Logic Pro gets new AI-powered features

The features, available on the App Store starting 13 May, include Session Players for expanding Drummer capabilities, Stem Splitter for isolating parts of recordings and ChromaGlow for adding warmth to tracks.

Specifically, Session Players transform music creation by offering an AI-driven backing band that adapts to artists’ needs, now including bass and keyboard players alongside drummer. Bass Player, developed with leading bassists, offers eight styles with customisable controls and chord progression tracking. Keyboard Player provides four styles for various genres, with extensive chord voicing options, while Stem Splitter enables the separation of audio recordings into drums, bass, vocals and other parts to allow easy manipulation. ChromaGlow utilises AI to enhance tracks with five saturation styles for warmth and presence, tailored to individual preferences.

Apple says Logic Pro for iPad, launched last year, is popular among creatives, boasting advanced features like multitrack projects, custom sounds, a mixer, and effects. It also seamlessly integrates with Mac for easy project transfer and refinement.

“Logic Pro gives creatives everything they need to write, produce, and mix a great song, and our latest features take that creativity to a whole new level,” Apple’s senior director of apps worldwide product marketing, Brent Chiu-Watson, said. “Logic Pro’s new AI-backed updates, combined with the unparalleled performance of iPad, Mac, and M-series Apple silicon, provide creative pros with the best music creation experience in the industry.”

AI-driven solutions are quickly becoming popular in the music industry, with African startups also joining in. For instance, in February, Senegalese startup Senmixmaster launched an AI-powered tool for instant music mastering, competing with global services like Masterchannel, LANDR and eMastered.

According to the International Federation of the Phonographic Industry’s Engaging With Music 2023 report, which surveyed over 43,000 people across 26 countries, there’s a growing awareness of AI among music enthusiasts. The report found that 79% of respondents believe human creativity is crucial in music creation, while 74% of those familiar with AI in music production oppose its use to clone or impersonate artists without permission.

Recent developments in legislation include bipartisan support among UK lawmakers for a report proposing laws to safeguard artists’ identities, mandate clear labelling of AI-generated content, and require AI developers to obtain copyright permissions. Furthermore, a coalition of creative industry bodies has welcomed the EU’s new AI Act for requiring transparency from developers but stressed the need for further measures to address legal uncertainties, ensure fair compensation, and uphold creators’ rights to consent or refuse the use of their work in AI models.

Meanwhile, among key highlights of a new joint agreement between Universal Music Group and TikTok is a focus on ensuring that AI development in the music industry safeguards human artistry and the economic interests of artists and songwriters.