Published on: April 28, 2023  Updated on: January 17, 2024

Musenet alternatives: Unveiling features, pricing & the best options available

Author: Lucie Baxter

A man is working in a professional music studio. There is a woman standing in the background watching him work.

When the MuseNet API was announced and launched by OpenAI in 2019, an excited buzz soon swarmed around the tool. The anticipation was felt in every direction, from individuals in the artificial intelligence (AI) industry to those heavily invested in the music community. 

It was no surprise to us. AI had already been integrated into other creative practices like writing and art, so AI-generated music was the next logical step.

MuseNet's homepage.

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Through sparse transformer models and similar technology to GPT-2, MuseNet could learn and understand different styles. Mozart, Lady Gaga, The Beatles, you name it. This deep neural network became an expert in music that could rival any pub quiz champion. 

However, bad news struck in 2022. An update to OpenAI.com resulted in some serious limitations in the functionality of the webpage. Users were left with little explanation as the MIDI files disappeared, and the impressive, advanced features vanished into thin air. 

A Reddit thread with the title "Musenet has stopped working". Beneath is the text "Musenet has stopped working. No matter which option you choose, it doesn't work. And this has happened recently, because two days ago it did work.  Does anyone know what is going on?"

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Fans of MuseNet were left stumped. Reddit threads remain ghost towns as people ask each other what happened. Some still wait for OpenAI to respond to their questions. 

Our top 6 alternative applications to create for AI music generation

Unfortunately, we don’t have all the answers. There’s a chance it will be fixed eventually, but we can’t say for sure. What we can do is offer alternatives that are worth exploring in the meantime. With flawless features, you might even end up preferring them to MuseNet.

AIVA

While MuseNet was undoubtedly an amazing tool to create music, it was created with the purpose of showcasing OpenAI’s research. Therefore, it wasn’t built to be relied upon by businesses, educators, or professional creators. If you fit into one of these categories, maybe you’d be better suited to a platform that has your needs at its core. 

That’s what AIVA, a self-proclaimed creative assistant for creative people, does. With plans for enterprises, schools, and individuals, the prices and features are tailor-made to the user. You can even contact the team if you have unusual or demanding requirements.

The heading reads "AIVA" on a purple-blue background. Beneath that it says "The Artificial Intelligence composing emotional soundtrack music".

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You can expect to make high-quality and speedy original music when you create your account. It’s a guarantee when you consider the application’s incredible deep-learning models and varied databases. Regardless of inspiration and genre, AIVA will make your dreams come true with professional-sounding music. Below are just some of the ways the composition AI can do that. 

  • Options to compose with preset algorithms for styles or influences
  • Own the copyright to whatever you compose on AIVA (premium plans only)
  • Monetization capabilities
  • Generate complex musical compositions in minutes

There is a free forever plan to give you ultimate financial security, no matter what you want to use AIVA for. But if you wish to push your musical ability even further, there are two advanced modes to consider upgrading to. Below you’ll find what to expect from each one. And if you need royalty-free music generation and full monetization, you’ll need the Pro account.

Three text boxes show the "Free, Forever" plan, the "Standard" plan, and the "Pro" plan. The first costs $0.00, the second costs $11.00, and the third $33.00.

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Magenta Studio

As the search for a new music generator continues, you could take the opportunity to try something completely different. OpenAI’s MuseNet was not fully open-source, so why not try something that is and dive deeper into the research-dense AI industry?

The organization Magenta aims to unlock its users’ creative potential. This is evident in their research notebooks, community contributions, and blog content, which are all available for the public to view. If you’d like to join a collaborative space that will help your skills and career grow to new heights, then this next service could be just what you need.

Magenta Studio is a collection of plugins based on Magenta’s library of open-source tools and models. Through advanced machine-learning methods, the platform helps you create AI-generated music. The product is available as a standalone application, but it’s also accessible with Ableton Live if you’d prefer. You can see how both versions work below. 

Using Magenta Studio - black settings on a pink background.

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The image shows two previews of how the application works, one as a standalone and the other as a plugin for Ableton Live. They work mostly the same way, with the choice of drums or melody, output location, variations, and temperature.

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By giving you access to models for music patterns, Magenta is a user-friendly way to understand more about the AI industry and what technologies can do for your work. Learning as you create can put you on the path to becoming an expert or thought leader in your field. Here are some other interesting ways you can take advantage of the tool. 

  • Train your own models
  • Generate continuations of an idea quickly
  • Use Groove to adjust timings and velocity, which humanizes a clip
  • Generate a new melody or rhythm without any input

Want even more good news? The tool is free to use, likely because it is an ongoing research project, so the team will want as many datasets as they can gather. There’s scope for the fees to increase, but it doesn’t look like this is happening anytime soon.

AudioCipher

One of the draws of MuseNet was that the platform was developed by a data-driven and research-based organization. OpenAI has become a market leader in the world of generative AI, so it stands to reason that users felt confident that they’d be brought the latest updates and features when it comes to AI music.

Is there anything out there that can compare? AudioCipher was developed by a small but varied team, from a video game music composer to a producer to a beatmaker. Their experience is only proven further by the amazing capabilities of the software to create music you want to listen to. 

The heading reads "The word-to-MIDI music generator" and boasts beneath that the have over 3000 downloads and over 92,000 website users.

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This talented crew created a tool like no other, an innovative system for melody generation. All the user needs to do is input text, and the plugin will create music and chord progressions with the aid of machine learning. 

With a brand-new user interface now live, the business clearly tries to implement breakthroughs and opportunities when they arise. If you’re searching for an alternative service that leads the way to innovation, then take a closer look at AudioCipher. 

