You find yourself inside a nightclub, surrounded by thumping music and flashing lights. Your gaze drifts towards the DJ booth, only to find it devoid of any human presence. Instead, the pulsating beats are orchestrated by an AI-generated mix.
As mixing software continues to advance, and with venues tightening their financial belts, concerns have emerged within the dance music industry. The question on many minds is whether a computer program can ever replace the tangible connection between a DJ and their audience.
In a single word, the answer is no – at least, according to Nooriyah, a 28-year-old DJ based in London. Nooriyah frequently graces stages worldwide, often performing for crowds exceeding 40,000 eager dance enthusiasts. While AI programs have been available in her field for years, offering song recommendations based on tempo, they have yet to supplant her role. She attributes this to the profound, intangible connection she forges with her audience.
Nooriyah explains, “The way I connect with my audience is exceptionally challenging to replicate. Picture a raver glancing at me while I’m DJing, observing me sweating and dancing, just like they are. In that moment, they experience an intimate connection that AI cannot recreate.”
Alv Kyle, who embraced DJing during the lockdown and aims to make it her primary source of income, is also witnessing shifts in the industry. He has secured numerous gigs but notices that venues are trimming their budgets as the cost of living escalates. Since the pandemic, there has been a significant transition towards streaming DJ sets, especially for international events where budgets may not accommodate flying artists to different countries. Cameras behind the DJ decks are now a common sight for streaming, raising concerns that this trend might evolve into virtual sets.
Kyle expresses his concerns, stating, “AI has a long way to go to match the emotional intelligence of a human being, but with AI generating original compositions, it could spell a bleak future for DJs.”
In March this year, an East London venue held an AI rave, receiving mixed reviews, with some attendees describing the music as “dry and empty.” While it appears that humans excel in DJing, the landscape is not as straightforward for music producers.
In addition to her DJing, Nooriyah also creates her own music. Her creative process involves experimenting with different sounds using software before mastering tracks, and this is the stage where AI comes into play.
Nooriyah emphasises the urgency of discussions about AI’s role in music production, highlighting the existence of at least ten software programs capable of mixing music, which could potentially displace producers from their jobs. She advocates for a more comprehensive dialogue between the music industry and AI developers.
One potential solution, according to her, is to impose taxes on AI companies. She proposes, “Let’s first slow down the release of these AI programs and tax the developers, using that revenue to provide training for those who lose their jobs to AI.”
Phil Kear, affiliated with the Music Union, shares similar concerns. He worries that AI might impose limits on what people are willing to pay for recordings created by human artists, stating, “AI music will be cheaper, and I think people will be tempted to use it, perhaps even in bars.”
However, Kear underscores that AI’s influence will only extend as far as society permits. He believes, “A lot will be determined by the general public’s willingness to accept AI or the quality of the music it can produce.” He doesn’t foresee the majority of commercial music being significantly affected but notes that “background” music could be at risk.
Like many other industries, the realm of music has already experienced the impact of technological advancements. Nooriyah views this as a natural evolution in the musical landscape. She reflects, “Music has rapidly evolved over time, from tapes to CDs, radio to streaming services, and at every stage, disruptions occurred. This is no different.”
She calls for a recalibration, finding common ground, and implementing regulations to ensure that AI becomes an exciting collaborator rather than a threat to the music industry
