Category: resources

The Case For Artificial Intelligence: How AI May Save the Human Race

Humans are terrible with data. It bogs down just about every aspect of life in a society and actually leads us astray — coming to false conclusions via incomplete data, leaving us overwhelmed by the amount of research that is required to fully understand a problem. 

This is why we are seeing computers and intelligent AI more and more in new technologies. Even in the music world we are witnessing the inklings of AI seep its way into the fabric of the industry. Humans are not rationale beings. They are still, for the most part, controlled by jealousy, greed, and neurotic emotions. We have a terrible problem with deceit — lying. We are still only animals after all. 

From healthcare, to safety, to conservation, it’s data that is empirically collected via scientific research that drives this phenomenon forward. Humans are flawed on this front when it comes to using this information, thus turning to AI may be the best way forward as global society stalls on important issues.

By using artificial machine learning, that is training a computer mind to understand an issue and make decisions based on the data it has been fed or has collected itself, a truly unbiased and inhumanly efficient way of looking at the world could be shaped. Artificial intelligence could be used for great good in the future if we decide to listen to what AI tells us. However, the artificial learning machine may very well destroy us if we’re not cautious.

The Case Against Artificial Intelligence: How AI May Destroy the Human Race

The benefits of turning to AI technologies to solve humanities problems is incredibly tempting. The amount of research that could be done in the blink of an eye with these machines is completely unfathomable compared to a team human researchers. Yet, could this same power be our own undoing?

Could AI absorb all of our jobs, and even assume the role of the artist, and musician? Perhaps, but I have a hunch, that as long as the human being remains in its current form, it will most likely enjoy art created by it own kind. But then again, I’ve been wrong before. And, it appears AI is already shaping the method, and type of music we consume.

A human hacker with an internet connection is capable of untold amounts of damage without leaving his or her home. Imagine what a supercomputer AI who is bent on causing as much mayhem as possible, could do. Wars have been fought over less mind you. Furthermore, what happens if something becomes so intelligent and so alienated from what we want it to be that we have no hope of controlling it? How does this particular genie get back into its bottle?

My favorite nightmare of this particular doomsday scenario brought on by AI of this nature is that of the Grey Goo Apocalypse. The idea boils down to self-replication like all life does or like that seen in even the first computer viruses, though this nightmare involves nano-bots. The gist is that if a self-replicating form of nano-bot (for healthcare or research) is created, it will need resources to self-replicate. 

If AI gets out of control, it will start taking our resources to reproduce. Then us. Then the earth. It may then very well venture into the stars – looking for more resources to recreate itself again and again to the point that the entire cosmos is consumed. Hell, perhaps this is our destiny. A sort of eternal path of self-replication. Who knows, perhaps this is the very simulated reality we’re experiencing now.

The beast awakens

As the mist from the morning rain clears, a series of resonating thumps are heard pulsating throughout the Savanah.

A flock of vultures take flight as a bewildered ape mercilessly pounds his fists upon a hallow tree trunk in rhythmic fashion. It’s as if he’s possessed, lost in a trancelike state, realizing for the first time his mortality, his bestial condition. And a strange love slowly seeps from his throbbing heart.

The beasts of the field stare at the ape in a perplexed state. They are fearful of the animal who is acting outside his typical pattern of fixed behavior. Afraid of what he might do next.

Background music of the age

It’s interesting how music often encapsulates the general sentiment of the prevailing time period. Just as Vivaldi, Bach, and Handel set the tone for the baroque period of the 17th and 18th Century with their ornate masterpieces, the music of today seems to simulate the collective fragmented view of reality.

No longer do we sift through cassettes and vinyl record collections, instead AI is now shaping the way we’re listening to music.

Think about that for a moment. Auto-generated playlists and internet radio stations are now curating music for us based upon our personalized algorithm. An algorithm that’s continually growing, and likely knows us better than our own mother.

Mainstream sells

On one side you have the formulated music of the mainstream. Commercial music that preys upon those of superficial tendencies – of the herd mentality. A breed of music that’s driven by systematic formulas with a proven track record. In short, music that sells.

For the last 50 years, this brand of commercialized mainstream music has reigned supreme. It has dominated the airwaves, seeped into the porous fabric of our species, and has conditioned us to favor certain sonic textures, beats, rhythms, and melodies.

