ARTIST SPOTLIGHT: ERIC JAMES YOUNG
Velvet Boombox: A Journey Through AI and 20 Years of Audio Mastery
Introduction
As an audio engineer and producer with over 20 years of experience, I’ve seen the evolution of music production technology firsthand. From the early days with my BOSS DR-5 Drum machine to the vast collection of gear and records that have defined my career, my journey has been a blend of analog and digital exploration. My latest project, “Velvet Boombox,” marks a significant milestone as I ventured into the realm of AI to create an instrumental album that bridges the gap between human creativity and artificial intelligence.
The Genesis of Velvet Boombox
The concept of “Velvet Boombox” emerged from my curiosity about the capabilities of AI in music production. With three albums already under my belt, all created using traditional hardware like the MPC 2000, Triton, Planet Phatt, and SP-1200’s turntables, I wanted to push the boundaries and see what could be achieved with 95% AI involvement. This meant leveraging AI not just for music creation but also for video production, song titles, and even tags for YouTube.
From Drum Machines to AI: A Journey Through Time
My musical journey began with the BOSS DR-5 Drum machine, a piece of gear that introduced me to the world of electronic music production. As I honed my skills, I expanded my toolkit to include the MPC 2000, Triton, and Planet Phatt. Each of these machines brought its unique flavor to my productions, allowing me to experiment with different sounds and techniques.
The MPC 2000, in particular, became a cornerstone of my workflow. Its ability to chop samples and create intricate drum patterns made it an indispensable tool. I spent countless hours digging through crates of records, looking for that perfect sample to chop and manipulate. The tactile experience of flipping through vinyl, listening for hidden gems, and then bringing those samples to life in the MPC was an integral part of my creative process.
Embracing AI: A New Frontier
With “Velvet Boombox,” I decided to take a leap into the future of music production. I used AI to generate over 2,000 songs, from which I carefully curated the best 16 tracks for the album. This process was eerily similar to digging through crates of records. Instead of vinyl, I was sifting through digital files, listening for those unique moments of inspiration that stood out from the rest.
The AI-generated tracks were not perfect. They required a human touch to refine and polish them. Using my DAW, I edited the tracks, made necessary changes, and fixed any errors. This hybrid approach of combining AI generation with human editing allowed me to maintain a high level of quality and creativity throughout the project.
The Role of AI in Velvet Boombox
AI played a crucial role in every aspect of “Velvet Boombox.” Here’s how it contributed:
Music Creation
The core of the album, the music, was generated using AI algorithms designed to create complex and diverse compositions. I provided the AI with parameters and stylistic preferences, guiding it to produce music that aligned with my vision. The result was a vast collection of tracks, each with its unique character and vibe.
Video Production
In addition to music, I used AI to create visuals for each track. The AI-generated videos complemented the music, enhancing the overall experience for listeners. This approach allowed me to maintain a cohesive aesthetic across the album while exploring new creative possibilities.
Song Titles and Tags
Even the mundane tasks of generating song titles and YouTube tags were handled by AI. This not only saved time but also ensured that the titles and tags were optimized for search algorithms, increasing the album’s visibility online.
Curating Velvet Boombox: The Human Touch
While AI was instrumental in generating the initial content, the curation process was entirely human. Listening to thousands of AI-generated tracks reminded me of my early days of sampling records. It required patience, a keen ear, and a clear vision of what I wanted the album to represent.
Each selected track underwent a meticulous editing process. I used my DAW to adjust levels, tweak arrangements, and add my signature touch to ensure the final product was polished and professional. This step was crucial in transforming raw AI output into a cohesive and engaging album.
The Future of Music Production
“Velvet Boombox” represents a fusion of past and future, blending traditional music production techniques with cutting-edge AI technology. This project has shown me the potential of AI as a tool for creativity, capable of generating a vast array of musical ideas that can be shaped and refined by human hands.
As we move forward, the role of AI in music production is likely to expand. However, the human element will always remain essential. AI can generate ideas, but it takes a human touch to curate, refine, and breathe life into those ideas.
Conclusion
Creating “Velvet Boombox” was an enlightening experience that pushed the boundaries of my creativity and technical skills. By embracing AI, I was able to explore new sonic landscapes and streamline aspects of the production process that would have been time-consuming and labor-intensive otherwise.
This album is a testament to the possibilities that arise when technology and creativity intersect. As an audio engineer and producer with over two decades of experience, I look forward to continuing this journey, exploring new tools and techniques, and sharing my discoveries with the world.
“Velvet Boombox” is more than just an album; it’s a glimpse into the future of music production. It’s a celebration of how far we’ve come and an exciting look at what lies ahead. Whether you’re a fellow producer, an AI enthusiast, or simply a music lover, I hope this project inspires you to explore the endless possibilities that technology has to offer.
