Technology and aesthetics have always danced together, shaping the sounds that define entire eras. From the 808 drum machine revolutionizing Hip-Hop to autotune transforming contemporary pop, innovation drives the evolution of musical aesthetics. With the rise of AI, a burning question arises: What new aesthetics will the AI revolution bring to music? Unlike the visual domain, AI in music is still relatively uncharted territory.
Predicting the future of aesthetics is no easy task, as it often unfolds in unpredictable ways, with consumers taking existing technologies in unforeseen directions beyond their original intent. Nonetheless, let's embark on this exciting journey and explore three AI-powered techniques that could redefine music production:
1️⃣ Interpolation: In the realm of Machine Learning, interpolation is a key concept. But when applied to the music domain, you can think of it as a form of sonic morphing, where sounds and patterns seamlessly transition from one to another. While achievable without AI, the architecture of powerful AI models, such as diffusion and variational autoencoders, simplifies and amplifies this creative process. Check, for example, how a typing sound turns into a jazz ensemble (made with the Riffusion model): https://lnkd.in/dmUtUvrK
With the imaginative minds of music creators, peculiar and fascinating effects can be achieved, pushing the boundaries of musical experimentation.
2️⃣ On-Demand Audio for Sampling: Admittedly, generative music models still have a way to go before reaching the prowess of their visual counterparts. However, that doesn't mean they can't be valuable tools for creative exploration. Take Google MusicLM, which has recently become available to the public (sign up for their waiting list). While it may not consistently generate complete tracks, it excels at creating unique tone palettes in specific styles, moods, and instrumentation. These outputs can be later sampled and tweaked to fit your creative needs. The best part? The generated outputs are royalty-free, unlocking a world of possibilities for creators.
3️⃣ Voice Cloning: Now, let's explore the fascinating concept of voice cloning. While it sparks discussions due to the rise of deepfakes, voice cloning can be a valuable tool for aspiring producers. Imagine being a budding producer eager to showcase your craft but lacking the connections or resources to collaborate with renowned vocalists. By utilizing voice cloning to emulate your favorite singer's vocals, you can infuse your production with their unique sound. Who knows? Your creation might catch the attention of the artist themselves, potentially leading to collaboration. Just make sure to do it ethically and with permission.
The future of AI in music is filled with immense potential and thrilling possibilities. Stay tuned for more exciting insights and updates!