Augmented Creativity

The field of computational creativity focuses on computers as creative entities that can support human creatives, giving rise to the notion of ‘co-creativity’. Generative AI is a category of artificial intelligence (AI) algorithms that generate new outputs based on training data, such as images, video, text, or audio. Musicians can use these tools for tasks like composition, album art, and music videos. More research needs to be done to understand the complex interaction between AI and human creatives. This paper explores how musicians might be able to integrate AI in their creative processes through two practice-led case studies, situated within existing creativity frameworks. The findings align with existing literature, showing that AI can aid artists with ideation, skill development, immersion, and innovation, allowing them to view their work from new perspectives. Generative AI tools can help artists engage with cultural data in novel ways, offer clear references in collaborative settings, reduce repetitive tasks, and promote creative flow. In this way, musicians can use AI to enhance efficiency in the creative process. However, AI tools are often specialised and fragmented, requiring new skills and specific workflows. Current platforms rely on written prompts, which may not suit all users, and interfaces can feel rigid, limiting fine-grained control. Since AI cannot replicate human thought, reasoning, or lived experience, artists must interpret and create meaning from AI-generated outcomes. Many creatives desire control and ownership over their work, which AI tools do not always provide. Overall, while AI has the potential to enhance creativity, further development is needed for a smoother integration into the creative process, depending on the artist’s goals and the project’s context.