the fold? Or is it a precedent and warning to artists to tread lightly? THE PURISTS There are the purists who advocate that anything created using AI lacks realism and soul. But let’s not forget technology has long been playing a part in expediting our workflow. Automation of cumbersome and costly tasks can open the door to more output and the reallocation of energy to focus on creativity — a net positive. And then fac- tor in that dealing with people is messy — it involves navigating egos, training, mitigating environmental errors, the works. AI doesn’t require petty politics, renting studio time, sourcing specialized labor or extra equipment like recording microphones. Don’t get me wrong, I’m not advocating for disruption to the MI supply chain. Our retail shop, Astro AVL, depends on customers like these to come to us to purchase or rent the very same equipment artists have depended on for decades to get the job done. Let’s frame this another way. Vocals gen- erated by AI and then used by producers (who don’t possess the same vocal ability) is very much akin to the software engineers who utilize LLMs to expedite their coding process, effectively reducing the size of their team. Producers won’t be forced to outsource these tasks due to lack of options. Vocalists will still have a place in music, but it will be a choice to use them, not a necessity. I’m not diminishing the talents of vocal performers. In fact, it’s their art that has facilitated the training of these models. Unfair? Yes. The new modality? Also yes. THE OTHER SIDE Not everyone is turning up their nose at this approach. The current heavyweight of electronic music, John Summit, has another perspective. He’s said in the past he thinks the emergence of AI in music will force new heights of creativity and individualis- tic sound. The motivation to rise above is the responsibility of the artist. Rewarding authenticity will become a priority in these murky waters. So, maybe the music com- munity has to just accept this integration instead of fighting the tide. THE FORECAST So, the question becomes: can we fight the use of AI in MI? Probably not. Here is the long forecast. The human brain can produce 4,000 words a minute. In terms of output, we’re truly throttled by the physical limitations in
the interplay of our fingers, the mouse and keyboard. Music production software will be natively integrated with AI interfaces that allow you to dictate tasks verbally to perform actions. This can include generating vocals, setting up processing chains, crafting synths and other sounds. Go a little further down the road and verbal commands will be made obsolete by thought-based commands from integrations of tech like Neuralink. Ultimately, the tools available will reduce the barriers to entry for creators to zero if you know how to use them. So, the defin- ing characteristics of human music will
evolve to other markers of individualism. Bottom line: if you fight the tide you’ll likely drown in it. The public will have to assimilate to this new landscape and most of us more traditional music makers will have to follow suit or learn this the hard way. We’re existing in a transformative era, and we must walk the bridge to land unknown or opt to walk the plank. MI Cyph Shah is the manager of Astro Audio Video and Lighting in Glendale, California. He is also the lead instructor of the DJ School (Astro Mix Lab) and designs/commissions AVL systems for nightlife, art exhibits, corporate showrooms, sports facilities and live performance venues as Astro’s installation foreman. He has performed across the country for more than 20 years as a club DJ.
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