Music that comes from the heart – with the help of AI
Every song starts with an idea, a feeling, or a story. AI just helps me make it audible.
I have no classical music education. I can't read sheet music and I don't play any instruments. But I have ideas – and AI music gives me the opportunity to turn them into songs. Here I'll tell you how that works and why I do it.
How I Got Into AI Music
It all started with a YouTube video. Someone demonstrated what's possible with AI music generation today – and I was amazed. Songs that sound like they're from real bands, created in minutes? I had to try that. So I tested SUNO, was thrilled with the results, and got hooked. I've been using it ever since.
What is SUNO?
SUNO is an AI platform that generates complete songs from text and style descriptions – with vocals, instruments, and arrangements. I use SUNO because it was the first one I discovered and it's easy to use. Sure, I've tried Udio too, but it was too complicated and more expensive for me – with sometimes worse results. So I stuck with SUNO.
My Creative Process
From idea to finished song
The idea ALWAYS comes first. Only then do I think about how to execute it. I have three approaches for that:
SongBuddy – My Own Tool
SongBuddy is a web app I'm currently developing (not public yet). It helps me create prompts perfectly tailored for SUNO – with all the options for text, style, and mood. It saves me time and makes the process even more precise.
AI-Assisted Lyric Writing
Sometimes I let an AI suggest the lyrics – especially for German songs. That's actually a real challenge: AI often produces nonsensical sentences or clunky rhymes. I have to do a lot of reworking there.
Completely Self-Written
Sometimes I write everything myself – especially when it's very personal.
After the Lyrics: Generation
Then it's off to SUNO. I precisely describe the style, mood, tempo, and instruments. The first generation rarely fits – usually I have to adjust melody, voice, tempo, or mood. Sometimes it takes days or weeks until a song really clicks.
'Powerless' – An Example
One of my most personal songs. It's about the fears and despair when my husband was seriously ill with cancer. The lyrics fit immediately – but the melody and voice were never quite right. I experimented for about 2 weeks, made roughly 60 generations until everything finally felt right. That shows: AI music isn't just pressing a button. It's work, emotion, and patience.
The Reality Behind the Songs
I have about 560 songs in my SUNO account. But I've only released 83 of them on streaming services. Many songs are just for me, for experimenting, or ideas that simply weren't feasible. Not every song gets released – and that's okay.
My Musical Journey: Genres Without Boundaries
My musical taste is broad. I listen to and create everything: ballads, rock, pop, opera, rap, Schlager. I'm always testing new genres – Arabic pop music, world music, experimental sounds.
My motto: 'Try it once, if you don't like it, leave it.' That's how I've learned so much about music genres I had no clue about before.
Why AI Music Isn't Something Reprehensible
Many people hear 'AI music' and think: 'Oh, the AI does everything automatically, that's not real creation.' That's not true – and I want to set the record straight:
AI doesn't do everything automatically
There's a lot of reworking involved. AI is a tool, not a replacement for creativity. I write lyrics, refine prompts, adjust melodies, discard dozens of versions. AI just helps me realize my ideas – just like a brush helps a painter.
AI music opens new worlds
People without a music background suddenly get the chance to turn their stories into music. That's amazing! And it can spark deeper interest: Through AI music, I've learned so much about different genres, composition, and styles – because I had to research to write good prompts.
It's real work
Like with 'Powerless': 2 weeks, 60 generations, countless adjustments. That's not chance, not just pressing a button. That's craftsmanship – just with different tools.
Why 'Tondiar'?
Tondiar was the name of my first character in an MMORPG many years ago. The name stuck with me – and fits perfectly with my musical journey. It's the name under which I create, experiment, and share.
Why I Do This
- I want music that matches my taste exactly – songs that don't exist yet.
- I want to turn my ideas and experiences into music – even though I don't play an instrument.
- I'm fascinated by creating something that would otherwise require deep understanding of instruments, voice, and composition.
AI music gives me this freedom. And that's exactly why I do it.
Listen – and decide for yourself
In the end, only one thing matters: Does the music touch you? Does it tell a story? Then it doesn't matter how it was created. Listen to my songs – and decide for yourself whether AI music works for you.