#965 - Rick Beato - AI Bands, Spotify, TikTok & The Death Of Songwriting
In this episode of Modern Wisdom, Rick Beato and Chris Williamson explore how technology is reshaping the music industry. They discuss the complexity of modern live performances, which now require extensive coordination among technical staff, and examine how digital tools are creating standardized sounds across recordings while reducing the need for professional musicians and producers.
The conversation delves into how streaming platforms have transformed artists' revenue models, forcing musicians to diversify their income streams beyond recorded music. Beato and Williamson also address the emergence of AI in music production, including its ability to mimic established artists and mixers, and consider potential solutions such as blockchain technology to distinguish between human-created and AI-generated music.
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Challenges of Modern Live Music Production
Chris Williamson and Rick Beato discuss how modern live music production resembles a military operation in its complexity. According to Williamson, shows require extensive coordination between various technical staff, including lighting designers, production managers, and specialized technicians for each band member. The complexity increases with pyrotechnics and elaborate stage setups, which demand meticulous safety precautions—as evidenced by incidents like Ronnie Radke's drummer suffering second-degree burns during a performance.
Technology and Digital Tools' Impact on Music Homogenization
Beato observes that modern digital tools, such as modeling amplifiers like Helix and Kemper, are creating a uniform sonic palette in music. He notes that these tools use identical algorithms, leading to standardized sounds across recordings. The accessibility of digital tools has reduced the need for professional musicians and producers, potentially limiting sonic innovation. Additionally, Beato points out that the shift from physical media to streaming has made it harder to identify behind-the-scenes contributors who shape a record's sound.
Music Streaming Platforms' Changing Dynamics and Effects on Artists
The streaming era has transformed the music industry's revenue model. Beato explains that even 100 million plays might only generate about $300,000 in revenue. Williamson adds that most musicians, even those with substantial streaming numbers, find the compensation insufficient. To adapt, artists are diversifying their income streams through various means, including live shows, merchandise, and educational content. Beato cites Tosin Abasi as an example, who expanded beyond performing to launch a guitar company and create plugins.
AI-generated Music's Disruptive Potential
The rise of AI in music production raises significant concerns. Beato, who testified in a Senate hearing on AI music in 2023, warns about AI's capability to master songs and potentially mimic famous mixers' styles. Williamson expresses unease about AI-generated music bypassing traditional barriers to entry in the music industry. The discussion explores potential solutions, with Beato suggesting blockchain technology to verify real artists against AI-created music and the possibility of human-only music platforms.
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Additional Materials
Clarifications
- In the context of modern live music production, comparing it to a military operation highlights the intricate coordination required among various technical staff, similar to the precision and planning needed in military missions. This comparison emphasizes the complexity and scale of tasks involved in organizing and executing live music shows, which can involve multiple teams working together seamlessly to ensure a successful performance. The reference to a military operation underscores the structured and organized nature of managing the technical aspects of live music events, including lighting, sound, stage setups, and safety protocols. This analogy suggests that live music production involves strategic planning, teamwork, and attention to detail akin to the precision required in military operations.
- Modeling amplifiers like Helix and Kemper use digital technology to replicate the sound of traditional amplifiers and effects. These tools offer musicians a wide range of tones and effects in a compact and versatile package. However, the use of identical algorithms in these digital tools can lead to a standardized sound across recordings, potentially reducing the unique sonic characteristics of individual artists. This homogenization effect can impact the diversity and creativity in music production by making it easier for artists to achieve similar sounds using these digital tools.
- The shift to music streaming platforms has altered how musicians earn money, with plays on these services often translating to lower revenue compared to traditional sales. This change has led artists to explore additional income sources like live performances, merchandise sales, and online content creation. Despite the potential for widespread exposure on streaming platforms, many musicians struggle to make a sustainable living solely from streaming royalties. This shift has prompted artists to diversify their revenue streams to adapt to the evolving music industry landscape.
