Björn Ulvaeus Embraces AI as a “Great Tool” While Crafting a New Musical

Björn Ulvaeus reveals how AI is transforming songwriting and aiding his latest musical project.

Björn Ulvaeus Talks AI and His New Musical Project

Björn Ulvaeus, the legendary ABBA songwriter, recently shared exciting news: he's harnessing artificial intelligence to write a brand-new musical. Speaking at the London edition of SXSW in Shoreditch, he expressed how AI acts as an incredible creative partner.

“It is such a great tool. It is like having another songwriter in the room with a huge reference frame,” Ulvaeus said. “It is really an extension of your mind. You have access to things that you didn’t think of before.”

He also mentioned that he’s already about three-quarters done with his follow-up to ABBA’s innovative hologram-based concert series, ABBA Voyage, signaling that fresh creative energy is flowing strong.

The Role of AI in Songwriting: A Creative Companion

Ulvaeus gave an insightful look into the benefits and limitations of AI in music creation. While AI might not yet be ready to craft an entire song perfectly, especially when it comes to lyrics, he sees its value in overcoming writer’s block.

“You can prompt a lyric you have written about something, and you’re stuck maybe, and you want this song to be in a certain style,” he explained. “You can ask it, how would you extend? Where would you go from here? It usually comes out with garbage, but sometimes there is something in it that gives you another idea.”

This approach positions AI as a creative muse rather than a replacement, helping artists to push past their creative barriers.

Addressing AI Challenges in the Music Industry

Previously, Ulvaeus voiced concerns about the “existential challenge” AI poses to music creators. As president of CISAC—a global non-profit representing songwriters and composers—he keeps a close watch on how technology affects artists' royalties and rights.

In 2023, Ulvaeus highlighted in a report foreword that despite digital disruptions, collective management organizations (CMOs) remain effective in supporting creators by ensuring fair royalty collections from broadcasts, concerts, and streaming services.

However, CISAC studies have also warned musicians about a looming financial impact, projecting that AI could cause music creators to lose nearly 25% of their income by 2028—a sobering forecast that underlines the importance of finding balance between innovation and fair compensation.

“CMOs have the backs of the creators they serve and are now delivering more money to more creators than ever before.”
—Björn Ulvaeus

ABBA’s ‘Voyage’ Celebration and Ongoing Success

While Björn Ulvaeus is busy with new creations, ABBA remains in the spotlight. The band recently marked the third anniversary of their groundbreaking Voyage show by refreshing the setlist with new songs and hosting a star-studded VIP party featuring special performances by Benny Andersson, Guy Garvey from Elbow, and Elvis Costello.

The Voyage series continues to redefine how music legends engage with fans, blending technology and performance art in ways few acts have achieved.

Wrapping It Up: The Future of Music Creation with AI

Björn Ulvaeus’s candid embrace of AI as a songwriting tool reflects a broader shift in how artists can innovate. While the technology isn’t flawless, it opens doors to fresh ideas and creative breakthroughs. The question now is: How will musicians balance the benefits of AI with preserving the human heart of songwriting?

FAQs

• How is Björn Ulvaeus using AI for his new musical?
  He’s using AI to help develop lyrics and ideas, treating it like a creative partner to overcome writer’s block and inspire new directions.
• Does Ulvaeus believe AI can write complete songs?
  Not yet. He says AI is currently “lousy at writing a whole song” and struggles with lyrics, but it’s useful for sparking ideas.
• What role does CISAC play in the music industry?
  CISAC represents songwriters and composers worldwide, managing royalty collections and advocating for fair compensation.
• Is AI seen as a threat to musicians’ incomes?
  Studies suggest AI could reduce music creators’ incomes by nearly 25% by 2028, highlighting industry challenges ahead.
• What’s new with ABBA’s Voyage show?
  The show celebrated its third anniversary by adding new songs to the setlist and hosting a VIP event with guest performers.

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