2023 to 2026 · Archived Chapter
AI demos helped me find my way back to music after a long break. This page preserves the rules and creative workflow that guided that chapter of the project.
I no longer use AI in my music production. I now write and produce new original music without AI assistance.
The earlier AI demos remain available because they are part of this story, and because many listeners still love the tracks that brought them here. Everything below is an archive, preserved in its original wording for transparency.
Archived Rules
These were the four stars the AI demo project steered by.
I only use AI to demo my lyrics. The ultimate goal is to work with musicians and bands.
I think most of us would agree that handmade music will always have an edge over AI music. My message for every AI demo song that I release is this:
“Look how awesome the song could be if a band or musician picked it up.”
Those demo songs are not really finished for me. In my eyes, they are always missing something.
So the goal of this project is to one day move beyond just making demos and start creating the whole experience.
I limit myself to a maximum release of one demo song per week.
Let's be real. I could probably pump out more songs. There are tons of professional lyricists who can write five or even more songs per week.
Some weeks, I also write more than one set of lyrics. But releasing too many AI demo songs somehow leaves a bad taste for me. This means I've set myself the rule that one AI demo song per week is enough.
And once we start bringing out the final song versions, the number of demo releases might even go further down.
On all publishing platforms, I disclose (if possible) my usage of AI so listeners can make an educated choice about listening.
This is a very important point to me. No matter if we enjoy, support, hate, or don't mind music generated with AI, I personally believe that a core compromise is disclosure. With disclosure, listeners can decide if they want to listen or skip the song.
This is why I always go far beyond what is required of me to disclose my AI usage for demo songs.
I also support and welcome the planned or already implemented disclosure systems of platforms like Spotify and Deezer.
A system that goes into detail about the extent to which AI was used can be a great help for listeners.
Last but not least: this project exists to have fun and enjoy our time.
To be completely honest, I am still blown away by how many positive messages I've received from people who either had an amazing time with the songs or were touched by some of the lyrics.
This is the reason why the project is still alive.
As long as we're still enjoying it, the project will continue, and I promise you a safe space by the fire where you can forget about your daily troubles and float in our own little world.
Archived Workflow
From the first spark of inspiration to a demo release, this process had nine steps.
I have a huge digital whiteboard where I constantly add new ideas. No matter if I am on the train or in bed.
Once I pick an idea, I start writing down what I want to tell through the song. I write down moods, feelings, vibes, places, people... anything really.
Now I open up the text software I developed myself to write down the lyrics. I often start with the hooks and check out rhymes that fit the concept. Then I simply write down what comes to mind.
I start feeding my lyrics and concept into the AI. I create as many versions as possible and take notes on which parts of the lyrics work well and which don't.
I start rewriting the lyrics in the parts that sounded weak, or just didn't fit into the flow or concept. I might even restructure whole parts of the lyrics.
I start feeding my updated lyrics and concept into the AI. I create as many versions as possible and take notes on which parts of the lyrics work well and which don't.
I select a base version that fits my concept the most, extract the stems and start cutting and editing. I use Cubase for the edits and mastering.
I research for fitting art from artists on different platforms. Once I found something fitting, I acquire a license for it. Then, I start editing inside my Affinity and DaVinci Resolve projects.
Time to release the demo and hope that you like it!