Musicians report that AI-generated content can replicate traditional sounds—tabla, flute, sitar—and even mimic voices, threatening established skills and livelihoods.

In Saraiki music, unique styles have kept live-recording work relatively safer, but overall the trend shows a decline in income for many musicians as AI becomes more prevalent.

Industry voices describe a shift toward cheaper AI options driven by limited production budgets and rapid AI adoption replacing human performers.

Concrete examples show clients moving from costly live flute tracks to AI-based production, with AI subscriptions around similar monthly costs, and AI even producing songs in a legendary artist’s voice without the original artist’s involvement.

Live performance opportunities are dwindling as studios lean on AI for production, mixing, and mastering, reducing demand for traditional musicians.

The broader music market faces concerns about long-term creative skills and livelihoods, though some observers note early signs that audiences may seek human-created music again.

AI is reshaping creativity across many fields, and music in Pakistan is notably affected by AI’s ability to produce music quickly and cheaply.

As AI-generated content rises, musicians face a growing need to prove authenticity, exemplified by a director compiling footage of human-played flute to verify genuine performances.