At the Kontakt conference, a panel titled “Music and Technology” featured prominent experts from the music industry discussing the impact of technological innovations on music production and the creative process. Moderator Ivan Kljajić, along with panelists Dimitrije Dragojević, Filip Vlatković, Uroš Milkić, and Vladimir Moritz, focused on how technology shapes the current and future music scene.
Development of audio technology: Advances in audio technology have drastically changed the way songs are processed, making the process faster and of higher quality. Future changes that could further enhance music production were discussed.
The panel considered the potential of generated music to affect the future of human bands and interaction among musicians. An example of a master’s thesis at the Academy of Arts in the USA that included the first generated music video was mentioned, highlighting how rapid technological progress could make current standards obsolete.
Changes in audio practice, including the use of software for rebalancing and recording bands, showed how algorithms and software are increasingly influencing studio work.
The use of the Drummer algorithm for drum control was highlighted as an example of how technology can assist, but not replace, the human element in music, especially in authorial music where emotion and technique are key.
A personalized approach to creating music, through digging through old tracks and using elements in arrangements, was compared to ready-made art. Also, changes in music distribution over the past ten years, with a special emphasis on the role of social networks, were discussed.
The “Music and Technology” panel illuminated how technological innovations open new possibilities for musicians and producers, but also raise questions about preserving authenticity and the human touch in music. While technology offers tools that can enhance the creative process, it is crucial to find a balance between using these tools and maintaining the essence of musical expression. The conversation emphasized the importance of the music industry adapting to rapid technological changes while preserving the values that make music unique and emotional.