From Instrument to Co-Creator: Authorship in Generative and AI Music

Abstract

This paper presents the evolving concept of authorship in music creation as algorithmic and artificial intelligence systems impact the musical market. Based on Philip Galanter's definition of generative art, the paper discusses about the authorship of music in different senerios: when it is generated by tools like Nyquist or AI models such as Suno. The argument is structured around three distinct ways of human-machine interaction: human-led creation where computers are used as instruments; human-guided creation, where algorithms are restricted to a predetermined range of randomness; and human-crafted prompts, where AI generates the music completely. Following the analysis of these cases and some complex instances, this paper concludes that authorship is decided by the location of creativity and intentionality rather than a fixed attribute. The analysis reveals that authorship belongs to different subjects accordingly to different methods humans used to use generative tools: following the primary source of meaning contribution. Ultimately, the paper argues that the central issue may not be the authorship itself, but the human need for music to serve as a bridge for shared meaning and emotional connection.