Can AI Replace the Human Touch in DJing? Industry Experts Weigh In
In the pulsating heart of a club, where music blares and lights strobe, you might glance up at the DJ booth and find it empty. The reason? The music is being spun by an AI-driven system. As mixing software becomes increasingly sophisticated and budgets tighten, some in the dance music industry worry that technology might replace the vital human element of DJing.
Nooriyah, a 28-year-old DJ based in London who performs globally to crowds of over 40,000, isn't concerned that AI will replace her job. “The way I connect with my audience is really difficult to replicate,” she explains. “Imagine a raver looking at me while I’m DJing, seeing me sweat and dance just like them. That intimate connection AI can’t replicate.”
Hannah Rose, a DJ who learned her craft during the lockdown and is now working towards making it her full-time career, shares Nooriyah's concerns. She’s noticed venues slashing budgets due to the cost-of-living crisis. “Since Covid, there’s been a shift towards streaming sets, especially for overseas gigs,” she notes. “It’s a convenient way to include artists without having to physically book them.” Hannah worries that the rise of digital sets might diminish the role of live DJs. “AI still has a long way to go to match the emotional intelligence of a human, but as it develops, it could pose a real threat to DJs.”
The growing use of AI in music production is another point of contention. Nooriyah, who not only DJs but also produces her own tracks, sees AI as a potential threat to her profession. “The discussion about AI in music production is long overdue,” she asserts. “There are already numerous software programs that could put producers out of work.” She advocates for a better dialogue between the music industry and AI developers and suggests that taxing AI firms could fund retraining for displaced workers.
Phil Kear from the Music Union shares Nooriyah's apprehensions, particularly regarding the impact on recording costs. “AI music will likely be cheaper,” he predicts. “People might be tempted to use it, especially in venues.” Kear believes that AI’s influence will be shaped by public acceptance and the quality of the music produced. He foresees a potential shift in how AI-generated music is received, noting that while AI might not affect mainstream music significantly, it could alter the landscape for historical and film scores, where character and investment are less integral.
As technology continues to advance, the music industry faces a growing disruption. The challenge will be balancing innovation with preserving the unique human elements that define the art form.