Adobe reveals a GenAI tool for music

Numerous music editing and creation tools powered by GenAI are available, but Adobe aims to add its unique touch to the field.

Adobe Unveils Project Music GenAI Control

Today, at the Hot Pod Summit in Brooklyn, Adobe introduced Project Music GenAI Control, a platform capable of generating audio based on text descriptions (e.g., "happy dance," "sad jazz") or a reference melody, allowing users to customize the results seamlessly within the same workflow.

Customization Capabilities

With Project Music GenAI Control, users have the flexibility to adjust parameters such as tempo, intensity, repeating patterns, and structure. They can also elongate a track to any desired length, remix music, or create endless loops.

Development and Availability

Developed in collaboration with researchers from the University of California and Carnegie Mellon, Project Music GenAI Control will be publicly accessible at a later date. Currently, it remains in the research phase, as stated by Gautham Mysore, Adobe’s head of audio and video AI research, during a panel at Hot Pod — the platform lacks a user interface at this stage.

AI Music and Ethical Concerns

The proliferation of AI-created music, artwork, and text has raised ethical and legal concerns regarding GenAI tools in general.

Copyright and Legal Implications

Unofficial tracks utilizing GenAI to replicate familiar sounds, lyrics, and vocals have gained popularity, raising questions about authenticity and copyright infringement. Although music labels have swiftly issued takedown notices citing copyright violations, there remains uncertainty regarding the legality of "deepfake" music in terms of artists' and labels' intellectual property rights, especially concerning GenAI tools trained on copyrighted material.

Adobe's Approach and Future Development

Mysore mentioned that Adobe typically develops its GenAI tools using licensed data or content from the public domain to avoid potential intellectual property issues. However, it remains undisclosed whether this approach applies to Project Music GenAI Control. He also acknowledged that Adobe is actively working on watermarking technology to help identify audio produced by Project Music GenAI Control, although it's still a work in progress.

Adobe approaches these matters with particular responsibility," Mysore stressed. "There are many talented musicians creating this content... I believe they, along with tools like Project Music GenAI Control, will coexist, fostering the emergence of new musical ideas.