Streaming platforms like Spotify and Apple Music have revolutionised the way we access music , giving us a world of sounds at our fingertips and breaking down barriers for international listening.
But is it all for the better? The way in which we consume music has been radically transformed in the past 20 years. Although the algorithm serves as a very useful tool for listeners, allowing us to discover new music based on our listening history, it also raises questions about the role of technology in shaping our cultural habits and the ways we engage with art. Streaming platforms have also had a huge influence on the type of music we listen to.
Now, ambient sounds make up a huge proportion of streams as a soundtrack for working or relaxing. More and more listeners are using music as a tool to help them focus, rather than a piece of art to be appreciated. The success of Spotify is unaffected by the type of music we listen to, it relies only on our time and attention. As long as the demand for this more functional approach to music continues to grow, so too will its production.
Over one-third of musicians already use AI in their creative processβranging from initial experimentation and idea generation, to instrumentation, and even mastering. The extent to which AI is used in music generation is on a sliding scale of 0 right up to He believes that we need to find a way for creators to be reimbursed.
In terms of legislation, it is yet to be decided to what extent AI can be used in the generation of music. Although it can be a powerful creative partner, without careful consideration AI presents a risk of turning music into an algorithmically generated product rather than a piece of art. Artists earn as little as 0. Meanwhile, the cost of presenting live music is on the rise.
