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

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

In this episode of softmax, I had the pleasure of sitting down with R. Tyler, 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

In this episode of softmax, I sit down with Moises Horta Valenzuela, aka 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”, the neural synthesizer “Semilla”, and the collaborative project “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

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

“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://colorsxstudios.com/

https://community.colorsxstudios.com/

https://www.musicxtechxfuture.com/

 

Bas Recommends:

Hilarious volume UI: https://twitter.com/0xDesigner/status/1642554817590566915?s=20

https://www.waterandmusic.com/

https://zine.zora.co/

https://www.exponentialview.co/

ho99o9

IC3PEAK

Bob Vylan

 

Songcamp:

https://twitter.com/songcamp_

songcamp.band

 

Mark Redito:

https://twitter.com/markredito

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://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

Punk, indie, emo, hip-hop, jazz, electronic music… pretty much every modern genre has gone through through these kinds of growing pains, and pretty much every dedicated music fan over the age of 25 has seen a genre they loved morph into something they no longer recognize or fully identify with. These shifts are normal and natural, and yet people’s primary response to them is usually one of anger and dismissal, an endless parade of eye rolls and “these kids have no idea what they’re talking about.” - Shawn Reynaldo, Who’s in charge of Culture?

Join host Mark Redito as he sits down with veteran music journalist and music aficionado Shawn Reynaldo, the mind behind First Floor, a publication dedicated to electronic music culture and the industry surrounding it. In this engaging episode, we discuss:

• The origins of First Floor and its focus on electronic music culture
• Assessing the current state of music journalism and media
• Intergenerational tensions: old fans vs. new fans
• Is there still a place for underground or indie music in today's landscape?
• Algorithmic curation and the influence of the "big green machine"
• Raving as a form of folk art
• Delving into the impact of nascent technologies like Web3 and AI on the future of art and music
• The Skrillex-Green Day connection
• Shawn's vision of 21st-century creativity

Embark on this wide-ranging conversation with Shawn Reynaldo, exploring the evolving landscape of music culture and the uncertain direction it's heading towards.

Tune in now to gain insights into what's ahead in the ever-changing music landscape!

Don't forget to subscribe to our podcast and share it with your fellow music enthusiasts, so they too can be part of this fascinating discussion!

Shawn Reynaldo:

https://twitter.com/ShawnReynaldo

https://velocitypress.uk/product/first-floor-volume-1/

https://firstfloor.substack.com/

 

Shawn Recommends:

https://whyisthisinteresting.substack.com/

https://timgoodman.substack.com/

https://martyn3024.substack.com/

Skee Mask - https://scntstlab.bandcamp.com/album/b

Doc Sleep - https://docsleep.bandcamp.com/

Simo Cell - https://simocell.bandcamp.com/

Last Night a DJ saved my life - https://a.co/d/5OAlfTW

Please Kill Me: The Uncensored Oral History of Punk - https://a.co/d/1UxybYm

Girl in a band - https://a.co/d/dStuWbu

 

Songcamp:

https://twitter.com/songcamp_

songcamp.band

https://twitter.com/markredito

 

Music Credits:

00:00 - “Nodes” - Mark Redito

55:40 - “Echoes of a future” - cc0lab (dontmesswithjuan, Conor Dalton)

https://cc0lab.songcamp.band/mixtape

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

“When you think about the artistic creative heroes of the last century, they're all individual people's names. And for the next century to be less of this myth of the lone heroic genius and more of thinking about groups of people that did stuff together.” - Austin Robey

Dive into the future of the creative ecosystem in this insightful episode featuring Austin Robey (Metalabel/Ampled), as we explore the world beyond solo creatorship. Together, we discuss:

• What is a Metalabel?
• Navigating the pitfalls of the creator economy in solo player mode
• Pioneering the next version of the creative ecosystem
• Embracing the new alternative: collaborating in multiplayer mode
• Reinventing the definition of a Record
• Understanding platform risk and its impact on creators
• Ampled, an artist- and worker-owned platform cooperative
• Bootstrapping a cooperative: the ins and outs
• Weighing the benefits and challenges of running a cooperative
• Pondering the question: is community the product?
• Examining the NOUNS DAO Model and its implications
• Imagining a world where we collectively own Spotify
• Austin's vision of the 21st-century creative

Don't miss this fascinating conversation with Austin Robey that will open your eyes to the possibilities of creating in multiplayer mode.

