Tech
Google's AI music program just wrote its first song
by Richard Howard
June 2, 2016
This 90-second song written by a robot could put piano players out of work.
We’re probably all familiar with Google’s DeepDream algorithm – through a neural network, the program enhances patterns within existing images to create an entirely new, LSD-esque version of the original.
Creepy as its results may be, DeepDream itself seems fairly innocuous. Musicians are a little more antsy about Google’s newest achievement – their Magenta program – which aims to use Google’s machine learning systems to create art and music. Creepier still, the program just wrote its song. Take a listen below:
The simple 90-second long, four-note piano melody isn’t going to put Elton John out of a job any time soon (the percussion was added in after the fact for emphasis).
However, the Google team expressed their belief that “this area is in its infancy” and expressed plans to eventually create algorithms that would create “compelling and artistic content on their own.”
So depending on your point of view, this is either incredibly exciting or, if you’re on a more tin-foil-hat tip, the beginning of the end of music as we know it. Me, I only have one concern. Have these mofos not seen Terminator? SKYNET, PEOPLE.
[h/t The Verge]
