How to Stand Out as an Indie Artist When Competing With AI

Twenty years ago, who would've predicted that musicians would one day be competing with computers for fame? Unfortunately, not us.

We're now entering a new era of music. Although the phrase artificial intelligence has been thrown around for years, AI-generated music has just started making its way into our everyday listening habits through TikTok, spotify, Apple music, instagram reels, apple music, and more. While some people are firmly against AI music, others can’t even tell the difference. So where does that leave independent artists trying to make their mark? With AI capable of generating music and content at an incredible rate, standing out can feel harder than ever. But the thing is, you don't need to outproduce AI to stand out from it. 

Here are five tips to help you stand out in a world full of AI:

1. Use Human-Made flyers

   1. Canva is your best friend. With so many fonts, graphs, and design templates, you can create something original without needing the help of AI. AI flyers are becoming so easily recognizable that taking the extra time to make something that represents you and your music goes such a long way. Your next gig deserves more than a flyer that looks like everybody else’s

2. Don't Give Up on Your Projects 

   1. We all have those drafts sitting around collecting dust. Don't count those out just yet!

      1. Not every idea needs to become a finished product immediately. Sometimes revisiting an old project is exactly what you need to find inspiration for something new. Your unfinished work could be a much better starting point for a song over an AI music generator.

3. Remember Your Purpose 

Stay true to your identity even if it doesn't match what's trending. It's so easy to get caught up in the mainstream. However, your music doesn't have to sound like everything else to grow an audience. Don't abandon your vision just to fit into the trends.

4. Don't try to keep up with AI 

a. AI can generate content in seconds. But…you don't have to. 

Instead of rushing to release music just to stay visible, give yourself a second to create work you're proud of. Now, that doesn't mean disappearing for months between releases. It's important to find a pace that works for you without letting go of quality. 

5. Be Yourself

   1. One thing I will never be able to replicate is all the things that make you YOU: memories, relationships, lessons, and your story. Let those experiences influence your music and how you connect with your audience. 

People connect with the stories and emotions behind a song.

LONG STORY SHORT:  AI is constantly evolving, and the music industry will change alongside it. However, you don't need to reinvent yourself to compete. 

In a world where almost anything can be generated now, staying true to yourself is the greatest advantage.