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The Song of Algorithms, the Discord of Humans
A palpable tension had been building for months behind the scenes of streaming platforms. The question was no longer whether AI could compose melodies, but whether it should entirely substitute them for human ingenuity. For thousands of artists, whether emerging young talents or experienced musicians struggling to make ends meet, this wave of synthetic music felt like a silent tsunami, threatening to drown their work. Deezer had already unveiled its position a few days prior, and Qobuz, renowned for its uncompromising audio fidelity and deep commitment to creators, followed suit. Its message is unequivocal: purely algorithmic compositions have no place on its platform. Clearly, Qobuz is now positioning itself as a bulwark against anything that could dilute the essence of music. The platform loudly advocates a “human-centric” approach, a credo that makes perfect sense in an industry where the race for clicks and quantity often overshadows quality and authenticity. In its blog post, the company makes no apologies in describing these soulless creations, calling them:
“Sound without context and noise without soul.”
This is a slap in the face for those who see AI as merely a hit-making machine with no regard for impact. For Sophie, a young independent composer who spends nights refining her arrangements, this decision is not just symbolic. It’s a breath of fresh air, a tangible recognition of the craftsmanship, emotion, and lived experience hidden behind every melody.
When AI Disrupts the Music Economy’s Score
So, what exactly did this tide of machine-made music imply for the ecosystem? For emerging talents, it meant guaranteed invisibility. Imagine a young artist like Alex, who just released their first EP after years of hard work. Their meager income, already under constant pressure in a complex streaming model, would risk evaporating in the face of a deluge of tracks with no production costs, generated endlessly. And for us, listeners? The hunt for human gems became a real nightmare; trust in curation and music discovery eroded. It’s a bit like looking for a needle in a digital haystack, but where the needle is a real instrument vibrating with emotion and the haystack is infinite, impersonal artificial synthesizers. Unexpected plot twist, right? The impact, moreover, extends far beyond the individual artist. The entire music production and distribution chain, from labels to distributors, including valuable rights holders, is threatened by increasing fraud. Bots are already at work artificially boosting streams of AI tracks, creating false trends and siphoning off royalties. Projections are dizzying: by 2028, experts estimate that 20% of streaming revenues could be seized by these fake tracks. It’s like Thanos snapping his fingers for the music economy, threatening to wipe out a colossal portion of the industry’s value. And boom. Money that should go to creators would evaporate into cyberspace.
✅ AI in Service of Creation
⚠️ AI as a Creative Substitute
Qobuz’s Anti-Algorithm Shield
In the face of this clear observation, Qobuz is not standing idly by. Aware of its limited resources compared to the industry’s tech giants, the company is banking on collaboration and ingenuity. Industry partnerships are emerging, notably with Deezer, which announced its intention to share its detection technology, claiming to identify these illicit contents with a stunning 99.9% accuracy. Clearly, unity makes strength in defending the integrity of musical art. But wait, there’s more. The editorial team of Qobuz’s magazine, an institution for music lovers seeking in-depth content, will remain 100% human. No more soulless automated recommendations on the “Discover” page or in editorials. This meticulous curation guarantees listeners direct contact with works conceived, performed, and felt by humans. And for fraudsters? Fake streams, often generated by bots to artificially inflate listening figures and maximize illegitimate revenue, will no longer count towards royalties. According to Deezer’s latest data, over 80% of AI-generated music streams come from these automatons. An unexpected plot twist for opportunists, who will see their schemes collapse.
What Music Do We Want to Listen to Tomorrow?
Ultimately, it’s not just a question of technology or business; it’s a question of fundamental values. How do we want tomorrow’s music to be produced, shared, valued, and compensated? Do we desire a uniform, generic, and dehumanized soundscape, or a vibrant, diverse artistic richness deeply rooted in human experience? Qobuz’s bold move forces reflection, inviting us to ponder the soul of music. And you, on what score are you playing for the future of creation?
Frequently Asked Questions
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About the author: Fascinated by the technologies of tomorrow, I'm Mickaël Rigaud, your guide to the world of Artificial Intelligence. On my website, iactualite.info, I decipher the innovations shaping our future. Join me to explore the latest AI trends!
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