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The Evolution of AI in Music: From MIDI to Deep Learning

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    Escon Mark
    Twitter

MIDI and the Beginnings of AI in Music

The use of AI in music can be traced back to the 1980s with the introduction of the Musical Instrument Digital Interface (MIDI).

MIDI allowed for the digital transmission of musical notes and commands, paving the way for the development of AI-powered music software.

One of the earliest examples of AI in music was the creation of the 'EMI-Unified Computer Technology' (ECMU) system, which was used to generate music for video games and advertisements.

Learn more about the opportunities and challenges of using AI in music production.

The Rise of Intelligent Music Software

In the 1990s and early 2000s, AI-powered music software began to gain popularity, with programs such as 'Band-in-a-Box' and 'GarageBand'.

These programs used AI algorithms to generate accompaniments and arrangements for user-inputted melodies, making it easier for musicians to create complete songs.

Additionally, AI was used to develop music recommendation systems, such as Pandora's Music Genome Project, which analyzed songs based on various attributes and recommended similar songs to users.

Explore how artificial intelligence affects music careers and job opportunities.

The Role of AI in Music Production

Today, AI is widely used in music production, with software such as 'iZotope' and 'Antares Auto-Tune' using AI algorithms to improve the sound quality of recordings.

AI is also used to automate the mixing and mastering process, allowing for faster and more consistent results.

Furthermore, AI is being used to create new sounds and musical textures, such as the 'WaveNet' model developed by Google's DeepMind, which can generate realistic-sounding musical notes and sounds.

Explore the potential of AI and human collaboration in live music performances

AI and Musical Creativity

AI is not only used to automate and improve the music production process, but it is also being used to enhance musical creativity.

AI algorithms can be used to generate original musical compositions, such as the 'AIVA' (Artificial Intelligence Virtual Artist) system, which has composed classical music pieces.

Additionally, AI is being used to create new forms of musical expression, such as the 'Dadabots' system, which uses AI to generate heavy metal music from YouTube videos.

The Future of AI in Music

The use of AI in music is still in its early stages, and there are many exciting possibilities for future developments.

One area of particular interest is the use of AI to create personalized music experiences, such as the 'Jukedeck' system, which uses AI to generate custom music for videos and advertisements.

Additionally, AI is being used to develop new forms of musical interaction, such as the 'DJ Qbert Skratch App', which uses AI to analyze and respond to a DJ's scratching movements.