The Glove That Fits, an East London nightclub, recently hosted an experimental party called “Algorhythm,” billed as an “AI-rave.” The event used the AI app Mubert as the DJ and music creator, marking the first of its kind in the area. However, the reception from attendees was mixed.
Some AI-ravers expressed disappointment, describing the music as generic, dry, and lacking depth. They felt that the AI lacked the ability to guide them through a transformative musical journey, which is often a hallmark of a great rave experience. Others, while acknowledging the limitations, found it fun to dance to, though they felt the AI could benefit from a broader understanding of electronic genres.
Pietro Capece Galeota, a computer programmer, praised the AI’s performance, stating that it had done a commendable job. Meanwhile, Algorhythm promoter George Pinnegar saw the AI as a gift that allows for the creation and sharing of beautiful music.
The Mubert app, developed by a team from Ukraine and Russia, uses human-made loops and samples to generate new music. Users can provide feedback by liking or disliking the music, helping the app learn and adapt to individual preferences. The app also ensures that royalties are paid to the creators of the samples used.
While the event aimed to offer a unique rave experience, journalist Adam Smith noted that the turnout was relatively low, with only 15 attendees in a venue with an 80-person dancefloor. The DJ setup consisted of an old Android smartphone resting on a mixing board.
Despite the mixed reviews, the “AI-rave” demonstrated the evolving relationship between technology and music, sparking discussions about the potential and limitations of AI in the creative realm.