Artificial Intelligence for Music Composing: Future Scenario Analysis
Н.А. Карпов · Theseus (Ammattikorkeakoulujen) · 2020
Emerging technologies have multiple times reshaped the field of music, challenging our perception of creativity and questioning the established values. Today, Artificial Intelligence (AI) is recognized to be one of the most potential and influential technology areas for musical solutions, particularly – for composing. As a novel way to augment human creativity, the so-called AI-composers attract massive attention of professionals and enthusiasts, raise concerns and present a subject to a vivid discussion. This study aims to identify how AI-composers might be integrated into the process of music creation in the future and what impact they may have on various stakeholders within the industry. To accomplish the research goal, the study used the Scenario Analysis Method and relied on inductive reasoning. Qualitative primary data was collected via 5 in-depth semistructured interviews conducted with professionals of diverse profiles. Combined with secondary data from academic literature, the collected data was used to evaluate the current situation and make future projections. The results of the study are reflected in 4 scenarios, which illustrate how the integration of AI-composers might proceed over a 10-year timeline and explain what conditions may influence the integration. The study identified AI-composers to carry a multitude of functions: it is a new way of expression for musicians and composers, an advancing soundtrack tool for content producers and a phenomenon that makes us reconsider our take on creativity. The range of implementation of AI-composers is expected to experience significant growth in the future, as more additional functions will appear and the capacity of the tool will grow. Special attention should be paid on the legal conditions: still finding themselves in an unstable legal context, AI-composers may soon receive the required legislative aid, which would noticeably incentivize their development.