The intersection of artificial intelligence and traditional Korean music is breaking new ground through an innovative project at the University of the Arts London’s Music-RAI Research initiative.
Award and Recognition: CalArts student Junson Park has been named one of three winners of the prestigious AI Music Award from the University of the Arts London (UAL), receiving £5,000 to develop a responsible AI music project.
- The award is part of a 12-month initiative focused on addressing AI music tool biases that favor Western classical and pop genres
- The global project brings together researchers, musicians, and industry experts to promote innovation and inclusivity in AI music generation
- Winners were announced in November as part of UAL’s broader effort to support marginalized music styles
Project Details: Park’s winning proposal combines traditional Korean musical elements with modern electronic influences to create an innovative EP of impression-based sound arrangements.
- The project aims to develop a specialized dataset that captures the cultural nuances of Korean music
- Park’s work focuses on unique aspects like distinctive odd-numbered meters, textures, and timbres often overlooked in mainstream AI audio models
- The composition will challenge conventional approaches to sound design by incorporating nonlinear forms of expression
Artist Background: Park’s expertise in AI-driven music creation stems from two years of experimental work with machine learning technologies.
- His previous projects include developing a never-ending car noise generator
- These early explorations helped reshape his understanding of sound art and nonlinear expression
- Park describes his approach to AI as “sculpting clay,” emphasizing its ability to merge different aesthetics in unprecedented ways
Future Impact: Looking ahead to January 2025, Park’s innovative fusion of AI and traditional Korean music will be showcased at a Music-RAI exhibition, potentially setting new standards for cultural preservation and artistic expression through technology.
- The project demonstrates how AI can be used to preserve and evolve traditional music forms
- Park’s work could serve as a model for future artists looking to bridge cultural heritage with modern technology
- The initiative may help establish new frameworks for responsible AI development in music creation
Looking Beyond Traditional Boundaries: While AI in music often focuses on efficiency and output, Park’s project represents a deeper exploration of cultural aesthetics and artistic expression, suggesting that AI’s role in music may be evolving from a mere tool to a medium for cultural preservation and innovation.
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