Artificial Intelligence in Music Production by Dominic Bowkett

Great for loops and ambient noise, bad for actual soundtracks

Artificial Intelligence, or AI as it is commonly referred to, seems to have embedded itself into most aspects of life. Technology and the dependence upon smart technology has yielded advancement which have sparked new innovations and creativity within the music industry writes Dominic Bowkett. As a result of these innovations and these advancements, Artificial Intelligence has become more pronounced in music production. But is this a good or a bad thing? Does integrating AI into music production give the same results as one would expect from a human composer? The answer is yes and no.

Artificial Intelligence can be used for looping

When it comes to creating loops and dance “trend” music, there is little that needs to be considered apart from a consistent beat and a good bass to keep the dancers motivated. Artificial Intelligence, in its loosest interpretation of the word, has been used to create such dance tracks. The creator simply sets the parameters for the program, specifies the duration of the track, and perhaps adds in an algorithm relating to the variation of the instruments and duration of the track, and the computer program makes it. Additionally, those who make advanced tracks could build upon the AI formed track to quickly compose some very elaborate selections with minimal effort says Dominic Bowkett.

Dominic Bowkett



The advantage of using such a system is that several unique sound tracks can be created without the need to surf your library for unused loops and beats. Theoretically, the artificial intelligence also allows for a song to be under construction while another is playing. This optimizes the process and the flow substantially. The downside to this is that the DJ becomes irrelevant. If the “artist” is a computer, then the DJ is not needed to orchestrate the tracks which are being danced to. Thus, ending the careers of several individuals.

The Soundtrack Industry is not likely to see too much A.I.

While it may be true that action movies may use the artificial intelligence to create those techno and grunge beats that we are so fond of in movies like The Matrix, Mad Max, and Swordfish, there is a bit more artistry, I believe, in the blockbuster soundtracks than can be produced by artificial intelligence. Granted, the A.I. will probably get to that point, but as it stands right now, I do not believe that Hans Zimmer has anything to worry about. Why?

Also Read:- Artificial Intelligence in Art & Design – Dominic Bowkett

The fundamental reason that artificial intelligence in music production has not seeped into too much cinematic production is due to the fact that the soundtracks created for the theater are to evoke emotion. And while there is a plethora of material within the computer based systems of the artificial intelligence, there has yet to be genuine emotion within the computer. Such would be a scary concept really (just look at ex-machina). Because there is a void of emotion and because the composer understands human emotion, it is fairly safe to say that artificial intelligence will not be a dominant part of the movie music production.

Socializing the music industry

One avenue which artificial intelligence in music production will spark is the quick creation of soundtracks to accompany social media videos writes Dominic Bowkett. Think about this. If you have something along the lines of a GoPro or a Kodak Pixpro that you wish to upload to a social media site, the ability to really ramp it up with an artificially created track would be beneficial. It would not surprise me in the least to see an artificial intelligence algorithm incorporated into Facebook, YouTube, or Google+ to create soundtracks based upon your viewing history, posts, and musical likes.

iTunes will most certainly have such tracks become available based upon your download and viewing history. The apple based store already has several artists which offer artificial intelligence based music. All you must do is make a search of artificial intelligence in music on Apple to get a ton of results.

What does this mean for music production?

Like many things which become computerized, the integration of artificial intelligence in music production will cause the market to drop. DJs and lower end professionals will find it more difficult to sell their tracks, especially if they resemble anything made by artificial intelligence. Purists will need to have a unique methodology for creating and distributing music which will set them apart in the industry. As the market of musical producers is sure to narrow, those which have specialized skills, such as those in cinematic music production are apt to see an increase in their pay and in the demand for their services.

While Artificial intelligence may have a role in some aspects of the music industry which would and have proven to be beneficial, I do not believe that we should be so quick to shed our creativity and arts in the sake of expenditure and technology. For more information Visit his Site.