06: The Twilight of Recorded Music's Reign with Bas Grasmayer (COLORS, Music X)

Homie Roundtable with Shamanic, Levi Downey and Alex Park

In this episode of softmax, I invited my good friends for a roundtable discussion. Joining me are Shamanic, a multidisciplinary creative technologist; Levi, a musician and founder of on-chain co-op Amerge; and Alex, a community organizer, spiritual explorer, and founder of Mothership, a creative accelerator. We dive into some fascinating topics that have been on our minds lately, starting with Shamanic's insights into the burgeoning world of VR raves and virtual music culture. It's amazing to see how these digital spaces are creating new opportunities for artists and fostering a sense of global community. We then explore the intersection of AI and creativity, sparked by Levi's mention of Brian Eno's generative documentary. This led us to discuss the potential and challenges of AI in music, including the ethical principles proposed by AI4music.info. Alex shared an intriguing concept for a new type of social network powered by personal AI models, which got us all thinking about data sovereignty and the future of online interactions. Throughout our conversation, we touched on themes of human creativity, technological advancement, and the importance of maintaining our humanity in this rapidly evolving digital landscape. As always, I'm grateful for these opportunities to chat with such insightful friends and explore these complex topics together. This episode is a great example of the kind of Discord conversations we have - deep, wide-ranging, and full of parallel tangents. I hope you enjoy listening to our discussion as much as we enjoyed having it! Links: VR Chat: https://hello.vrchat.com/ VRC Party hub: https://twitter.com/vrchatpartyhub VRC Rave Schedules: https://vrc.tl/ Brian Eno Generative Documentary: https://www.theverge.com/24197153/eno-documentary-generative-film-gary-hustwit-interview Principles for Music Creation in AI: https://aiformusic.info/ Guests Shamanic: https://twitter.com/shamanic_arts https://objkt.com/@shamanicarts Levi Downey: https://www.instagram.com/levi.downey/ https://x.com/levidowney?lang=en https://www.amerge.xyz/ Alex Park: https://www.instagram.com/alex.park/?hl=en https://www.mothership.wtf/ softmax: Join our discord! https://discord.gg/3zTywUX9BY Mark Redito: https://x.com/markredito https://www.instagram.com/markredito/ Music R.Tyler - raise ValueError [https://open.spotify.com/track/4BLQVJHZmWA52CfhMz9a8J?si=953058b500f445f9] Purchase on Bandcamp: Podcast Artwork Shamanic: https://objkt.com/tokens/KT1MoBFWosexpEkoCuXimxzrcffGANr7Twi7/1 This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit redito.substack.com [https://redito.substack.com?utm_medium=podcast&utm_campaign=CTA_1]

Creating Music with Code feat. R. Tyler

In this episode of softmax, I had the pleasure of sitting down with R. Tyler [https://www.instagram.com/1000instamilligrams/], a fascinating artist who straddles the worlds of music production, live coding, and computational biology. Our conversation dove deep into the realm of algorithmic music-making and the vibrant Algorave scene. R. Tyler shared his unique approach to creating music with code, offering insights into how this method differs from traditional DAW-based production and how it opens up new avenues for musical exploration. We explored the concept of microtonality and its potential to push the boundaries of electronic music, a topic that R. Tyler is particularly passionate about. Our discussion also touched on the evolution of electronic music, debating whether it's still as forward-looking as it once was or if it's becoming more nostalgic. R. Tyler's experiences performing at international events, including in Shanghai, provided a global perspective on the growing Algorave movement. As we looked towards the future of electronic music, we pondered the impact of AI and machine learning on music production. R. Tyler shared his thoughts on how these technologies might influence creativity and the importance of human input in pushing musical boundaries. His insights into the democratization of music-making tools and the potential for new sounds and techniques left me inspired and excited about the future of electronic music. Timestamps 00:00 Introduction 11:37 The Algorave Movement 15:14 Handling Bugs and Challenges 20:41 Exploring Music Creation Through Code 26:46 Joining the Algorave Community 29:39 The Power of Community 31:50 Exploring New Frontiers 41:58 Pushing Boundaries with Microtonality 48:47 The Freedom of Live Coding 50:41 The Multidisciplinary Nature of Electronic Music 56:36 The Nostalgia and Homogenization in Electronic Music 63:17 The Potential of AI-Assisted Technologies in Music Production 64:23 Exploration and Pushing Boundaries in Electronic Music 65:04 The Democratization of Music-Making Tools 66:16 The Future of Electronic Music Links: R Tyler https://linktr.ee/rtyl3r https://www.instagram.com/1000instamilligrams/ https://avclubsf.com/ softmax https://www.instagram.com/_softmax/ https://www.instagram.com/markredito/ https://twitter.com/markredito This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit redito.substack.com [https://redito.substack.com?utm_medium=podcast&utm_campaign=CTA_1]

