Beethoven or Bot-hoven

Hey Everybody,

In the most recent episode of the Harvard Data Science Review podcast, experts in music and fashion talk about how Artificial Intelligence will change art in the future. Nini Hu is a designer who founded AndHer, a company using AI to personalize fashion, Portrait XO is an award-winning artist who explores the partnership between human and machine creativity through audio and visual projects, and the creators of Dadabots, CJ and Zack, are pioneers in AI-driven music creation.

When asked whether AI could create a “Beethoven that never was,” Zack says that yes, AI could imitate Beethoven and his compositions but “what we’re really fascinated by is what would Beethoven do today?” I am impressed by the idea that computers can understand cultural styles and use them to transform something that was created hundreds of years ago.

Another major idea that was brought up was about people being scared and uncomfortable with new technologies like AI. Is it okay to wear a piece of clothing designed by AI? The podcast’s guests said that people will learn how to work with this new tech and will grow comfortable with AI. Music and fashion created by Artificial Intelligence, already, are nearly identical to man-made clothing and music.

The host asked her guests what they’re looking forward to in the future of AI. Nini Hu was excited for new education: schools being able to work with AI will become an important part of education and will change what education looks like. Zack and CJ were excited for AI concerts where Artificial Intelligence DJ’s a concert and is able to improvise in front of crowds.

This episode didn’t really involve data but it shows how the analyzing of data can affect art by way of Artificial Intelligence. I wonder what patterns we’ll see once AI takes a bigger role in music and fashion and how it can grow as style or genre changes. What do you think the future looks like with Artificial Intelligence?

Rock On,

Noah