When news came out this week about AI generated songs by dead folks, it really grabbed my attention.
In case you haven’t heard it yet, check out AI musical project, Magenta. Google AI, analyzed 30 of each 27 club artists’ songs as MIDI files to create the new hits.
They made “new” Nirvana style song written and recorded by computers. The vocals are the work of Nirvana tribute band frontman Eric Hogan. But ALL the music is AI created.
The project is a way to bring attention to musicians living with depression and the many we've lost. The Amy Winehouse song is particularly amazing to me.
Jeez. Remember when using Autotune in a song was somehow cheating? We used to value the rawness and imperfections in a voice so much more. And now I’m sure no major pop musician dares to NOT use Autotune. Think how Napster almost killed not only record labels but also sales for musicians. But because of Napster we now have Spotify and music and media subscriptions are the norm.
AI ART
Google engineer Alexander Mordivintsev created the astonishing, DeepDream. It’s a computer vision program that uses something called convolutional neural networks to find and enhance patterns in images. Through algorithmic pareidolia, it creates dream-like hallucinogenic imagery.
And, this AI Art Gallery uses Generative Adversarial Networks to create its art for sale online at ArtAIGallery.com.
“I want people to know that our times are powerful times."
~ Ai-Da (the first robot to have a solo painting exhibition)
Keepin' It Real
It's hard to know what to make of all these technologies. How they will disrupt, bankrupt, or otherwise influence our world. But lately, I've really enjoyed going back to basics and making pencil portraits on paper.
You can see one I did of my step dad Robin below for his 80th birthday. If you're interested in a portrait of you or a loved one don't hesitate to reach out to me! I only want to do individual portraits at this point.
There is something so moving for me about capturing the likeness of someone in a portrait. And there is no AI Art robot that can say the same. Yet.
- Kim