How Did Fan Votes Shape the New AI-Assisted Single from a Japanese Girl Group?

AKB48, one of Japan's most iconic girl groups, has made waves with the release of their latest single, generated in part by artificial intelligence. Following a unique songwriting contest where legendary composer Yasushi Akimoto faced off against an AI model trained on his style, fans voted for their favourite track. The AI-generated song, "Omoide Scroll," triumphed, raising questions about the future of music and creativity in the digital age.

Last updated: 23 October 2023 (BST)

Key Takeaways

• AKB48's latest single "Omoide Scroll" was partly created by AI.
• Legendary composer Yasushi Akimoto faced off against an AI version of himself.
• The AI song won the public vote by over 14,000 votes.
• The music industry is watching closely to see how the song performs in charts.
• Akimoto acknowledged the quality of the AI-generated song despite his disappointment.

The Unique Contest: Humans vs. AI

The recent songwriting contest was a landmark event in Japan's music scene. Akimoto, who has composed songs that sold over 100 million copies, went head-to-head with an AI model developed using Google's Gemini software. This model was specifically trained on his extensive body of work, analysing his essays, vocabulary, and songwriting techniques. The contest aimed to see whether human creativity could stand against machine learning.

The Process Behind the AI Song

In creating "Omoide Scroll," Google's Gemini analysed Akimoto's writing style and generated lyrics that were then paired with music arranged by human composers. Some reports even suggest that the AI might have contributed to the melody, showcasing the evolving capabilities of artificial intelligence in creative fields.

The Public Vote: A Surprising Outcome

In an exciting reveal, fans were invited to vote for their favourite song without knowing which was composed by Akimoto and which by the AI. "Omoide Scroll" emerged victorious with a total of 14,225 votes, compared to Akimoto's song, "Cécile," which received 10,535 votes. The results were announced live on Japanese television, which added to the drama of the moment.

Akimoto's Reaction

Upon hearing the results, Akimoto exclaimed, "What? You're kidding me!" His initial shock transitioned to disappointment as he later commented on the experience, admitting that he had written "Cécile" with great effort. His honest reaction highlighted the emotional stakes involved in the contest and raised questions about the implications of AI in the arts.

The Aftermath: What This Means for the Music Industry

The release of "Omoide Scroll" as AKB48's 67th official single has drawn significant attention. The song's performance on the Oricon singles chart will be closely monitored, as AKB48 has historically achieved number one status with their last 53 songs. A potential dip in this trend would signal a shift in fan preferences and attitudes towards AI-generated music.

AI and Creative Authenticity

This contest has ignited a broader conversation about the role of AI in creative industries. As technology advances, artists may find themselves competing with machines that can analyse and replicate human creativity. Akimoto himself reflected on this, acknowledging the AI song as "a good song," despite his initial disappointment. His mixed feelings encapsulate the ongoing debate about the authenticity of AI-generated content.

Future Implications for Artists

The outcome of this contest could reshape how artists approach songwriting and collaboration with technology. As AI continues to evolve, musicians may need to adapt their methods, blending human emotion and creativity with machine precision. This could lead to new genres or styles, as artists experiment with AI as a tool rather than a competitor.

Fan Reactions and Cultural Significance

The Japanese music industry is closely observing how fans react to "Omoide Scroll" now that its origins are known. The cultural implications of embracing AI in music could extend beyond Japan, influencing global trends and discussions about creativity, originality, and the future of artistic expression.

Conclusion

The release of "Omoide Scroll" and Akimoto's personal journey through the contest raises thought-provoking questions about the intersection of technology and artistry. As fans eagerly await the song's performance on the charts, the music world watches to see how this experiment will influence the future of songwriting and the role of AI in creative processes. Will AI-generated music become a norm, or will it be seen as a novelty? Only time will tell.

FAQs

What is "Omoide Scroll"?

"Omoide Scroll" is the latest single by AKB48, partly composed by artificial intelligence. It won a public vote against a song written by renowned composer Yasushi Akimoto.

Who is Yasushi Akimoto?

Yasushi Akimoto is a prominent Japanese composer and producer, known for creating successful idol groups like AKB48 and Onyanko Club. He has sold over 100 million copies of his songs.

How was the AI song created?

The AI song was created using Google's Gemini software, which was trained on Akimoto's writing style. It generated lyrics and may have contributed to the melody, with humans arranging the final music.

What was the public's reaction to the AI song?

The public voted overwhelmingly in favour of the AI-generated song, indicating a potential shift in how fans perceive AI's role in music creation.

What does the outcome mean for the future of music?

The outcome raises questions about the relationship between technology and creativity, potentially influencing how artists create music in the future and how fans engage with AI-generated content.