AI Insider No. 40

Welcome back, AI Insiders! Spring has sprung, and somehow, this week’s edition ended up with a musical focus. This wasn’t on purpose, but once it got going, we figured, why not just go with it? So, we added a music assignment for DIY AI, too. Let’s get to it!

Does this Smart AI Guitar Rock?

By Michelle Johnson, AI Insider

You can thank my brother for this post. He plays guitar and is not a fan of most things AI. So, I was surprised when he WhatsApped me a link to the Enya NEXG SE Satin 2024, which purports to be a “smart AI guitar.”

Say what? Yes. Features such as a 2-inch color touch display put this instrument in the “smart” category. There’s a chip on board that lets you store presets. According to company verbiage, “You can dial your own settings for the overdrive, wah, delay, reverb, chorus, vibrato, octave, compression, EQ…the list goes on.”

It also has built-in speakers. “We deeply believe that a speaker inside can make it sound way better than normal acoustic guitars,” the company boasts. Instead of incurring the wrath of sleeping neighbors or your partner, you can pop on a headset and set it so you’re the only one listening.

What puts it in the AI category? According to this reviewer, this smart guitar uses AI to replicate an acoustic sound. That’s hard to believe since it looks so techy. How good is it? You be the judge. Listen here.

SAG-AFTRA Contracts Curb Use of AI Voices in Animated Shows

By Copilot for AI Insider

SAG-AFTRA has ratified new contracts for voice actors in animated TV shows, setting a new industry standard for using artificial intelligence in entertainment. The three-year agreements, which echo the concerns addressed in last year’s extensive actors’ strike, aim to protect the livelihoods of voice actors against the encroaching tide of AI technology.

The contracts, while not outright banning AI, ensure that actors’ voices cannot be replicated without their explicit consent. This clause is a significant safeguard for actors, granting them control over their unique vocal signatures. The animation deals stipulate that only human beings can be classified as voice actors, a definition absent from the TV/Theatrical agreement.

The animation agreements also address the creation of “digital replicas” and “synthetic” voices. Studios are required to obtain an actor’s permission to use their name or likeness in creating a synthetic voice and must notify the union each time such a voice is created. This transparency allows the union to advocate for actors’ rights to compensation, even if the final product does not resemble the actor’s voice.

In terms of financials, the contracts promise a 7% increase in scale wages retroactive to July 1, followed by subsequent increases over the years. Additionally, a “success bonus” is included for top-performing shows on streaming platforms.

Yes, Tennessee’s New AI Law is Named ELVIS

By Copilot for AI Insider

Tennessee has enacted the Ensuring Likeness Voice and Image Security Act (ELVIS Act), becoming the first state to legislate against unauthorized artificial intelligence impersonation of artists. The ELVIS Act extends the existing right of publicity law to include protections specific to AI. This legislation is designed to prevent the unpermitted mimicry of an artist’s voice using AI technology.

Tennessee, renowned for its musical legacy that spans genres from country to blues, has been instrumental in the rise of many iconic artists. With over 61,000 jobs and 4,500 music venues, Tennessee’s music industry is a significant cultural and economic force.

The Act, signed into law by Tennessee Gov. Bill Lee, specifically prohibits:

Unauthorized AI Impersonation: Using artificial intelligence to mimic an artist’s voice without their permission.

Protection Extension: The act extends the state’s old right of publicity law to include AI-specific protections, safeguarding an artist’s name, photograph, likeness, and now, their voice against unauthorized AI use.

DIY AI: Take a Musical Journey with Suno

By ChatGPT for AI Insider

Hello, AI Maestros!

This week’s DIY AI may strike a chord with your creative spirit, diving into the melodious world of AI-generated music. We’re spotlighting Suno, an innovative music generator that’s hitting all the right notes for both budding composers and seasoned musicians alike. Our exploration will guide you through generating your very own music, understanding AI’s role in creativity, and how it can harmonize with your musical aspirations.

This Week’s Assignment: Making Music With Suno AI

Harness the power of Suno to create music that resonates with your personal style or explore new genres. Here’s how you can orchestrate this:

Finding Your Rhythm

Start by visiting Suno AI and creating an account. Tip: Click “Make a Song.” Once you’re in, click “Create” to set up a new account.

Setting the Stage

Whether you’re into jazz, classical, pop, or something entirely different, Suno offers a wide range of styles to start your composition. Consider the mood or theme you want your piece to reflect.

Next, you’ll need to write a prompt and enter it in the “Song Description” box. Examples:
”A cool UK garage song about dancing all night long.”
“Create an upbeat, high-energy track with strong bass and electronic beats, perfect for a workout playlist.”

“A personalized birthday song that combines jazz elements with funky grooves.”

Note that if you hit the toggle switch next to “Custom Mode” you can enter your own lyrics, specify a musical style, add title, and more.

Composing Your Masterpiece

Once you’ve set your parameters, click “Create,” and Suno will do its magic and generate the music for you. Play around with different settings and modifications until you find a composition that sings to you.

Experiment: Generate three different tracks within the same prompt but different genres or moods. Compare how each variation changes the feel of the music.

Reflect

After you’ve conducted your musical experiments, take a moment to reflect on the process. How did Suno facilitate your creativity? Were there any compositions that surprised or inspired you? Consider the potential of AI in enhancing musical expression and creativity.