AI Music Article in The Atlantic

[Fred Treece]

https://www.theatlantic.com/technology/ ... fy/683410/

If you subscribe Apple News, the full article is available in the magazines section.

The writer nails the lamentable trend of homogenized modern pop music, to the point where the line between AI bands and human bands is indistinguishable. A tangent point is made regarding the purpose pop music now serves as a backdrop to life while doing something other than listening to it directly.

I don’t know how true it is, because I am old and am not stricken by pop music that much one way or the other anymore no matter how it’s produced. I actually have discovered some human pop music in the last 20 years that sounds passionate and has lyrical and musical depth (looking at you, Sarah Bareilles, David Gray, Lord Huron, others), though it is rare and takes some digging around.

An interesting and thought-provoking piece of writing, nonetheless.

[Jerry Overstreet]

https://www.theatlantic.com/technology/ ... y/683410/A tangent point is made regarding the purpose pop music now serves as a backdrop to life while doing something other than listening to it directly.

I didn't read the article yet, but this statement is something I've been saying for years. People just don't sit down and listen to music anymore like we used to do in years past. It's mainly just background.

We would spend enormous energy and time setting up our sound systems and listening environment for just the right combinations to get that sweet spot.

I don't think very many people do that these days. Probably, because life for everyone seems to be so busy.

[Fred Treece]

Right, Jerry. It’s earbuds and a iPhone now. Even for live shows there seems to be ever more emphasis on a multi-media experience for the audience rather than letting the music and the performer take you on that unique type of ride. We were lucky to grow up when we did, in so many ways.

I wonder if some of the creative minds of today are more focused on putting together a hit AI band than writing and composing music themselves. I’m not denying there may be some talent in that process, but what it might mean for actual human input toward this art form and the resultant listening experience is what makes me a little sad.

[Larry Dering]

Fred, if AI is anything near some of the responses online when you do a search then I wouldn't expect much. And it really rubs me wrong that AI would be acceptable to any listeners. I hated the Hip Hop DJ thing with record scratching and then Karaoke. The few younger weddings I attended that had this type music was a quick exit for us.I didn't think much of the Randy Travis thing with AI and voice corrected singers.

[Fred Treece]

I played solo acoustic guitar and sang at a small party for some age-mate friends last night. On dinner break, the host put on some Spotify. The reaction to my set and the Spotify tunes was exactly the same - basically zero.

I’m old enough and have done this kind of thing so many times, I know my place, and I know not to expect much even though I know I’m doing a favor for the ambience of the thing. But…

I have seen pieces of furniture treated with more respect than I got on this gig.

I’ve watched the same thing happen to other performers at private events and wine tasting rooms. It has become borderline rude. It is a trend long in the making, and it is deeply ingrained at this point. I always acknowledge a live performer, even if I am the only one in the audience clapping for them, and even if they’re not very good, because I have been there.

I believe there is a universe of difference in how people “use” music now compared to 40 years ago, and their expectations and treatment of live musicians is a reflection of that.

AI is not going to help, and Larry, it doesn’t matter that musicians think AI music itself sucks. People are hiring bands to play their AI-generated Spotify playlists, and to hell with the music your band actually identifies with. We will be expected to play what comes out of the machine, and we will learn not expect any positive response for it even when we give the garbage a soul.

I think what is happening now is that unless you are involved in recording and/or touring with an original or legacy artist, or working with a licensed tribute act, you will be working in the low-to-zero positive response business, and the era of the gigging cover artist may be coming to an end.

PS- My friends from last night just sent me a text showered with praise for how great everyone thought I was last night.