Step 4 of 13 · Create

Vocals & lyrics

Vocals carry the song. With AI, you can generate sung vocals (Suno/Udio) or use dedicated voice tools (ElevenLabs) and AI lyric assistants for ideas — but never clone a real artist's voice without permission, which is both an ethical and legal line. A strong, original hook and clear lyrics matter more than any tool.

The steps

  1. 1Write or refine lyrics around one clear hook; keep verses concrete and singable.
  2. 2Generate or record the lead vocal; do several takes/variations and comp the best.
  3. 3Only use voice models you're licensed to use — never imitate a named artist without consent.
  4. 4Add backing vocals/harmonies sparingly to lift the chorus.
  5. 5Disclose AI-generated vocals where platforms or contests require it.
🤖 AI path

AI can sing your lyrics and generate harmonies; lyric assistants (e.g. ChatGPT) help brainstorm, but edit hard for a human hook.

🎤 Indie path

Track a real singer (you or a feature); comp and tune in your DAW.

🔗 Where they meet

Either way, the song lives or dies on the hook and lyric clarity — and on staying on the right side of voice-cloning ethics.

The verdict

Use AI to sing your song, never to impersonate someone else's — and put your energy into one great hook, which no tool can fake.

FAQ

Is it legal to clone a famous singer's voice?

No — using a recognisable artist's voice without permission risks right-of-publicity and other claims, and breaks most platforms' rules. Use only voices you're licensed to use.

Do I have to label AI vocals?

Increasingly yes. Some platforms, distributors and contests require AI disclosure; our chart asks you to declare AI tracks. When in doubt, disclose.