AI (r)evolution -- where are we heading? Thoughts about the future of music and sound technologies in the era of deep learning

Artificial Intelligence (AI) technologies such as deep learning are evolving very quickly bringing many changes to our everyday lives. To explore the future impact and potential of AI in the field of music and sound technologies a doctoral day was held between Queen Mary University of London (QMUL, UK) and Sciences et Technologies de la Musique et du Son (STMS, France). Prompt questions about current trends in AI and music were generated by academics from QMUL and STMS. Students from the two institutions then debated these questions. This report presents a summary of the student debates on the topics of: Data, Impact, and the Environment; Responsible Innovation and Creative Practice; Creativity and Bias; and From Tools to the Singularity. The students represent the future generation of AI and music researchers. The academics represent the incumbent establishment. The student debates reported here capture visions, dreams, concerns, uncertainties, and contentious issues for the future of AI and music as the establishment is rightfully challenged by the next generation

Investigation of a Drum Controlled Cross-Adaptive Audio Effect for Live Performance

Electronic music often uses dynamic and synchronized digital audio effects that cannot easily be recreated in live performances. Cross-adaptive effects provide a simple solution to such problems since they can use multiple feature inputs to control dynamic variables in real time. We propose a generic scheme for cross-adaptive effects where onset detection on a drum track dynamically triggers effects on other tracks. This allows a percussionist to orchestrate effects across multiple instruments during performance. We describe the general structure that includes an onset detection and feature extraction algorithm, envelope and LFO synchronization, and an interface that enables the user to associate different effects to be triggered depending on the cue from the percussionist. Subjective evaluation is performed based on use in live performance. Implications on music composition and performance are also discussed