Evolutionary computation is cool, not to mention a really useful tool for finding algorithms that are well optimized or solve problems that are too complicated to simply write down an algorithm. DarwinTunes is a project by a couple of researchers from the Imperial College London which uses a genetic evolution algorithm to evolve short loops of music into something that appeals to our pop sensibilities. Each generation has a number of different loops which have a few "genes" which each determine a series of notes to be played. After the loops of each generation have been rated by listeners, they produce a new generation where two loops pair up to get it on and make a new baby loop (so the offspring has a combination of the genes from the two parents plus some random mutations). The loops that get the highest ratings have the highest fitness and become the Genghis Khans to the future gene pool. It doesn't take too long before the loops develop the same four-chord harmonies that we enjoy in our favorite pop songs. Their algorithm has it's limitations so it's not eventually going to produce the Hamlet of 8-second music loops, but it does produce something that sounds like it could have been written by your favorite elevator music composer.
If you also think this is a cool project you can check out their paper here, go to their website above to rate some loops, or listen to the evolution in action through their SoundCloud channel:
Ted, this is an amazing find.
ReplyDeleteI would like to argue you that there are only some many scientific methods that can be applied to something like music. I have taken a listen to these, but I do not think they accurately reflect our "Pop sensibilities' True, most pop songs use the same five chords, but what about other songs and musc we listen to? I love science, it is awesome, but with things like this, the arts should be allowed to serve as a thing of artistic expression, not scientific analysis.
ReplyDeleteI think the scientific analysis is what makes this so interesting.
ReplyDeleteThe study shows that musical development and complexity shares many common features with the the evolution of life. The article has some really interesting points, Dave, and it isn't trying to cheapen artistic expression. It's just showing evolution in another form!
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