Artificial intelligence (AI) continues to amaze. It is one technology that is finding its way into almost every part of our lives. A cursory look at almost all industries will give you a good idea of the power of AI.
You will find it in medicine, automotive, education, and even the beauty industry. It only makes sense that the music industry embraces the opportunities AI avails.
What makes artificial intelligence so powerful is its ability to learn behavior. It uses data and past experience to give recommendations. Audiences no longer have to struggle to find the music they like.
Machine learning is a critical component of AI. It looks at correlations and patterns based on data sets. It then picks the type of music you are sure to enjoy. Yet, the benefit is not only to the listening audiences. Even those in production and distribution can also use the capabilities to generate new music.
Our article will take a more in-depth look at how artificial intelligence works in the music industry.
The Role of Artificial Intelligence in the Growth of the Industry
Projections on the adoption of artificial intelligence are very optimistic. Industry reports show that by 2030, up to 70% of companies will have at least one such technology. The use of data and insights will provide a basis for higher efficiency. The result will be greater output. The music creative industry will be no exception.
Sony came up with the Flow Machines project in 2016. The result was two songs inspired by Johann Sebastian Bach and The Beatles. The Artificial intelligence visual artist (AIVA) released an album, Genesis, in 2016.
What made it so unique is the fact that it targeted classical music. That is a genre that many believe should be a preserve of human creativity. Warner Bros and Universal Studios have AI incubator technological innovation projects.
Better Efficiency and Output in the Music Industry
The one thing about the music industry is that it is very dynamic. Musicians, producers, and audiences are always looking for the next best thing. That is why they position relatively high as early adopters.
AI is finding use in every part of the music chain. It can help musicians with more creative output. Studio engineers and production teams can increase efficiency without compromising output.
Music distributors, marketers, and free music promotion services can enjoy better targeting. Artificial intelligence considers the user’s musical tastes. It also looks at the underlying feelings of each song before making recommendations. Companies like Spotify already use such data.
The potential artificial intelligence brings to the music industry is quite exciting.
Music Creation with Artificial Intelligence
The use of artificial intelligence to create music is already happening. Google, for example, has Magenta that uses machine and deep learning to create new music. Users love the simplicity of the tool, making it ideal for entry-level to advanced artists.
There are already songs and albums in the market that owe their existence to AI. Sony, for example, has the song Daddy’s Car. They used AI to write and produce the entire song.
What makes music composition using AI interesting is the process. It generates insights from data it derives from different compositions. The next step is the use of algorithms. They use it to see patterns and characteristics that contribute to good music. With such processes, the very concept of music genres could be on its way out.
Industry players like Scott Cohen, founder of Orchard Music Distribution Company, agree. Imagine a composition that picks the best from different genres. It then combines the pieces into what people can consider good music. It does this without placing the final piece in one specific category.
AI Helps with the Creative Process
Some people feel that technology is killing creativity. Old school creatives tend to be slow adopters of technology. For them, creativity is what sets them apart from everyone else. But now, with technology, anyone can come up with concepts and ideas. But, proponents of such have a different story altogether.
Artificial intelligence does not remove human input. Rather it enhances creativity. Musicians also have something akin to writer’s block. The use of artificial intelligence in the creative process can be a big help.
Such technologies already exist. They include Watson Beat from IBM, Jukedeck, and Amper. A typical composer goes through specific steps when coming up with new music. They may draw inspiration from other compositions.
They must also understand what their audiences like. Such data becomes the basis upon which they come up with new songs or music. The same processes apply with artificial intelligence.
Music Personalization
Artificial intelligence has contributed to better personalization of content within the music industry. Audiences get recommendations on artists, albums, and songs. It can go on to generate playlists based on listening history.
Many companies are already utilizing artificial intelligence for this. You can find such services on streaming apps like QQ Music, Joox, and KuGou. If AI trends are anything to go by, personalization may go deeper. Imagine your playlist changing according to your moods.
The technology will read vital signs in your body. It then draws inference on your current state of mind. If it determines that your stress levels are high, it can recommend soothing music. It will be exciting to keep an eye on the latest news on AI and emerging technologies.
Music Recording, Mastering, and Performance with AI
The use of computers is commonplace amongst music producers and musicians. Now with artificial intelligence tools, there is higher efficiency. Tasks like balancing with machine learning and virtual mixing assistants are possible. It eliminates the mundane, repetitive nature of some of the processes.
Audio mastering helps with sound optimization leading to a better listening experience. Tools such as LANDR replace human mastering with automation. It provides a fantastic tool for those who may not be able to afford or access human mastering.
The use of AI is also finding its way to talent spotting. Industry players are also using it to determine the commercial potential of songs. Warner Music group has partnered with Sodatone, a tech startup for the service.
Touring is an important part of music promotion. But, it is expensive when you factor in the logistics. Traveling with personnel and lugging around heavy equipment comes at a high cost.
With technology, such expenses can significantly come down. AI avatars, for example, augment the touring ensemble. Some artists like Holly Herndon, Dadabots, and YATCH already use them.
Final Thoughts
Music industry players can take advantage of the algorithms that AI uses in its processes. There is so much potential for musicians, producers, and distributors. Human mastering capabilities, for example, might be too expensive for beginners. But, with the right tools, they get efficiency and better sound optimization abilities.
Listeners get recommendations on a wider choice of genres. It also helps sift through the tons of content, making it easier to identify new musicians. Some may be wondering whether artificial intelligence will replace human creativity. We are confident in our prediction that this will not be the case.
Instead, such technological innovations will enhance and improve human capabilities. The trick is to find the right balance with the use of machine learning intelligence. The world is already embracing AI; why should the music industry not do the same.