- The potential revenue generated from a high number of music streams can be surprisingly low due to the way streaming platforms compensate artists. Even with a significant number of plays, the revenue per stream is often very small, leading to challenges for musicians relying solely on streaming income. This shift in the music industry's revenue model has prompted artists to explore alternative sources of income beyond streaming royalties. Musicians are increasingly diversifying their revenue streams through avenues like live performances, merchandise sales, and creating educational content.
- Tosin Abasi, a renowned guitarist, diversified his income streams by expanding into other areas related to music. He launched a guitar company, which involves designing and selling guitars. Additionally, he ventured into creating plugins, which are software tools used in music production. These endeavors allowed Abasi to generate revenue beyond traditional music performance.
- AI's capability to master songs and mimic famous mixers' styles involves using artificial intelligence algorithms to analyze and replicate the characteristics of existing songs and the mixing techniques of renowned audio engineers. This technology can learn patterns from vast amounts of music data to generate new tracks that sound similar to human-produced music. By understanding the nuances of different music styles and production methods, AI can create compositions and mixes that imitate the work of established professionals in the music industry.
- Blockchain technology can be used to create a transparent and immutable record of ownership and creation in the music industry. By storing information about real artists and their works on a blockchain, it can help distinguish genuine human-created music from AI-generated content. This verification process can aid in ensuring proper attribution, royalties, and recognition for artists while combating issues like plagiarism and unauthorized use of music. Blockchain's decentralized nature and cryptographic security make it a promising tool for establishing trust and authenticity in the digital music landscape.
Counterarguments
- While modern live music production is complex, comparing it to a military operation might be an exaggeration and overlooks the creative and artistic aspects that differentiate it from a purely logistical endeavor.
- The use of pyrotechnics and elaborate stage setups is not a new phenomenon in live music, and safety measures have been a concern for decades, not just in modern productions.
- Modeling amplifiers and digital tools may offer a uniform sonic palette, but they also provide artists with a range of sounds and effects that were previously inaccessible or unaffordable, potentially increasing sonic diversity.
- The use of identical algorithms in digital tools does not necessarily lead to standardized sounds, as the creativity of the user plays a significant role in shaping the final output.
- Digital tools have democratized music production, allowing more people to create and produce music, which could lead to more innovation, not less.
- While streaming platforms have changed the way behind-the-scenes contributors are recognized, they also offer new ways for artists to engage with fans and for fans to discover the people behind the music.
- Streaming revenue models are indeed challenging for artists, but they also provide opportunities for global distribution and exposure that were not possible in the era of physical media.
- Diversifying income streams is a strategy that predates streaming platforms and is a common practice in many industries, not just music.
- AI-generated music does raise concerns about authenticity, but it also opens up new possibilities for creativity and can serve as a tool for artists rather than a replacement.
- Blockchain technology might help verify real artists, but it is not the only solution, and its implementation in the music industry is still in its infancy and faces several challenges.
- Human-only music platforms could be seen as exclusionary and might limit the potential benefits that AI can bring to music production and discovery.
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Challenges of Modern Live Music Production
Modern live music production involves a multitude of challenges due to its complexity and the high stakes involved in each performance.
Live Music Production Is a High-Stakes Endeavor
Chris Williamson and Rick Beato discuss the intricacies of live music production, comparing it to the precision and coordination required in a military operation. Williamson elaborates on the involvement of various techs, including a lighting designer (LD), production manager, monitor techs for in-ears, and individual techs for each band member. For large-scale shows, such as those by Metallica, the technical setup is even more complex, sometimes requiring additional monitors and techs.
During Beato's encounter with the soundcheck for A Perfect Circle, he was given a behind-the-scenes tour showing the meticulous setup required for the performance. These shows' elaborate arrangements demonstrate the high stakes of live production.
Coordinating Tech and Support Staff for a Concert Is Akin to a Military Operation
Live music production requires a collaborative effort of a large tech and support staff. As Williamson points out, coordinating the various tech elements is like orchestrating a military operation, with each member playing a crucial role in ensuring the sound is optimized for each performer and the audience.
