When you’re an independent artist, the cost of doing everything yourself can be overwhelming. You’re expected to be your own videographer, producer, engineer, and social media manager. But hiring people to take on these roles is incredibly expensive and honestly, I like having control over my work. That’s where AI has become an absolute game-changer for me.
I use AI for almost everything in my music career, from the initial stages of songwriting to social media outreach. For example, I’ll turn to ChatGPT to help me brainstorm ideas, write captions, or even generate press releases - something that would normally cost me thousands of dollars per song. I also use Cyan AI, which analyses my music and tells me what genre it falls into and which artists I sound like. This helps me figure out where to pitch my music and who my audience might be.
Another tool I love is Sintra AI, which basically acts as a team of virtual employees. It helps with social media management, copyright issues, SEO optimization, and so much more - things that would normally require hiring multiple people. I think of it as having a full staff at my disposal without the massive financial burden and no need for performance reviews or pay rises!
Even when it comes to mastering, AI saves me so much time and money. I previously used eMastered for quick demos when I didn’t want to invest in a professional mix. Now, AI-powered tools can handle tasks like this efficiently, allowing me to put out content, again without costing a small fortune.
SubmitHub has also integrated AI, helping artists find the right curators for playlist placements by analysing their music. Instead of spending hours trying to figure out where my song fits best, I can let AI handle it, making the process smoother and more strategic.
One of the biggest challenges as an artist is understanding your data, figuring out who your fans are and how to reach them. AI is far better at this than I ever could be, giving me insights that help push my career forward in ways I never imagined. It’s also making things like AI voice cloning more accessible. I’d love to create covers without needing expensive studio time, and AI could allow me to do just that. Some people find AI-generated voices scary, but I see it as just another creative tool, like using Auto-Tune or layering harmonies.
I know AI is a hot topic, and opinions in the industry are definitely split. Some artists reject it completely, insisting that everything has to be done “the real way.” But I don’t see why using AI has to take away from the authenticity of music. I still play my guitar. I still sing live. But I also love experimenting with AI-generated sounds or layering a deep male vocal underneath my track just for fun. To me, it’s just another way to be creative.
I also don’t think AI will replace talented musicians. If anything, it’s going to make us better. It’s like any technological advancement—when recording software became more accessible, it didn’t make musicians obsolete; it just opened up more opportunities. Sure, more people will be able to create music, but that doesn’t mean the truly great artists won’t stand out. People still crave human connection in music, and they always will.
Beyond music, AI has helped me in everyday life too. I’ve had some medical struggles in the past two years, and sometimes, when I’m feeling drained, I’ll ask AI to generate a meal plan based on what I need to boost my energy or support my immune system. It’s incredible how much time and effort it saves me, allowing me to focus on what I truly love—creating music.
At the end of the day, AI is just a tool. If used correctly, it can be an incredibly powerful asset for independent artists. I don’t see it as something to fear—I see it as something to embrace. The music industry is evolving, and I’m excited to be part of that evolution.