Decoding AI music with Moises Horta Valenzuela aka Hexorcismos

In this episode of softmax, I sit down with Moises Horta Valenzuela, aka Hexorcismos [https://linktr.ee/hexorcismos], an innovative artist and technologist based in Berlin. Moises has been pushing the boundaries of electronic music and AI since the 2010s. His journey from the experimental sound music scene in Tijuana to the forefront of generative AI in music is something I found very inspiring. We dive into his early work with ambient music and his band Los Macuanos, exploring how these experiences have shaped his current projects. Moises shares fascinating insights into his most recent works, including the album “Okachihuali [https://moiseshorta.audio/obra/okachihuali/]”, the neural synthesizer “Semilla [https://semilla.ai/]”, and the collaborative project “Mutualismx [https://awal.ffm.to/mutualismx]”. He explains how he uses generative AI to reinterpret traditional music forms, create new sonic textures, and expand the creative potential of musicians. We discuss the conceptual and philosophical frameworks behind these projects, emphasizing the importance of community and collective intelligence in leveraging AI's creative possibilities. We also dive into the technical aspects of Moises's work, such as latent space interpolation and the use of neural networks in music synthesis. His approach to blending traditional musical influences with cutting-edge AI technologies provides a unique perspective on the future of music creation. This episode is packed with valuable insights for anyone interested in the intersection of music, technology, and AI. Enjoy this deep dive into the wonderfully stochastic world of Hexorcismos! https://semilla.ai/ https://awal.ffm.to/mutualismx https://linktr.ee/hexorcismos https://twitter.com/hexorcismos https://www.instagram.com/hexorcismos/ Music used: This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit redito.substack.com [https://redito.substack.com?utm_medium=podcast&utm_campaign=CTA_1]

Surfing human creativity with AI feat. Nao Tokui (Neutone)

Welcome to the very first podcast episode of Softmax! I'm Mark Redito, and today I have the pleasure of speaking with Nao Tokui, an electronic music producer, DJ, surfer, and CEO of Neutone, a groundbreaking startup that is building next-generation AI tools for musicians. In our conversation, we delve deep into the intersection of creativity, art, and technology, exploring how AI is not just a tool, but a "mind mirror" that can reflect and enhance our creative processes. Nao's insights into redefining creativity in the age of AI are truly thought-provoking and offer a fresh perspective on how we can push the boundaries of our artistic endeavors. Nao and I discuss his fascinating AI DJ project, where he uses AI to mimic and reflect his DJing style, revealing new facets of his creative process. He shares how AI, with its unique logic, can sometimes choose the perfect song for a DJ set or push him out of his comfort zone, leading to unexpected and inspiring results. "Through the interaction with AI, you can notice your own bias and taste," Nao explains. This idea of AI as both a mirror and a tool is central to our conversation, as we explore how these technologies can introduce novel insights and expand the creative search space. We also address common misconceptions about AI, such as the fear that it will replace human musicians, and discuss the difference between consumer-oriented AI tools and those designed for music makers. Nao emphasizes the importance of making AI tools accessible and customizable, allowing artists to experiment and discover new sounds. "I don't want to be in a world where big companies govern what you can do with AI," Nao says. Our discussion highlights the potential of AI to not only automate but also augment and elevate our creative capabilities. Join us as we explore these fascinating topics and more in this compelling first podcast episode of Softmax! Note: to compensate for audio quality, AI tools were used to enhance the recordings. You may hear some audio imperfections in the episode. Thanks for understanding! Links: https://twitter.com/naotokui_en https://qosmo.jp/en/publication/naotokui-book https://neutone.ai/ This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit redito.substack.com [https://redito.substack.com?utm_medium=podcast&utm_campaign=CTA_1]