Pyrotechnics and Complex Stage Setups Necessitate Meticulous Safety Precautions Due to Heightened Accident Potential
Pyrotechnics and other intricate stage elements not only enhance the spectacle but also introduce heightened risks. Williamson describes a concert during the Summer of Loud where set changeovers, involving detailed decorations such as a big snake and barbed wire, had to be completed in 20 minutes, underscoring the necessity for careful planning and ironclad safety measures. He recalls Parkway Drive's drummer performing a stunt where he's rotated upside down ...
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Challenges of Modern Live Music Production
Additional Materials
Clarifications
- In the context of live music production, comparing it to a military operation emphasizes the precision, coordination, and teamwork required to ensure a successful performance. Just like in a military operation where each member has a crucial role, in live music production, various technicians and support staff work together seamlessly to optimize sound and visuals for the audience and performers. This comparison highlights the complexity and high-stakes nature of coordinating multiple elements to achieve a cohesive and impactful live music experience.
- Live music productions often incorporate elaborate stage setups and pyrotechnic effects to enhance the visual experience for the audience. These elements can range from intricate decorations like large props to special effects like f ...
Counterarguments
- While comparing live music production to a military operation highlights the need for precision and coordination, it could be argued that this analogy is hyperbolic and overlooks the creative and improvisational aspects that are also integral to live performances.
- The emphasis on the complexity of tech and support staff coordination might overshadow the role of the artists themselves, whose talent and performance are central to the success of a live music event.
- The focus on the potential dangers of pyrotechnics and complex stage setups might give the impression that these elements are common in all live music productions, which is not the case; many successful shows rely on simpler staging and a ...
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Technology and Digital Tools' Impact on Music Homogenization
As digital tools pave the way for music creation and distribution, Rick Beato and Chris Williamson discuss the consequences of these advancements on music homogenization.
Digital Music Tools Create Uniform Sonic Palette
Sound Homogenization in Recordings: Digital Amplifier Modeling & Drum Samples
Rick Beato notes that modern musicians often rely on digital modeling amplifiers such as the Helix, Axe-FX, and Kemper, leading to a uniform sonic palette in music. He points out that these digital tools use the same algorithms to model amplifier sounds, which contributes to a homogenized sound in recordings. Music now is easier to produce than ever, resulting in a less diverse auditory landscape.
Beato observes that the digital nature of the tools lacks the uniqueness that could come from physical interactions with amplifiers. For instance, unique sounds in the past were often the result of unconventional microphone placement or accidental mic positions, leading to distinctive and iconic sounds. Furthermore, many contemporary recordings sound similar because artists are using standardized digital amp simulators and drum samples.
He also reflects on a song from 2007, highlighting the distinct sound of the drums and guitars recorded with amplifiers in a professional studio before the ubiquity of digital tools.
Accessibility of Tools Reduces Need For Professionals, Declining Sonic Innovation
The accessibility of digital tools in music production has reduced the need for live musicianship, as Beato explains the music writing process in Nashville, where collaborators from different publishing companies use pre-programmed tracks and samples on their laptops. This convenience suggests that there's a declining need for professionals, possibly affecting the level of sonic innovation within the industry.
Beato further explains that due to the convenience of digital music tools, there's a reduction in professional skills needed and everything is more immediate. The financial structure of the music industry has shifted, making it less appealing for top-tier professionals to engage in innovative production techniques. As fewer professional producers and mixing engineers work in rock music, the diversity in sound diminishes. Williamson adds that as everyone uses the same presets and digital audio workstations (DAWs), the traditional production process is replaced, further leading to a potential decline in sonic innovatio ...
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Technology and Digital Tools' Impact on Music Homogenization
Additional Materials
Clarifications
- Digital modeling amplifiers like Helix, Axe-FX, and Kemper are devices used by musicians to replicate the sound of traditional amplifiers digitally. They use advanced algorithms to mimic the characteristics of various amplifiers, allowing musicians to access a wide range of tones without needing multiple physical amplifiers. These digital tools have become popular in music production for their convenience and versatility in creating different sounds for recording and live performances. Musicians can easily switch between different amplifier models and customize settings to achieve specific tones, making them valuable tools for modern music production.