Austin recommends:

Gel - Live set at a Sonic Drive-in https://youtu.be/lbls_5hdYXg

Taking long walks

Links:

https://twitter.com/austinrobey_

https://www.metalabel.xyz/

https://www.metalabel.xyz/magazine/features/reinventing-the-record

https://www.metalabel.xyz/magazine/features/r07-quality-drops

https://www.metalabel.xyz/magazine/features/whats-after-the-creator-economy

https://www.ampled.com/

https://www.fwb.help/editorial/what-co-ops-and-daos-can-learn-from-each-other

 

Songcamp:

https://twitter.com/songcamp_

songcamp.band

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

Darby Trash is a highly talented artist with a diverse set of skills that includes being a guitarist, tattoo artist, and DIY punk web3 enthusiast. As one of the key members of the highly prolific collective Lexicon Devils, Darby has played an integral role in the production of their virtual show series known as Forming.

During the course of our conversation, we delved deep into the fascinating world of Lexicon Devils and Forming. We explored the origins of the collective and their virtual show series while discussing the challenges and realities of putting on both virtual and in-person shows. We also touched on the artist's sentiments on Web3, creative sustainability, analog vs digital debates and more, all through the lens of the DIY and punk ethos.

Our chat with Darby was incredibly fun and insightful, and we hope that you, too, find something valuable to take away from our conversation.

 

Follow Darby

https://twitter.com/darbytrash

https://www.instagram.com/darbytrashtattoos/

 

Lexicon Devils + Forming

https://twitter.com/lexicon_devils

https://web.lexicondevils.xyz/

https://twitter.com/forming__

https://forming.lexicondevils.xyz/

https://www.youtube.com/@lexicondevils5793

 

Songcamp:

https://twitter.com/songcamp_

songcamp.band

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

This lengthy conversation with CJ Carr, of the extreme music AI research lab Dadabots, covers a lot of cool topics. We discuss Dadabots' origins, history, and their avant-garde creative process. We also touched on neural synthesis and its applications in music, as well as the role of curation in music generation. Additionally, we dive into their creative collaborations in AI and Web3, the convergence of Web3 and AI technologies, and “dangerous NFTs”. Finally, we explore the role of the artist in this new world, with a special focus on the "genre knob" that CJ is currently exploring. This jam-packed episode is a must-listen for anyone interested in AI and its applications in music!

 

Follow Dadabots:

https://dadabots.com/

https://www.youtube.com/@dadabots_

https://twitter.com/dadabots

 

Links:

Generating Black Metal and Math Rock (2017) http://dadabots.com/nips2017/generating-black-metal-and-math-rock.pdf

Fake Feelings (2022) https://dadabots.medium.com/fake-feelings-ai-emo-93e77918b21

Compressorhead https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9gMX_hR-RoM

 

Dadabots recommends:

https://musicautobot.com/

https://magenta.tensorflow.org/coconet

https://openai.com/blog/musenet/

https://sites.research.google/tonetransfer

https://neutone.space/

https://github.com/acids-ircam/RAVE

https://huggingface.co/riffusion/riffusion-model-v1

https://www.aisongcontest.com/

 

Songcamp:

https://twitter.com/songcamp_

songcamp.band

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

We are thrilled to have the opportunity to feature Neesh Chaudhary (@losingmyego) on the inaugural episode of CONVO! Neesh is a highly talented artist who has been working in a variety of mediums, including film, photography, design and coding. This episode gave us a chance to find out more about her fantastic project The Doom Generation, gain an insight into her creative approach, her vision and philosophy, as well as her ideas about web3 and what she believes is the endless potential of creativity. It was a great pleasure to talk to her, and we are so excited to share her story with the community.

Follow Neesh:

https://doom.losingmyego.xyz/

https://www.losingmyego.studio/

https://twitter.com/losingmyego

https://www.instagram.com/losingmyego/

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