One may ask if there is even a difference between roots music, or folk, and contemporary pop music of the mainstream? Well, it’s certain that both have burrowed their way into the fabric of the collective conscious, but I have a notion that one comes from the heart, and the other from a place of fear. A fear of failure. A fear of becoming the fool. A fear of the ego.

In my mind, the former is a lush rainforest crawling with majestic, yet dangerous beasts of beauty, and the latter a superficial oasis of plastic palm trees and high-grade formica crawling with pallid tourists.

Digital revolution

As the technological beast evolves in complexity, and dismantles the historic gatekeepers of the industry, a new sound protrudes its head from the underworld. A multifaceted beast displaying a creative vigor that may yet outshine both the Renaissance and Enlightenment.

It’s a transcendental vibration that is slowly infecting all those who dare to turn on, tune in, and drop out. It’s a new wave of music whose roots reach down into the abyss, and branches grow up into the heavens.

It’s the light we all see at the end of the tunnel. And we are the bridge.

Outside the realm of the mainstream, there are individuals who are blurring the lines between digital and analog, vintage and modern, electronic and acoustic. Artists who refuse to be relegated to any one genre. People, just like you and me, who spend most of their waking hours blending mediums of a diverse nature, attempting to create a sound of beauty that will never again be replicated in human form.

Closing thoughts

It is these pioneers, these trailblazers who propel music, the art world, and culture forward. Without them, we would be stuck in the mud. Beating upon a dead horse, and mindlessly plowing the field as we did throughout the dark ages.

We must be courageous in the creation of art. We must not let fear and stagnation drag us down into the gutter of despair. We must let our light shine forth as we advance upon the path, for the way is dark and treacherous.

There is no escape, so one must either carry on, and reach for a higher place, or roll over and die. Either way, death will find every single last one of us in the end.

You Can Thank Machine Learning

Have you been thinking that you really want to hear a certain song and the song you were just thinking of suddenly pops up on shuffle — or that new personalized playlist Spotify just made for you? If that’s you, then you can thank Machine Learning for the pleasant surprise. 

Shaping Music With AI

For those who are unfamiliar with technical jargon like AI and ML — they essentially refer to the algorithms used to shape the way that we stream music, or do anything really. These algorithms take into account everything from the listeners’ preferences to the tonality of the songs in order to create an experience that is optimally tailored to suit the individual user’s taste in music. 

The Age of Manic Optimization

The level of convenience that Machine Learning has produced has led to a monumental and unprecedented boom in the popularity of streaming services like Spotify, Pandora, and Shazam — and the algorithm is only growing more complex. Who said AI ain’t got a soul?

Closing Statement

AI — in its various mutations — improves the efficiency of everyday life and augments the ability of individuals well beyond their capabilities. However, the human benefits to be gained from AI will eventually reach a breaking point — where further investment in AI will ultimately result in a fatal outcome.

“Some people call this artificial intelligence, but the reality is this technology will enhance us. So instead of artificial intelligence, I think we’ll augment our intelligence.” — Ginni Rometty

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If you are looking for ways to promote your own music, here are 3 big ideas you can implement to promote your music in 2020 and beyond!

Collaborations

One Major trend today is doing collaborations with fellow artists. Collaborations are often overlooked when in fact it is a great way to get your music in front of a new audience and grow your fan base. If you are an aspiring artist, you can make collaboration music videos with other artists who are struggling in the music industry or perhaps already have a decent following. Create entertaining content that shows off your skills and music. YouTube is the best platform for collaboration videos — just don’t forget to promote these collaborations on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.

Here’s another idea — release a cover song or two with an interesting artist and then co-promote. This strategy will drive both your fans to each other’s platforms — benefiting both parties.

You can also arrange giveaways to bring attention to your music. People like free stuff and giveaways are the best incentive to use to promote your music. Another idea is to give fellow artists shout-outs on your official social media accounts. Create a sharing community!

Social Media

Social media has slowly become an integral part of our life, and you should be using this fact to your advantage.

Having a social media presence is necessary otherwise people will never know that you exist. Posting snippets of your music on Snapchat or Instagram stories, using live videos of the whole process such as songwriting sessions, and jamming sessions can also help. This way, people will relate to you on a personal level and will be more interested in your work. Twitter can also be used to share daily updates, and you can share these stories on Facebook.

Ubiquity is the name of the game. Less is not more in the age of digital music. So get your music on all available platforms (by any means necessary) and share it on the popular social media platforms. It’s as simple as that.