06: The Twilight of Recorded Music's Reign with Bas Grasmayer (COLORS, Music X)

“I think culture always lives [on] … I don't believe that it doesn't matter what the artist believes that their music should be. That's really, really important. But if it's good, if it resonates with people, it's going to be more [than that] because people are gonna sing along to it… maybe people are gonna play around with it…. People are gonna think like, “oh, this song really matches with that [song].” And they're gonna try to mix it or create a mashup. I mean, release is a beautiful word for it because you have to let it go. “ - Bas Grasmayer   Join us in this thought-provoking episode as we welcome music innovator, thinker, and writer Bas Grasmayer of COLORS and Music X. Delve into the captivating future of recorded music and its connection to culture and technology. In this stimulating discussion, we cover: * Envisioning the future for recorded music * The impact of developments in other industries on music consumption and culture * How music evolution intertwines with technological innovation * Embracing the unpredictability of musical innovations * Comparing static vs. dynamic music experiences * Music as memes * Exploring new formats and mediums for music * Understanding the lifecycle of a song * The concept of scaled social creativity (participatory/multiplayer creativity) Get ready to challenge your perspectives on the music industry and its ever-changing landscape. Tune in now to discover what lies ahead for recorded music and stay informed on the latest trends and innovations! Don't forget to subscribe to our podcast and share it with fellow music enthusiasts, so they too can be part of this insightful conversation!   Bas Grasmayer https://twitter.com/basgras [https://twitter.com/basgras] https://colorsxstudios.com/ [https://colorsxstudios.com/] https://community.colorsxstudios.com/ [https://community.colorsxstudios.com/] https://www.musicxtechxfuture.com/ [https://www.musicxtechxfuture.com/]   Bas Recommends: Hilarious volume UI: https://twitter.com/0xDesigner/status/1642554817590566915?s=20 [https://twitter.com/0xDesigner/status/1642554817590566915?s=20] https://www.waterandmusic.com/ [https://www.waterandmusic.com/] https://zine.zora.co/ [https://zine.zora.co/] https://www.exponentialview.co/ [https://www.exponentialview.co/] ho99o9 [https://open.spotify.com/artist/5KuuNGYTUTokLerXMNYCGL?si=TFssPnrLQZ2cU7kS26t1sg] IC3PEAK [https://open.spotify.com/artist/3luonLzvSOxdU8ytCaEIK8] Bob Vylan [https://open.spotify.com/artist/6XgIk9Y6qy6JCMZVime6DQ]   Songcamp: https://twitter.com/songcamp_ [https://twitter.com/songcamp_] songcamp.band [http://songcamp.band]   Mark Redito: https://twitter.com/markredito [https://twitter.com/markredito] markredito.com [http://markredito.com]   Music Credits: 00:00 - “Nodes” - Mark Redito 55:40 - “Echoes of a future” - cc0lab (dontmesswithjuan, Conor Dalton) https://cc0lab.songcamp.band/mixtape [https://cc0lab.songcamp.band/mixtape] https://beta.catalog.works/cc0lab/echoes-of-a-future [https://beta.catalog.works/cc0lab/echoes-of-a-future] This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit redito.substack.com [https://redito.substack.com?utm_medium=podcast&utm_campaign=CTA_1]