- Sonic homogenization in music recordings occurs when digital tools like amplifier modeling and drum samples create a uniform sound across different songs. These tools use algorithms to replicate specific sounds, leading to a lack of diversity in the auditory landscape. The convenience and accessibility of these digital tools can reduce the need for professional musicians and producers, potentially impacting sonic innovation in the music industry. This homogenization trend can result in many contemporary recordings sounding similar due to the widespread use of standardized digital audio workstations and presets.
- When musicians interact physically with amplifiers, they can create unique sounds through unconventional methods like mic placement or accidental positions. This hands-on approach to using amplifiers can lead to distinctive and iconic sounds in recordings. Unlike digital tools, physical interactions with amplifiers allow for more organic and varied sonic outcomes. Musicians in the past often relied on these physical interactions to craft their signature sound.
- In music production, pre-programmed tracks are ready-made musical elements like drum patterns, basslines, or melodies that can be easily inserted into a song. Samples are short snippets of audio that can be used to enhance a track or create new sounds. When producers use pre-programmed tracks and samples, they can quickly add complex musical layers without having to record each part from scratch. This approach can streamline the music creation process but may also contribute to a more standardized sound in the final product.
- The accessibility of digital music tools has made music production more immediate, reducing the need for traditional professional skills like intricate instrument playing or complex studio engineering. As digital tools offer pre-programmed tracks and easy-to-use interfaces, the barrier to entry for creating music has lowered, potentially diminishing the demand for highly specialized professionals. This shift may lead to a decline in the traditional craftsmanship and expertise required in music production, as the focus shifts towards utilizing digital tools efficiently rather than mastering intricate musical techniques. The ease of access to digital tools may encourage a more DIY approach to music creation, where technical skills once essential in the industry are now supplemented or replaced by technological convenience.
- Financial shifts in the music industry have altered how professionals engage in innovative production techniques. The accessibility of digital tools has changed the financial structure, impacting the appeal for top-tier professionals. This shift has led to a reduction in the need for certain professional skills and has made music production more immediate. As a result, there may be a decline in sonic innovation within the industry.
- Digital audio workstations (DAWs) are softwa ...
Counterarguments
- Digital tools also allow for a wider range of sounds and effects that were not possible with analog equipment, potentially increasing diversity in music production.
- The use of similar digital tools does not necessarily lead to homogenization if artists use them creatively and uniquely.
- The democratization of music production through accessible digital tools can lead to a greater diversity of music as more people are able to produce and share their work.
- Professional skills are evolving rather than declining, with new techniques and proficiencies required to master digital production tools.
- The financial shifts in the music industry may encourage professionals to innovate in different ways, such as through live performances or unique digital content.
- The use of presets and DAWs can be a starting point for customization and innovation, rather than an endpoint leading to homogenization.
- The loss ...
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Music Streaming Platforms' Changing Dynamics and Effects on Artists
Chris Williamson and Rick Beato dive into the evolving landscape of the music industry, highlighting how streaming platforms have upended traditional revenue models and impacted artists' strategies for connecting with audiences.
Streaming Alters Music Industry Revenue Model
Beato and Williamson point out that the streaming-dominated music industry presents challenges for artists, especially concerning earning potential. Beato notes that achieving 100 million plays on a streaming platform may only yield about $300,000, with a billion plays potentially bringing in around $3-5 million, depending on various factors.
Streaming Platforms Dominate, but Artist Royalties Are Insufficient
The conversation pivots to the insufficiency of artist royalties from streaming platforms. Williamson states that it's very rare for musicians to speak positively about Spotify regarding satisfaction with royalties, with even medium-sized bands who garner hundreds of thousands of streams monthly finding the compensation insufficient. Beato mentions that genres like rock earn less from streaming compared to live music, emphasizing that artists, including big names like Metallica, aren't reliant solely on streaming for income. Williamson relays concerns about the fairness of artist royalties, suggesting that record labels may receive a higher payout rate per stream than independent artists.
