists you in creating music and doesn't replace the entire creative process! Below you can find key areas where AI makes a positive difference, along with links to various AI music tools reviewed over the years.

Separate the stem

Separating the stem is out of the question. A standard technique for creating remixes, we've been using plugins to get the job done for years now. AI has helped power this technology further, creating cleaner stems from even the most complex mixes. Now, live stem splitting brings a lot of fun, bringing a new breeze to DJ performances.

If you want to separate different instruments on a track, try Vocal Remover ( https://vocalremover.org/ ). This is an easy-to-use app with no download required, you can try the AI-powered stem separation tool for free in your Internet browser.

Beat

In 2024, Logic Pro added some new AI code to its Drummer software, a feature that has been around for over a decade. The intelligent operation of Logic Pro's latest AI-powered Drummer is a great place to start remixing a track, but of course, there are plenty of people who want to dig into the controls and fine-tune the output. This might be the same.

Not everyone can hire musicians or buy drums, but with a little help from AI, you can still get started.

AI voice

AI has been used to copy the voices of famous musicians without permission, leading to AI-generated deepfake music and giving AI voice tools a bad name. But don't let that ruin the reputation of the good music production tools out there.

One example is Vocaloid 6, which has been carefully developed over many years to provide one of the best virtual instruments for voices. If you're looking for positive ways to use AI in music, this is one of them. The company worked closely with artists to create their vocal profiles, presumably by gaining consent and paying them for their creative work.

Plugins

Third-party FX plugins with AI integration are an area that is starting to grow. Independent developers and communities are absorbing open source AI models available in the public domain and turning that knowledge into creative effects for music production.

There are plenty of free AI music plugins worth checking out, from creative audio filtering to classical emulators and complex instrument modeling. There will be something for everyone.

Mastering

Often, the cost of mastering a track puts this service out of reach for those looking to start producing music. Mastering is the final process in music production, after recording, mixing and editing. It includes the stages of fine-tuning, adjusting and optimizing the sound of a recording to achieve the best quality and compatibility across a variety of music playback systems. AI tools can level the playing field for those new to remixing. You can use the AI ​​service for subscriptions or by paying a one-time fee per track, which is mostly affordable on a limited budget.

There are a number of ways you can integrate AI into music remixing and still create a track that is largely human-made. It's worth giving AI a chance, especially in the areas the article mentioned, whether it's creative audio plugins or helping you make your mixes a little more professional.

Isabella Humphrey

Update 24 July 2024