Here are some other cool features that you’ll be able to experiment with: 

  • An option to randomize rhythm 
  • Playback controls
  • A drag-to-MIDI capability
  • A melody and chord generator

Unlike many AI tools, AudioCipher is not subscription-based. Instead, you gain access through a one-time payment of $29.99. This may be the best option for those with a smaller budget who cannot commit to financing a long-term plan but still want quality. 

"Only $29.99" is written in bold, green, and blue text. Below that, it lists the features you'll gain access to, which are a new user interface, word-to-MIDI converter, choose your key signature, chord and melody generator, randomise rhythm output, drag-to-MIDI feature, and playback

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Lemonaide

When royalty-free tracks are what you’re after, consider giving Lemonaide a try. The Lemonaide Seeds tool is a great way to generate music ideas and compose music while maintaining the copyright to your output. At its core, it’s a melody generator, which is super helpful to get you started on a new AI music project. Music generated from the platform will still require music producers to fine-tune, so it’s easy to make any music your own.

The company’s algorithm only uses music to train the model when they have received prior approval from the producer. This helps alleviate any ethical concerns about AI models stealing music without the artist’s or producer’s consent.

Lemonaide homepage with yellow and white writing.

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Here is a summary of the benefits of using Lemonaide for MIDI music creation:

  • The tool doesn’t replace creatives entirely but instead guides them to their desired output
  • Features let composers select things like mood or key
  • You can select for just chords, just a melody, or a combination of the two
  • The free trial lets you experiment before committing
  • Ethical company
Pricing plans for Lemonaide AI Music.

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Staccato

When you want a music generation tool to help you with music and lyrics, Staccato is another great alternative to MuseNet. This AI MIDI generator integrates well with digital audio workstations (DAWs). You can still keep the creative juices flowing by riffing live or uploading a MIDI file you’ve already worked on. In short, this is an excellent AI companion to address issues of writer’s block.

Staccato homepage with white writing and purple buttons on a black background.

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When it comes to prices, Staccato is quite reasonable, with plans as low as $6.49 a month for unlimited usage. Plus, the free trial, although it has limitations, is the perfect first step in your AI music journey.

The pricing options for Staccato - from free to $12.49 per month.

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Here’s a summary of why you should give this AI music and lyrics generator a try:

  • Affordable monthly pricing, even for the Pro option
  • Assistance with both lyrics and music generation
  • Top-notch integration with your favorite DAW

Boomy

Our last Musenet alternative is Boomy, which uses AI music technology to create songs in just a few clicks. Its main differentiator is the fact that Boomy distributes your AI music to digital music retailers worldwide, most notably Spotify, TikTok, Apple Music, and YouTube. There are various styles to experiment with, and making music is as simple as selecting “Create your song” and setting up an account. Then, click on “Song” and browse the styles available. Try out a few to find your favorite and start narrowing down the possibilities.

The free plan lets you play around, but you will not have permission for commercial use or downloaded songs. Upgrade to the Pro Plan for $29.99 per month to address both these issues easily.

Boomy homepage.

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Boomy benefits:

  • AI music that can be instantly uploaded to major streaming services
  • A share in the profits of your AI music
  • Platform is very easy to use
  • Multiple AI-generated styles

What to look for in an AI music generation tool

If you take away anything, let it be how to find the right tool that meets your individual needs. It isn’t necessarily going to be the most popular choice with the most impressive reviews. It might not even be one of the applications above. 

Creative freedom

Purple Freedom neon freestanding letters.

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There are a lot of fun applications out there that can generate a rap or a song from your lyrics. The problem with these is that they can have strict rules regarding creation. Search for advanced settings, the ability to use different instruments, melody and harmony ideas, and an open-source structure. You may also want a platform that creates AI music that isn’t available just as music files. Look for tools that allow you to integrate AI music into things like ads, films, and anything else that helps monetize your AI-generated music.

Make sure you know what you need. Is it royalty-free background music? How about a rap generator voice AI tool? Or the ability to create unique instrumental tracks? Do you like to compose music yourself or have the AI do all the heavy lifting? Luckily, whatever your needs are, there is likely an AI music generation tool suited to your needs.

Options for a subscription plan

No creator will have the same requirements for budget, scale, or features as the next. You need a tool that can fit into your goal and strategy, not the other way around. Keep an eye out for different price points and plans that support everyone’s circumstances. 

Applications used by industry professionals

Thought leaders, influencers, and artists often lead the way for new trends and products. 59.5% of artists reportedly already use AI to create music. The odds are that they’ve found something worth using to develop the future of sound. Seek these out and try them for yourself. 

There are a series of icons, all representing a different fact. These state that "59.5% of artists already use AI within their music projects", "11% of artists have used AI for their songwriting", "20.3% of artists have used AI for music production", "30.6% of artists have used AI for mastering music", and finally "38% of artists have used AI for music artwo

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Conclusion

So, there you have it. The disappearance of MuseNet doesn’t mean all hope is lost for you composers and musicians. The internet is home to many useful AI music sites, and with new ideas being developed pretty constantly, you’ll be the next Chopin, Rachmaninoff, or Eminem in no time. 

We know it can be frustrating when you lose a tool you used to rely on. So, if you were a fan of the platform, we hope that you’ll find one of these Musenet alternatives to be just as valuable. Take advantage of those free trials and try out as many brilliant applications as you can. 

Are there any other music generation tools that you think deserve a mention? Let us know. In the meantime, take a look at other fantastic AI-powered apps available at Top Apps.

Author Image - Lucie Baxter

Lucie Baxter

Lucie is a keen content writer who loves diving into everything tech and AI-related. Since graduating from university, she has been working for a range of diverse companies to continue broadening her writing opportunities.

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