Junson Park wins AI Music Award from University of the Arts London

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.