Oliver McCann (imoliver)’s signing as the first human-AI music creator by Hallwood Media marks a transformative moment for creative industries. This milestone isn’t just about technology—it’s about changing the narrative around who can be considered an artist and how creative work is made.
Unlike virtual pop stars such as Hatsune Miku, who is entirely a digital avatar powered by fan-written songs and Crypton Future Media’s Vocaloid software, imoliver is a real person using AI tools for creative collaboration. While Hatsune Miku’s performances depend on user-generated lyrics and a pre-sampled voice, imoliver guides AI composition, lyrics, and style—making hundreds of versions until a truly human-curated vision emerges. The difference lies in agency: imoliver’s music is shaped by personal taste, story, and lyricism, while Miku’s is programmed, with limited direct human authorship once the software is running
Embracing AI empowers creators to multiply their output, experiment with endless creative ideas, and break through barriers of skill or production. Unlike fully automated AI bots, human creators maintain authenticity, emotional resonance, and ethical oversight, ensuring originality and deeper connections with audiences. Human-led AI creation avoids generic content and allows for personal storytelling and brand building. Broadly, AI tools help cut out repetitive tasks, streamline workflow, and let artists focus on strategy and emotional depth.
Virtual creators like Hatsune Miku popularized the idea of the “AI performer,” but the real leap is human-driven AI artistry—designing, curating, and emotionally shaping outputs with machine help, as imoliver exemplifies. This partnership opens doors for diverse talent, democratizes creative industries, and ensures the “human touch” endures even as technology evolves. As platforms like Wallafan prove, AI is making creative work more accessible and rewarding for real people, laying the groundwork for a more inclusive and innovative artistic landscape.
Sources Cited
https://expmag.com/2021/05/one-of-japans-most-beloved-pop-stars-is-a-hologram/
https://smythos.com/ai-trends/human-ai-collaboration-in-creative-industries/
https://honchosearch.com/blogs/news/the-role-of-artificial-intelligence-ai-in-content-creation
About the Author
Nikki Lopez is a seasoned professional with over a decade of experience in the startup world, specializing in leveraging creative content and community building to empower content creators. Known for a strategic approach and a deep understanding of audience needs, Nikki has a proven track record of leading the development of engaging content strategies and guiding the growth of thriving communities. Her leadership focuses on fostering meaningful interactions and impactful journeys for both creators and their audiences.