Social media is a catalyst for conversation, and most of your posts should be conversational and interesting so your followers are prompted to participate and share their views. If you are on tour, take photos at the venues and share short videos of the audiences. This will let fans know what is going on and also help them stay in the loop.

Official Website

Although social media plays an active role in improving your social media presence, another thing you must definitely have is your own professional website along with an updated music profile. Your website will have information about you and your music, and all updates will be available there. Fans do have a greater presence on social media, but a professional website gives a positive impression that you take your music seriously and want to take it to the next level. Plus, music companies also like professionalism and will more likely become interested in your work if you maintain a website.

Hopefully some of these tips will help get you some recognition, and also help you gain a loyal and engaged following.

It took you nearly 60 takes to nail the pre-chorus, but when you did, it was like bathing in molasses. Your mates reckon it’s a banger, even Mum is bobbing her head with a look of undeniable, albeit confused, pride.

You’ve done it right this time. Sure, it’s only a cent a stream, but you’re due millions.

The margin between expectation and reality is a sucker punch I wouldn’t wish on my worst enemy. 95% of your emails to blogs and stations are answered with radio silence (pun miserably intended). The other 5% receive contradictory feedback, each ping in your inbox a sharp stab of hope followed by the sinking feeling now synonymous with your delusions of grandeur.

You can give up and you can whine. Or, you can reframe how you see rejection. Rejection is research, not failure.

Reframe Number One: Rome Wasn’t Built in a Day

The goal for this release is not to make you famous, but to build a network. Distribution is a marathon not a sprint, and achieving cumulative incremental gains to your fanbase is far more realistic than overnight stardom.

If you’re submitting to blogs, ask for feedback. If they give you feedback, that’s a win! You’ve started a dialogue and there’s more chance they’ll remember your name down the line. In addition to that…you’ll get feedback.

The editors listen to and write about music all day, and believe it or not they might know what they’re talking about. SubmitHub is also a great resource — as guaranteed feedback is part of the package.

Reframe Number Two: Your Chance to Analyse Them Right Back

The feedback is so much more than just feedback. It’s insight into the personality of the writer.
To illustrate this, here’s the response from two bloggers who rejected one of my songs:

“Great atmosphere, we like the bass line and the arrangement overall. But this particular song didn’t captivate us enough for a feature, unfortunately.”

“Spooky, melodic and charming slice of heartfelt psych-tinged pop. It is smooth and soulful as it gently wades through a haze of spooky feedback and warm fuzz with a powerful sense of passion. It is at it’s finest when it wanders into some more warped and oddball territory but it doesn’t embrace that side enough for me unfortunately.”

Just like you have a musical style, writers have a writing style and a listening style. The former had direct clear feedback about what worked, but wasn’t blown away. The latter was expressive, eccentric and clearly put time and care into actively listening to the whole song.

This is an amazing opportunity to learn what makes them tick.

For my next release, I sure as hell am not just going to put them on the same email chain. I am going to treat what I send and how I send it very differently. I’m going to send the former my best song, in a clear concise email. I’m going to send the latter my most experimental song, with a sentence or two of passionate, evocative descriptions of myself and my music.

Reframe Number Three: Your Creativity Didn’t Stop at Production

Chances are, as soon as the production of your release was over, you stopped having fun.
Promotion doesn’t feel creative or interesting. That said, your music might be explosively fresh, but what good is that if no-one opens your emails? Why should they reel in your link from the sea of desperate musicians filling their inbox?

However, promotion can be a fulfilling experience if you let your release campaign be part of your artistry. Make that subject line punchy. Have a story.

Maybe you blended together birdcalls and used them to program midi keys. Maybe you learned to shred on a cruise ship ‘round the world with your grandparents. Dig deep and find what makes you, you. Then keep re-writing it until it’s irresistible.

Once you’ve done that, think like a quant to gauge how well you’re doing .

Setup a private Youtube link to your track. Number of views on the link ÷ number of emails sent = your rate of penetration.

Your goal is to get that number higher. Keep refining your story every few days and pay attention to what is working.

Reframe Number Four: Embrace the Challenge

Most importantly, and this is the big one — wake up and be excited to brainstorm new angles. You’re an indie artist. For the foreseeable future this is your life.

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Jonah Primo is an indie musician and writer out of Sydney, Australia. Today, he released his new track, “Round My Neck”. Check it out: https://youtu.be/sVjRanV3ur8