Algorithmic Curation Raises Fairness and Transparency Concerns in Music Distribution
Algorithmic curation's role in siloing listeners and its influence on shared musical experiences raises questions. Beato points out that big platforms like Spotify, YouTube, TikTok, and Instagram control the music landscape algorithmically, often recommending similar bands and songs based on listeners' previous habits. Beato discusses an app called ChartMetrics that shows when a song's popularity spikes across various platforms and the power of algorithmic discovery on platforms like TikTok in reviving old songs like Imogen Heap's "Headlock."
Moreover, inconsistencies in Spotify's credits lead to questions about transparency, as some artists have incomplete listings on certain songs. Beato criticizes Spotify’s cumbersome process for accessing complete credits and user experience, indicating a need for improvement in how listeners access information about music on the platform.
Artists Diversify Income Beyond Music: Live Shows, Merchandise, and Ventures
Artists are now finding new ways to monetize their work beyond streaming royalties. Beato emphasize ...
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Music Streaming Platforms' Changing Dynamics and Effects on Artists
Additional Materials
Clarifications
- The financial figures mentioned in the text illustrate the challenges artists face with streaming revenue. For example, achieving 100 million plays on a streaming platform may result in approximately $300,000 in earnings. Similarly, a billion plays could potentially bring in around $3-5 million, depending on various factors. These figures highlight the impact of streaming on artists' earning potential in the modern music industry.
- Incomplete artist listings on Spotify can occur when certain songs do not properly credit all contributors involved in creating the music. This issue can lead to a lack of transparency for listeners who want to know the full details of who participated in a particular track. Accessing complete credits on Spotify can be challenging due to the platform's interface and the way information is presented, which can make it difficult for users to find comprehensive information about the artists and collaborators behind the music.
- Chris Williamson and Rick Beato are music industry personalities known for their insights on the impact of streaming platforms on artists. They often discuss the challenges artists face in the digital music landscape. Tosin Abasi is a musician who has diversified his income streams beyond performing by starting a guitar company and creating plugins.
- Algorithmic curation in music distribution involves the use of algorithms by platforms like Spotify and YouTube to recommend music ba ...
Counterarguments
- Streaming platforms argue that they provide a valuable service by giving artists a platform to reach a global audience, which was not possible before the digital age.
- Some artists have embraced streaming as a promotional tool that leads to other revenue streams, such as live performances or brand partnerships.
- The assertion that streaming royalties are insufficient may not account for the long-tail benefits of streaming, where artists can earn consistently over time as opposed to the traditional sales model's short-term spikes.
- Concerns about algorithmic curation could be countered by the argument that these algorithms also help lesser-known artists get discovered, which might not happen in a traditional radio or record label-dominated industry.
- The idea that artists must diversify their income may overlook the success stories of artists who have managed to thrive financially through streaming alone.
- The criticism of Spotify's credit listings might be countered by the complexity of music rights and the responsibility of ...
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Ai-generated Music's Disruptive Potential
The disruptive potential of AI-generated music in the industry has garnered attention. Chris Williamson and Rick Beato discussed AI's impact on music, indicating emerging concerns.
Ai-driven Music Creation Raises Ethical and Practical Concerns
Ownership and Attribution of Ai-generated Music, and Ai's Potential to Displace Human Artists
Rick Beato and Chris Williamson discussed AI's role in music production. Beato noted that AI is capable of tasks such as mastering songs and potentially mimicking styles of famous mixers. However, he argues that elements of taste in mixing might remain unique to humans. Williamson expressed discomfort with AI-generated music, valuing the emotional story and intent of human artists.
Ai's Music Production Challenges Traditional Industry Models
The introduction of AI music on platforms like Spotify is a concern for Beato as it could lead to a preference over human artists, impacting traditional revenue streams. He mentioned The Velvet Sundown, a purportedly fake band with AI-generated songs and images on Spotify, which he suspects could profit the platform more than real artists. Beato contemplated the legal challenges of AI song ownership and the rights involved if a human were to claim and cover an AI-created song.
