Jordan Rudess of DREAM THEATER: Why A.I. Won’t Spell Disaster for Humanity Like Previous Technologies

DREAM THEATER‘s keyboardist, Jordan Rudess, recently shared his thoughts on using artificial intelligence (A.I.) in music creation during an interview on “#UpgradeMe With Dana Leong.” He noted the mixed feelings surrounding A.I., saying, “There’s a lot of confusion and excitement about it. People are passionate, and it creates strong opinions.” He mentioned that some might even view his work with A.I. as controversial. “I could tell someone I’m creating music with A.I., and they might react strongly against it,” he explained.

Rudess works closely with a team at MIT, where the atmosphere is positive and focused on innovation in A.I. music-making. He acknowledges the concerns people have about A.I. but emphasizes his commitment to using technology for creativity and inspiration. He said, “My journey is about following inspiration and finding ways to entertain and educate others.” One of his aims is to enhance ear training using A.I., which helps musicians improve their skills in identifying notes on various instruments.

He added that A.I. can be more than just a music generator; it can act as a collaborator and provide real-time feedback. “Imagine having a jam partner that understands what you play and suggests ideas,” he said. For him, it’s about creating joy and inspiration through music, not about ignoring the rights of artists or the complexities around A.I.

In the same chat, Rudess reflected on one of his “strangest gigs.” He shared an amusing incident from a concert in Mexico City with DREAM THEATER. “I had this keyboard that can tilt and move. During the show, it got stuck tilted towards the audience,” he recalled. He played the entire concert bent over, trying to adjust while performing for 10,000 fans. He chuckled, “It was definitely one of the stranger shows.”

Jordan Rudess is known not just for his work with DREAM THEATER but also for his solo projects and educational efforts. His latest album, “Permission To Fly,” was released in September. He combines a rich classical music background with creative improvisation and experimentation.

When discussing A.I. further, he mentioned a company called Moises, known for its track separation technology. Musicians use it to isolate elements of songs, which makes learning easier and more enjoyable. Jordan pointed out that many musicians who fear A.I. may not realize it supports tools like Moises that help them improve their craft.

He also mentioned the need for a better understanding of A.I.’s role in music and called for discussions about musicians’ rights in the digital age. “It’s essential to figure out how we can use this technology positively,” he concluded. Rudess sees great potential in A.I., believing it can enhance the musical experience, connecting people to their passion for music in new and exciting ways.