Google DeepMind has rolled out Lyria 3.5 on its Google Flow Music platform, enhancing how AI crafts music with better vocals, lyrics, and more nuanced creative control. Unlike many crypto projects promising blockchain-based music platforms, this latest release steers clear of any blockchain or cryptocurrency integration.
Lyria 3.5 builds on prior versions that already made waves earlier this year. Back in February, Lyria 3 allowed users to generate 30-second high-quality music clips from text or image prompts, with an age restriction of 18+. Then in March, Lyria 3 Pro expanded capabilities to full-length songs up to three minutes. This upgrade introduced structural coherence, enabling compositions with clear intros, choruses, and bridges rather than random sound snippets.
The crypto disconnect in AI-generated music
Where Lyria 3.5 stands out is in its disregard for blockchain technology, which contrasts sharply with crypto-native platforms that have heavily marketed decentralized music tools. The usual crypto pitch involves minting tracks as NFTs and using smart contracts to automate royalty payments, aiming to eliminate middlemen in the music industry.
Yet, despite years of promises, these crypto music projects have largely failed to gain widespread adoption or deliver on their promises. Google’s approach suggests a widening gulf between centralized AI music innovation and crypto’s vision. At roughly $0.04 for a 30-second clip and $0.08 for a full three-minute song via API, Lyria 3.5 drastically lowers barriers to entry compared to traditional music commissioning, which often costs hundreds of dollars.
This move also highlights how major tech companies continue to push the envelope in AI-driven creativity without relying on blockchain, raising questions about the practical role of crypto in creative industries moving forward.
This material is informational and does not constitute financial advice.
