The idea of using artificial intelligence to create music is a truly disturbing concept. The word music comes from the Greek word μουσική (mousike), which means “(art) of the Muses.” In many cultures, music is an important part of peoples’ way of life, as it plays a key role in religious rituals, rite of passage ceremonies, and social activities. The Sony Computer Science Laboratory has released several songs created by artificial intelligence. This is only the 1st step in complicated software replacing man. I have witnessed drum machines and digital samples replacing human music makers. It is a simple business equation, Artificial Intelligence doesn’t require the same funding human musicians require. As someone, who has been involved in music from an entertainment and business point of view, I FIND THIS TREND ACCELERATING AT AN ALARMING PACE. Music is a human form of artistic expression that is an endangered species. With the elimination of music education in our schools, this human art form needs to be preserved. So action is necessary!
With a lot of help, I’ve creating a new website called HumanMusicIntelligence as a substitute for dwindling music education opportunities. It features music created by humans. This site allows anyone to enjoy the early history of human recorded music. FOR FREE. As of 2017, this great music is in the public domain! I selected Jazz as the first genre to demonstrate the “joy of collaboration,” “the blending of instruments,” and “the value of the composition.” I am hoping to demonstrate the human’s ability to create a unique kind of music and art.I selected seven songs essential to the early roots of jazz and have posted them on the web-site. This kind of music is irreplaceable and may never be made again. Somehow I feel compelled to pay music back for the personal rewards I received. Just like any great art, that stands the test of time this music is a treasure.
I realize this isn’t about life or death, and I’m not anti-technology. I’m looking forward to driver-less cars and artificial intelligence’s contributions to medicine, but I’m afraid the use of AI in the music business, which has only profit as its motivation, and not the good of mankind or music. If you notice this recent artificial intelligence release is a spear headed by an large corporate, existing member of the music industry establishment, Sony. And they have convinced this music is worthy of discussion and criticism by knowable sources in the music and technology community. Do a Google search for artificial music intelligence to see the reach of this corporate music power. I wonder if they realize these efforts in artificial intelligence are going to eliminate the “golden goose” of recorded music?