Like many industries, the music business is constantly evolving, with technology one of the major factors spurring change. According to industry experts, the music industry will continue to evolve, especially with innovations such as augmented reality (AR) and artificial intelligence (AI) being brought in to upgrade the listener experience.

We already have intelligent mobile apps that help musicians hone their craft. What other possibilities do AR and AI offer music fans, and how can these technologies transform the music industry? Let’s dive in.

A new format in the form of augmented reality
Steve Cooper, the CEO of the Warner Music Group, and Tamara Hrivnak, who heads Facebook’s Music Business Partnerships and Development division, have weighed in on what the future brings to the music industry. During an interview in New York’s Paley Center for Media in November 2019, the two industry leaders predicted that augmented reality will become the next big format for music.

Streaming has brought the music industry a continued annual growth, and the industry experts are looking toward AR as the next bringer of good tidings for artists and fans alike. According to Hrivnak, the reason AR is being regarded as a major new format for music is that it’s authentic – it presents what’s real – and puts listeners at the heart of music experiences.

As an example, Hrivnak cited the music video for “Pieces of Us” by Mark Ronson, in which fans are offered different experiences through AR effects in real-time. Through augmented reality, you are not simply watching a video; you are making your own experience of it. Hrivnak added that with AR, it’s not about getting to the top of the charts but celebrating music in a wholly different way – and we’re sure this is something that fans will truly appreciate.

The adoption of artificial intelligence in the creative process
Industry insiders have been playing with the idea of using artificial intelligence to create music for quite some time now. Music distribution via AI is already happening in fact, with algorithms being used to make personalized audio tracks for any mood.

Music labels have started signing AI software, which can be used to produce music at a lower cost. AI tools can automate and streamline all those expensive, complicated and time-consuming processes involved in music creation and distribution, making it easier for artists to create high-quality music.

AI could boost productivity and assist songwriters and artists in their creative process. You have voice synthesis and AI-facilitated composition tools such as Bronze and Boomy enabling artists to express themselves more easily. With AI tools, producers and engineers will also be able to rework a track to make the best record possible.

Music promoters and advertisers can also use AI to improve how they engage with fans. Using AI efficiently can help them better tailor their ads according to listener preference and at the right moment, improving user experience and ultimately increasing revenue.

The effective use of AR and AI in the music business will see the industry become a highly collaborative environment where machines and humans are able to work together to create music that fans would not only love to hear but experience in an entirely different way. We’re looking forward to seeing how these two technological innovations will continue to change and breathe new life into the music industry.

Written by Jennifer Hughes of KnowYourInstrument.com