Jamming with AI, Cassettes and Chords

We learn by doing, but also by observing (and consuming) the work of others.

If you’re a chef, you must eat delicious food, if you’re a writer you should read widely, and if you’re a musician hoping to use YouTube to promote your work – then you need to watch YouTube. There is so much fantastic creativity on the platform to be inspired by.

So, this week I wanted to highlight some of the best videos I’ve seen recently, in the hope that you too find them useful.

Why AI is Doomed to Fail the Musical Turing Test by Adam Neely

What would it take for a machine to jam? Will AI ever pass the musical Turing test? A fascinating video, that examines how interaction and output differ wildly (and also features Adam jamming to the new Red Lobster ad). I loved it.

Recording with a Type 1 Cassette by Made on Tape

My recent video on cassettes has put me in contact with Chris from Made on Tape, who’s collaborated with my friend Josh Turner, and documented the process of recording onto Type 1 tape. The finished track – Layback Wayback (feat. Joshua Lee Turner) is very cool indeed, and I loved the behind the scenes documentary.

Are Lyricists Poets? by Steve Logan

Great lyrics can be poetry – but poetry doesn’t necessarily make great lyrics. Another thought-provoking video essay from Welsh singer-songwriter Steve Logan, analysing the lyrical genius of Bob Dylan and The Manic Street Preachers.

How Elliott Smith writes chord progressions by David Bennett Piano

Elliott Smith was a songwriting genius, both lyrically and musically. I’m a huge fan. So I found this video by David Bennett a fascinating watch on the theory behind the music. (If you need a primer on Smith and his music, then give my video, The Tragic Story of Elliott Smith a watch.)

I hope you enjoy these picks. (If your browser doesn’t trust any of these links, you can just put the titles into YouTube.)

Mary x

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