tech
December 24, 2025
ChatGPT Needs More Cowbell
You’d be forgiven if you can’t hum the 18th-century Cumbrian folk song “Do Ye Ken John Peel.” But in 1942, a version of that tune, reworked with lyrics about Pepsi-Cola, was the most recognized melody in America.
TL;DR
- Early advertising jingles, like the Pepsi-Cola tune set to "Do Ye Ken John Peel," were highly popular and influential.
- The jingle industry supports musicians who operate between rock stardom and hobbyism.
- AI music generation tools pose a threat to advertising musicians, particularly those whose work is anonymous.
- Jingles have become shorter and simpler, making them potentially easier to automate.
- Current AI music generators struggle to evoke specific emotions or create truly memorable and unique melodies.
- Human-created music often draws on lived experiences and unexpected creative choices that AI cannot replicate.
- Advertisers are using AI for demos and early-stage development but are still relying on humans for final products.
- The "human touch" in music, characterized by authenticity and emotional resonance, is difficult for AI to achieve.
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