The band behind the 1995 alternative rock hit “Good” is encouraging fans to use AI to write their next single.
Better Than Ezra vocalist and guitarist Kevin Griffin recently announced a contest where fans can “write” a song with him or the band’s bassist, Tom Drummond. However, the collaboration won’t be traditional; fans won’t be writing the tune side-by-side with the actual musicians themselves.
Better Than Ezra AI Songwriting Contest Explained
Better Than Ezra is running this innovative contest in partnership with SoundBreak, a platform that enables fans to “write songs with the official AI versions of your favorite artists and songwriters.” Alongside Better Than Ezra, SoundBreak features a limited lineup of artists, including Michael Fitzpatrick from Fitz and the Tantrums and renowned songwriter Sam Hollander, who has collaborated with artists like Blink-182, Billy Idol, and Def Leppard.
In his announcement, Griffin explained that fans must utilize SoundBreak and select one of the Better Than Ezra band members to enter the contest. He and Drummond will choose a winner on May 15, right before heading into the studio. “We’re going to record it and it’s going to be the next Better Than Ezra single,” he stated, generating excitement among fans.
How SoundBreak Works
The SoundBreak platform is user-friendly. Participants select an artist and then input a “vibe,” lyric, or verse. The platform employs AI to generate a song in the chosen artist’s style.
Once the song is complete, users can add it to SoundBreak’s streaming player and distribute it to popular platforms like Spotify, Apple Music, YouTube, and TikTok. The premium subscription allows users to send up to 100 songs monthly for $29. Additionally, subscribers of the highest tier can collect royalties from song plays, which are shared with the artist chosen at the start of the creation process.
What Happened to Better Than Ezra?
Hailing from Louisiana, Better Than Ezra released their sophomore album, Deluxe, on Elektra Records in 1995. The album’s lead single, “Good,” quickly became a staple on alternative rock radio that year.
Better Than Ezra, ‘Good’
Although they have not replicated the same level of success as with “Good,” Better Than Ezra has consistently released new music over the years, including their ninth studio album, Super Magick, which was released in 2024.
Conclusion
Better Than Ezra’s AI songwriting contest marks an exciting intersection of music and technology, inviting fans to engage creatively with their favorite band. As the music industry evolves, initiatives like this not only celebrate collaboration but also harness the power of artificial intelligence to foster new artistic expressions. Fans eager to see their work transformed into a potential single should prepare to dive into the AI-driven songwriting experience with SoundBreak.
FAQs
1. How do I enter the Better Than Ezra AI Songwriting Contest?
To enter, you must use the SoundBreak platform, select a member of Better Than Ezra, and create a song using the tools available on the site.
2. What is the deadline for the contest?
The deadline for song submissions is May 15, when the band members will select a winner.
3. Can I distribute my song to streaming platforms?
Yes, once your song is finished, you can add it to SoundBreak’s streaming player and distribute it to platforms like Spotify and Apple Music.
4. Is there a cost associated with using SoundBreak?
SoundBreak offers a premium subscription for $29 a month, allowing users to send up to 100 songs to third-party platforms and collect royalties.
5. What other artists are featured on SoundBreak?
In addition to Better Than Ezra, the platform features artists like Michael Fitzpatrick from Fitz and the Tantrums and songwriter Sam Hollander.
