In recent years, especially in the past ones AI has been the biggest buzzworld – so can we match it up with DAWless music production? Can I make a connection between my passion and the future? Let’s see.
As stated in several blog posts of mine and all over the blogs, the world of music production has seen a significant shift towards the use of technology and software in creating music. Personally, I believe it would be a shame if this field would not be progressing.
What is DAWless music production?
With the advent of digital audio workstations (DAWs), music production has become more accessible and affordable to everyone than ever before. I mean literally you get a free DAW (Lite version) if you purchase a MIDI key or pad. Or simply scrolling the web with your eyes open (such as in 2020, there have been mass free discounts all over).
However, there is a growing movement recently within the music production community towards dawless music production, which involves creating music without the use of a computer or software. One could say, we rediscover it, the era before PCs. Which is good, right?
Along the fact that dawless music production has become increasingly popular in recent years. As a result the musicians and producers exploring new ways to create music using hardware synthesizers, drum machines, and samplers. Essentially, this way of music production evolves. Furthermore more and more instruments become accessible for the mass audience, such as the budget Pocket Operators, like PO-33 and PO-128.
And by using physical hardware, producers can connect with their music in a more organic way, using their hands to manipulate knobs and faders to create unique sounds.
In the age of AI
On the other hand, as the world of music production continues to evolve, there is another technology that is having a significant impact on the industry: artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning.
AI and machine learning are new things. In a way difficult to evaluate their added value yet. They are being used in a variety of ways in music production, from generating melodies and harmonies to analyzing and processing audio files.
Benefits of using AI
I guess one of the most significant benefits of AI and machine learning in music production is their ability to automate repetitive tasks. In this way fastening the process of production.
As an example, instead of spending hours programming a drum pattern, a producer can use an AI-powered drum machine that can generate complex rhythms. Just with a few clicks. Does it help? Definitely. Again, is it good? I wonder. A short personal story: I was pretty much crap with beats, when I started working on my solo. I just did not have to work on this area while playing in the band. But in solo yes. So, I started reading about it. Checked blogs, learnt to manipulate samples. And these learning hours and sessions started to be part of my music production. If AI can do this, maybe my music would be completely different.
AI and machine learning can also help producers to explore new (musical) ideas, by generating melodies and harmonies that they may not have thought of otherwise.
Another area where AI and machine learning are having a significant impact is in the processing and analysis of audio files. This one I guess is much more sought development.
Why? Machine learning algorithms can be used to analyze audio files and identify specific elements, such as pitch and timbre. Translating it to every days language: it may help us mixing and mastering better. As I mentioned above: the age of bedroom producers is here, but do we all able to finish our sketches the right way? You might be super good with melodies, creative with samples – but making sure it sounds dope is another art.
Pros of AI with DAWless music production
Using AI tools – maybe I can consider Izotope’s Ozone assistant like that – help finishing the music mixing (and mastering). I personally believe it will not replace professional mastering. Never will. But that is tight for many pockets, whereas in early stages it might not even be necessary for any artists.
As for dawless music, it is even more of a threat. On-the-go (single record) music production is super cool and fun but having all EQs at the right place is more of a challenge.
Drawbacks of AI
However, there are also a couple of drawbacks to using AI and machine learning in dawless music production. One of the biggest concerns is that it could lead to a loss of creativity and human touch in the music. Remember my story above? Lack of knowledge pushed me to learn it. If AI can do it instead of me, why bother learning?
While these technologies can create music that is technically impressive, they may lack the emotional depth and expression that comes from human creativity. Not to mention intuition and the willingness to test wild things.
Furthermore, some people may argue that using AI and machine learning in music production is simply a way to replicate what has already been done before. And personally, I believe it is right. An algorithm has a mass pack of pre-made ideas. It may be able to synthesise them, to mix them, but this is the limit right now to my best knowledge.
These people are also worried that it could lead to a homogenization of music, where all songs sound the same because they are generated using the same algorithms.
Despite these concerns, many experts believe that AI and machine learning have the potential to revolutionize the way music is created in the future. As these technologies continue to evolve and improve every day. As more and more solutions are popping up, we may see a new generation of musicians who are able to create entirely new sounds and styles of music using the power of AI and machine learning.
Conclusion
In conclusion, I have to say: no artist can ignore this phenomenon. Let it be dawless or not. The world of dawless music production is rapidly evolving thanks recent trends. AI and machine learning technologies could add a boost to it. Especially the mixing part.
While there are both benefits and drawbacks to using AI, the potential for them to revolutionize the way music is created is undeniable. The question if you are able to leverage it, while growing and getting better as an artist.
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