There’s no doubt that a lot has already been said on this topic.
However, I found a video by “Venus Theory,” who runs a well-known YouTube channel, to be remarkably inspiring:
In the video, Venus Theory (an indie musician) discusses the rise of AI-generated music and its impact on artists. It is based on emails from desperate musicians who feel that AI is superior.
However, the speaker argues that AI does not condemn artists to failure, but rather encourages them to reflect on the purpose of creation.
I agree. Let’s start with the question of all questions:
What´s the point of making music?
Why make music if there’s already so much of it out there?
Do you make music primarily for other people or ultimately for yourself? So, is the drive to make music more from within or from without?
People who make music just because they love it are less likely to ask themselves whether making music still makes sense in the age of artificial intelligence.
For me, it’s just an innate need to be creative. I need …
Music as a form of expression
The big question isn’t whether my music is as good as what AI can produce.
Instead, I measure my musical performance against myself. And whether it develops positively over time.
This basic human need to express ourselves creatively through music can never be replaced by AI.
But for folks who make music to please others or get quick success, the fact that AI can create so much music might be a real threat.
Now that we’ve gone over the main reasons for making music, the next question is:
What´s the point of releasing music?
Even musicians who are intrinsically motivated – like me – will eventually ask themselves the question:
What should I do with my music?
Should I keep my creative work to myself, or do I want other people to hear it?
I think the latter is totally normal.
When you make music that inspires you, you naturally want to share that inspiration with other people.
Music is one of the easiest ways to bring joy to other people and enrich their lives.
Being open and vulnerable
But sharing your music with the world also makes you vulnerable.
You might open yourself up to criticism that you wouldn’t have to deal with if you just kept your music to yourself.
On the flip side, putting out my music lets people connect with me as an artist.
So, if you love music and want to share that with others, you won’t let anything stop you.
Even if your music is just a small part of the huge amount of music that already exists.
The de-evaluation of music with streaming
It’s easy to feel like there’s no point in releasing your music when there’s already so much out there, especially with all the streaming platforms.
The more music there is, the less each piece is worth.
But this problem was around even before the age of AI. AI just speeds up how quickly the value is lost.
Here’s the lowdown:
The music industry is oversaturated (in every aspect)
The problem of oversaturation isn’t just on streaming platforms.
It starts much earlier. The industry’s got tons of offerings for musicians and producers.
These days, we’re spoiled for choice when it comes to resources for producing.
The funny thing is, you don’t really need a lot to make a good track.
These days, all you need is a laptop and a DAW like Ableton Live or Logic to build tracks.
But there’s a big risk of getting lost in the details and drowning in an oversupply of software and hardware.
I wasted years testing a ridiculous number of production tools like softsynths, hardware, and plugins.
I’m happy I found a workflow that works for me in all this confusion.
Who really needs AI in music?
However, what I have never missed in all these years is something like artificial intelligence that helps me create music.
Or even crazier: that completely takes over the process of making music.
Just because you can do something technically doesn’t mean you should.
I really appreciate good software, but I’ve never missed the functionality of AI in production.
For me, AI in music solves problems that no one has.
At least, not the ones who think of themselves as real musicians, artists, or producers.
Real artists don’t want the process of creating art to be taken away from them.
It’s this very process that makes art what it is.
How an artist sees themselves is ultimately defined by the obstacles they overcome when creating art.
Speaking of art, let´s talk about todays …
Listening recommendations
Ana Antonova – Mare Calmo EP
Format: Vinyl & Digital
Label: Rawax
Genre: Deep House
Year of Release: 2025
Favorite Track: Passeggiata (A2)
What I like about this release:
Inspired by an unforgettable summer along the Croatian-Adriatic Coast, this EP exudes a light yet deep vibe. “Passeggiata” flows nicely and reminds me of the style of John Beltran, one of my favorite producers. Speaking of whom…
John Beltran – La Manana EP
Format: Vinyl (see Discogs) & Digital
Label: Stasis Recordings
Genre: Deep House, Ambient
Year of Release: 2020
Favorite Track: Sweet Storm (A1)
What I like about this release:
There are deep tracks, groovy tracks, and then there is this simply beautiful track: “Sweet Storm” immediately captivates the listener with its soothing pads and multiple melodies that intertwine like the shapes of a kaleidoscope. The rest of the EP continues the dreamy vibe of the opener.
Tom Ellis – Chroma Blur
Format: Vinyl & Digital
Label: Logistic records / Telegraph records
Genre: Minimal
Year of Release: 2025
Favorite Track: Shoreline (A2)
What I like about this release:
This EP is minimal, yet totally diverse. Each of the four tracks has its own distinctive vibe. It makes buying vinyl fun when all the tracks are strong without exception and you want to listen to them over and over again.
Roman Lindau – Herb Politics
Format: Vinyl & Digital
Label: Colorcode Records
Genre: Techno
Year of Release: 2024
Favorite Track: Herb Politics (Sascha Rydell Remix) (B1)
What I like about this release:
This EP consists of just one track, the title track “Herb Politics” by Roman Lindau, plus four very successful remixes. Personally, I really like the Monomood remix (deep house), and if you like something a little harder, the Sascha Rydell remix (techno).
Magasine Updates
Even though I would primarily describe myself as a producer, I also enjoy DJing.
A long time ago, I had a setup consisting of two Technics turntables and two CDJs.
After not knowing what to do with them for ages, I sold everything a few years ago. Definitely one of the dumbest decisions I’ve made in my life so far.
About three years ago, I bought CDJs and a mixing console again. Last year, I added a Technics 1210 MK7 turntable.
After six months of using Rekordbox, CDJs, and AIFF files on the one hand, and vinyl on the other, I realized something:
I just don’t enjoy handling digital files and the feel of digital media players anymore.
The feeling when working with vinyl is completely different.
So, after much deliberation, I recently made a fundamental decision:
I’m going vinyl only.
When I DJ, I’ll use two Technics turntables, a mixer, and nothing else.
We’ll see if I regret this decision at some point, but right now it just feels right…
What else is new?
I recorded a few jam videos with hardware grooveboxes and synths for my YouTube channel.
You can watch the first video with a minimal house jam here:
Thanks for reading and listening.
Take care, Magasine