In my last article, I discussed why a unique sonic identity and personal narrative will become increasingly vital in the new era of AI-generated music. With that in mind, how can we develop a sonic identity?
Defining the Scale: From Human Craft to AI Prompt
Artists have always had a range of tools available, from musical instruments to pre-made samples and software synthesisers. The tools we choose, and the ways we use them, can influence how authentic and identifiable the resulting music is. Ask yourself: with a given piece of music, were the production moves highly customised, involving significant crafting and experimentation? Or were they made quickly, using pre-made components and generic plugin presets?
I've been thinking about this through the lens of an authenticity scale - a framework for assessing the tools we use and the creative choices we make. At one end, we have fully bespoke, experimental creations; at the other, music generated from a simple text prompt. The goal isn't to judge, but to be more intentional about how we make music. Where on this scale should your music sit?
- The Right Side (Low Authenticity): The rise of AI tools like Suno has created a new extreme on the scale. These services can generate entire compositions from nothing more than text prompts. While the person entering the prompt initiates the creation, the music is largely devoid of any identifiable sonic identity that might come from an artist’s deep interaction with a piece of work. This defines the Extremely Inauthentic end of our scale.
- The Left Side (High Authenticity): What’s at the opposite pole? This is the realm of pure exploration: experimental music made by researchers, inventors building new instruments, and composers who work against common practices. These creators are not typically targeting a popular audience; they are trying to push the boundaries of music itself. This provides the necessary Extremely Authentic anchor for our scale.
Finding the "Correct" Spot Depends on the Project
Using this scale isn't about labelling methods as "good" or "bad". It’s about making intentional production decisions.
Most popular music on major streaming playlists or radio sits somewhere on the right side. Popular songs tend to use familiar structures, chords, and instruments, hopefully with some fresh ideas and approaches that we attribute to specific artists. There’s nothing wrong with this - most people enjoy music that balances the familiar with the new.
From an artist's perspective, where you aim on the scale should depend entirely on the project's goals. The same person might work on different projects that target completely different points.
Different Approaches in My Work: n1ghtmar3cat vs. Commercial Briefs
Let's look at my own work as an example of how the target might change depending on the project at hand. For n1ghtmar3cat, I’ve identified that part of my sonic identity comes from my specific approach to rhythm. Because of this, I deliberately avoid using pre-made rhythmic loops in my compositions; not because I think pre-made loops are “bad” or “cheating”, but because I want to build those drum and percussion elements from scratch so my character comes through more in the final track. I want the track to exhibit as much of my style as possible so that people might eventually recognise a “n1ghtmar3cat sound”. I might use one-shot samples and modify synth presets - I don’t create all the raw material myself - but I’m happy with that.
However, if I were commissioned to create music for an advertisement, for example, my approach would change. The goal there wouldn't necessarily be to imprint my n1ghtmar3cat identity, but rather to serve the client's brief effectively and before the deadline. In that context, I might use an appropriate pre-made drum loop, prioritising speed over bespoke construction.
Balancing Efficiency and Authenticity
Your position on the scale might also change depending on the stage of your project. When writing demos, the goal is often speed and efficiency. Spending hours crafting unique sounds for every part of a song that might not even make the cut might be inefficient. In this "mining" phase, using pre-made loops or generic presets (moving to the right on the scale) is a smart way to get ideas down quickly.
However, when refining those demos into final tracks, the focus shifts. You might swap out those generic elements for more intentionally sculpted parts that are representative of your style, effectively moving back to the left on the scale. This ensures the final song is more of a reflection of your sonic identity.
A Framework for Intentional Creation
The authenticity scale is a mental model to help us make more deliberate decisions about the tools we use and why. It shifts the question from a simple "is this good?" to a more nuanced "does this serve the artistic and commercial objectives of this specific project?".
By thinking about our process in this way, we can be more purposeful in cultivating our unique sound when it matters most, and embrace efficiency when the project demands it.
💬 Where do your projects typically fall on the authenticity scale? Do you find yourself making different choices for different types of music?
