Can AI Really Create Music with Soul? Helen Yap's Take on AI-Generated Songs

The Limits of AI in Music Creation

Composer and producer Helen Yap believes that while artificial intelligence can generate melodies and lyrics, it falls short in replicating the heart and soul of music. According to her, AI-produced songs often sound mechanical and lack the authenticity and sensitivity found in human artistry. Yap explained that AI-generated music is identifiable by its stiffness, which contrasts with the natural flow and emotional depth that come from human creativity.

She points out that the human touch in music comes from the imperfections and spontaneous expressions that cannot be coded or replicated. Small variations in tempo, tone, and rhythm are what give a song its character and emotional pull. While algorithms can mimic patterns of popular hits, they cannot fully capture the inspiration drawn from personal experiences—such as joy, loss, love, and nostalgia—that make music resonate deeply with listeners. Yap believes that these subtle yet powerful emotional nuances are what truly define great compositions.

Real-Life Example of AI in Songwriting Competitions

Helen Yap shared her experience judging an online songwriting competition where a contestant submitted a fully AI-generated song as original work. Upon verification through a special application, the entry was disqualified for lacking true creative input. This highlights the risks of overreliance on AI tools, which can diminish a songwriter’s drive and the genuineness that gives music its artistic value.

Yap reflected that while the AI-generated song was technically flawless, it felt sterile and emotionally hollow. The melody followed predictable progressions, and the lyrics lacked genuine storytelling. Such experiences underscore a critical concern in modern music creation—when artists depend too heavily on AI, they may lose the personal connection that fuels innovation and originality.

Changing Industry Dynamics and the Need for Adaptation

Yap noted that shifts in listeners' preferences and industry standards—such as the preference for three-minute songs to accommodate radio advertisements—have changed songwriting dynamics. Despite these changes, she argues that retaining quality and soul in music is still possible. Composers need to adapt to these industry realities while preserving emotional and artistic depth in their work.

She also emphasized that technology has always influenced music—from synthesizers to digital audio workstations—but each generation of musicians has found ways to use these tools without compromising artistic integrity. The challenge today, she says, is to ensure AI serves creativity rather than replaces it.

AI’s Role as a Creative Aid, Not a Replacement

While AI technology increasingly supports music creation by generating ideas and assisting with technical elements like pronunciation and pitch, it lacks the emotional essence that human artists bring. Helen Yap emphasizes that the soul of music comes from human experiences and emotions, which AI cannot authentically reproduce. AI can serve as a tool to enhance creativity but cannot replace the heartfelt human artistry behind soulful music.

The Importance of Time, Discipline, and Heart in Music

Yap stresses that good music requires time, discipline, and a deep emotional connection—qualities that technology cannot manufacture. The desire for quick composition and instant popularity often undermines the craft and soul of music. True artistic value emerges from dedicated effort and emotional investment, aspects AI is currently unable to emulate.

Conclusion

In conclusion, Helen Yap’s insight into AI-generated music underscores a clear distinction between technological capability and artistic soul. AI can generate technically sound music but cannot create music with genuine emotion and authenticity. The soul of music remains rooted in human creativity, requiring emotional depth and artistic integrity that only people can provide. Therefore, AI should be viewed as a complementary tool in music-making rather than a substitute for the human heart and soul embedded in art.