THE APOLLO TRILOGY PART 3/3
By Samista Jugwanth
“Music is a moral law. It gives a soul to the universe, wings to the mind, flight to the imagination, and charm and gaiety to life and to everything.” -- Plato
At its core, music is the organization of sounds in a way that is pleasing to the ear. What can be defined as pleasing is subjective and depends on the listener's background, environment and current mood.
In a previous article, we explored trends that may become important to future societies. We dive into how these emerging trends will shape and influence the future of music in our societies.
#1: Promoting Diversity and Inclusivity
The way we access music has changed dramatically. Gone are the days when we had to buy cassettes or CDs. Now, we can download or stream music effortlessly, often for free. The global reach of streaming platforms means we can easily access music from different regions and cultures, broadening our musical horizons. This shift has made music more accessible than ever, democratizing the entire industry, and will reduce the historical emphasis placed on traditional western standards being the goal.
Inclusivity in music could go even further. Currently cochlear implants are used to improve hearing where there is damage to the inner part of the ears. Although not perfect, this clearly indicates the possibilities of medical technology in the future. Technology could not only enable the disabled but enhance those who have standard hearing capabilities.
In a closer future, like braille for the blind, imagine a future where music files deliberately include a layer of vibration signals to be felt though through wearable devices or touch points in areas where music is being played. This could be on armrests in theatres or in jazz bars, etc. While the sound maybe elusive, this will allow deaf people to still experience the rhythm and beat like the rest of the group, making music a truly universal experience.
#2: Technology’s Impact
Technology will continue to revolutionize how we create and experience music. On the creation side, 3D printing will allow musicians to print damaged parts of their instruments, extending their lifespan, at a much lower cost than having to replace the whole instrument. It could also lead to the creation of instruments with unique, decorative designs at a lower cost. In low socio-economic areas where resources are scarce, expensive instrumentation make music inaccessible to these communities. Technology can change this.
Robotic instruments played remotely, virtual reality concerts, and elaborate music shows with holography could redefine how we experience music, especially live concerts. Travis Scott’s 2020 VR concert, which drew a record 45.8 million attendees, is just the beginning. Imagine concerts where sensors pick up crowd reactions to adjust lighting and song sequences in real-time, ensuring the energy never dips.
#3: Creating a Demand for Authenticity
Have you been to a concert where the performer showed up inebriated, or late, or walked off mid-performance? It is terribly disappointing, and besides being a waste of resources, can spoil a special evening out. Now what if we replaced these performers with androids that will give a perfect performance. What would your choice be? A high risk of a mediocre “authentic” performance, or a definite 10/10 show?
Then again, the rise of generative AI poses questions about individuality of music artists. In 2023, a song titled Heart on My Sleeve was released using AI-generated clips attempting to copy the voices of Drake and The Weeknd. It gained 9 million views before being removed. This raises concerns about the authenticity of music and whether deep fakes will undermine the uniqueness of artists’ work.
Similarly, the idea of listening to songs sung by dead artists, brought back to life through AI, could feel eerie or even unsettling. As technology advances, we might see a backlash, with live music gaining more value—much like handmade goods command a premium in stores. We see the starting signs of this now. In 2023, Sir Paul McCartney indicated that he had used AI to copy John Lennon’s voice (died 1980) in order to complete the final Beatles record.
Music is not only comprised of sounds, but also lyrics. As AI music generators become more prevalent, a crucial question arises: Will we be able to relate to lyrics written by a machine? Authenticity in music could become a highly valued trait, with listeners seeking out songs that reflect genuine human emotions and experiences.
How strong is our society’s desire for authenticity? Will all this artificially generated content cause a swing in demand for a strong dose of tangible reality. That however unpolished, in the future we will value and desire in-person live performances by real humans, singing their own hand-crafted music. What’s old is new again…
#4: Showcasing Individuality
Who doesn’t own a t-shirt of their favourite band or artist? My partner and I enjoy rock music. I own a grey AC/DC T-shirt. My fiancé uses a graphic of a Linkin Park album cover as his WhatsApp profile picture. One’s taste in music has long been a facet in how many people choose to present themselves.
Could this evolve further? On our social media bios instead of a quirky description, could we, in future, have a playlist that shows people who we are? Or would we use AI to create a life song that we are judged by in interviews or dates?
#5: Increasing the use of music’s ability to influence
Music is already used as an emotive tool to energise people – we see it in soundtracks during an epic fight sequence or at motivational speaker events. But what happens if it is exploited in the political arena – more than as just background noise at rallies.
In current times we are seeing a widespread rise in nationalism principles. This speaks to a fear of local traditions and culture being influenced by globalisation and new ways of thinking. The use of subliminal messaging in music can be developed further such that traditional music can be weaponised to galvanize this fear of losing cultural identity.
Take this manipulation a step further, imagine a future society, where our lives and thoughts are puppeteered by the music that we hear played constantly in our homes, cars, offices.
#6: Promotion of environmental connectivity
As society becomes more environmentally conscious, outdoor activities (accompanied by our favourite playlists) is common. But let’s take it further. Think about the intersection of outdoor music venues, outdoor art galleries and experiential art.
Imagine, outdoor routes and spaces being curated as multi-sensory experiences in order to amplify the emotional response and personal connection we have with nature. This immersive experience would not only include the physical, tangible works in an outdoor space, but would also have sensory engagement through music crafted or selected for this purpose.
The future of music is one of boundless possibilities: from increased inclusivity, personalization to the profound impact of technology and politics). On the other hand, challenges like authenticity and economic viability will need to be addressed. As we move forward, music will continue to be a vital part of our lives, both in reflecting our communities and lifestyles, and shaping the world around us.
© Samista Jugwanth, 2024
Samista is a professional engineer and Technical Director at Zutari. Her specialization is in the design and construction management of water infrastructure. She strongly believes that for infrastructure development to be effective, designs should be human-centered and must be developed through continuous engagement and inclusion of environmental, economic, and social aspects.
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