Composer and producer Helen Yap believes that while AI can provide ideas, it cannot replicate the authenticity and sensitivity of human creativity in the artistic process.

“When a song is created entirely by AI and then claimed as someone’s own work, you can tell it’s not human because it sounds stiff, as if made by a robot,” she told Bernama.

“I was once a judge for an online songwriting competition where a participant submitted it as original work. When checked using a special application, it was confirmed to be AI-generated, so we had to disqualify the entry.”

Yap, who has worked with many artistes including Sharizan Borhan, Siti Nurhaliza, Anuar Zain and Shila Amzah, said overreliance on technology could weaken a songwriter’s creative drive and undermine the authenticity of their work.

“Now, everyone wants things fast. They want to compose songs quickly, to gain popularity quickly. But a good piece of work requires time, discipline and heart,” she said.

With over three decades of experience in the music industry, Yap noted that changes in listeners’ preferences and focus have inevitably altered how songs are created today.

“In the past, songs could have long intros, even a two-minute guitar solo, but not anymore. Radio prefers three-minute tracks to allow space for advertisements. If a song is too long, DJs will cut it – sometimes at crucial parts,” she said.

To her, this doesn’t mean the artistic value of music has diminished, but rather that composers must adapt to new tastes without sacrificing quality.

“If we can understand the reality of the industry, we can still create songs that are fresh, relevant, and soulful,” she added.