Chris Williamson voiced musicians' unease regarding AI, as it bypasses the barriers they've historically faced, such as the high costs and effort to enter the music scene.
Music Industry Explores Blockchain to Protect Artists From Ai-generated Music
Beato discussed using blockchain technology to verify real artists against AI-created music. He and Williamson explored how AI can replicate content based on data and posed privacy issues, like AI voice cloning that Beato experienced with a company called 11 Labs.
Williamson shared that his voice is used by an AI for commercial purposes and questioned the ownership of his voice likeness. Beato uses AI voice cloning experimentally, and Williamson aired concerns about AI replacing human content creators, including fea ...
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Ai-generated Music's Disruptive Potential
Additional Materials
Clarifications
- The concerns and debates surrounding AI-generated music revolve around ownership and attribution of AI-created music, potential displacement of human artists, and the impact on traditional revenue streams in the music industry. There are ethical and practical considerations regarding the unique human elements in music creation that AI may not fully replicate. Discussions also involve exploring technologies like blockchain to protect real artists from AI-generated music and the need to establish boundaries between human creativity and AI assistance in music production.
- AI's potential impact on traditional revenue streams in the music industry stems from the concern that AI-generated music could lead to a preference over human artists on platforms like Spotify. This shift in preference could affect revenue streams that musicians traditionally rely on, such as streaming royalties and concert ticket sales. The fear is that AI-generated music, if favored by audiences, may divert attention and financial support away from human artists, potentially altering the economic landscape of the music industry. This disruption raises questions about how musicians can adapt to this changing environment and continue to sustain their livelihoods in the face of technological advancements.
- Blockchain technology is a decentralized and secure way to store data. In the context of protecting artists from AI-generated music, blockchain can be used to verify the authenticity of music creators and their work, ensuring proper attribution and ownership rights. By utilizing blockchain, artists can have a transparent and immutable record of their creations, helping to prevent unauthorized use or misrepresentation of their work in the digital space. This technology can provide a layer of protection for artists in an era where AI-generated content poses challenges to traditional copyright and ownership frameworks.
- AI voice cloning involves using artificial intelligence to replicate a person's voice. This technology raises concerns about the ownership of voice likeness, as individuals may not have control over how their voice is used once it has been cloned. It can lead to ethical and legal questions regarding who has the rights to the cloned voice and how it can be used in various applications. This issue becomes more complex as AI technology advances and becomes more accessible.
- The debate on copyrighting fully generative AI music revolves around whether AI-generated music, created without direct human input, should be eligible for copyright protection like traditional music created by human artists. This issue raises questions about the ownership rights of AI-generated content and the distinction between c ...
Counterarguments
- AI-generated music can enhance creativity by providing tools for human artists to explore new sounds and compositions.
- AI in music production could democratize music creation, allowing individuals without traditional music training to express themselves and create music.
- The use of AI in music could lead to new genres and styles that might not have been possible through human capabilities alone.
- Concerns about AI displacing human artists may be overstated, as new technology historically creates different types of jobs and opportunities.
- The music industry has always evolved with technology, from vinyl to streaming; AI is another step in this evolution rather than a threat.
- Blockchain technology might not be the only or best solution to protect artists' rights, and other methods could be developed that are more effective or equitable.
- AI voice cloning and other AI technologies could be regulated to protect individuals' rights without stifling innovation.
- The fear of AI replacing human content creators might ignore the audience's preference for the authenticity and connection they feel with human artists.
- The idea of human-only platforms may not be sustainable or desirable, as audiences might seek diversity in their content, including AI-generated works.
- The notion that AI-generated music will dominate streaming platforms and displace human artists assumes that listeners cannot distinguish or will not value the difference between AI and human-created music.
- The debate on the line between human creativity and AI assistance could lead to a more ...
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